Restaurant Equipment Shipping Cost
There is no flat rate for shipping restaurant equipment, because no two moves are the same. Here is what actually drives the price, so you know what to tell us and what to expect in your quote.
Five things that set the price
Distance
The farther equipment travels, the more the freight leg costs. A local delivery, a cross-country haul, and an overseas shipment are priced very differently. Distance also affects whether your equipment rides with other freight or needs its own truck, and how long the pickup and delivery windows can be.
Weight and size
Weight, dimensions, and the number of pieces set the type of truck and the labor needed. A single reach-in is a small job. A full cooking line or a walk-in cooler with dozens of panels takes more space, more handling, and more planning. Accurate dimensions and weights, or the model numbers, give us what we need to quote precisely.
Crating and packaging
How a piece is protected changes the price. Blanket wrapping suits short hauls, skidding suits heavy upright equipment, and a custom crate suits fragile, high-value, or overseas freight. A custom crate adds material and labor but protects equipment where it matters most.
Liftgate or inside delivery
Where the equipment is picked up and delivered matters. A loading dock is the simplest. A liftgate adds a service and has weight limits. Inside delivery, with stairs, tight halls, elevators, or rigging, takes more people and time, and the price reflects the effort needed to get each piece to its final spot.
Timing
Firm deadlines, such as an opening date, an auction removal window, or a same-week move, narrow the options for scheduling and can affect the price. More lead time gives us room to combine loads and plan routes. If your deadline is tight, tell us early. We are available 24/7.
What to send for an accurate quote
- What is moving, with model numbers or photos if you have them
- Pickup and delivery addresses, and whether each has a dock
- Stairs, elevators, narrow doors, or other access limits
- Your deadline or auction removal window
- The replacement value, if you want insurance matched to it
A coordinator responds within one business day with an all-in price for pickup, shipping, and white-glove placement, so you are not guessing at add-ons later.