Furniture shipping costs are rising, and in 2026 the difference between freight shipping and white glove delivery is bigger than most people expect. Fuel prices, labor availability, insurance requirements, and handling standards all influence what you pay to move furniture long distance. The result is simple: shipping a large item across the country can cost as much as buying a replacement, especially if the piece is bulky, fragile, or needs careful handling.

This guide breaks down what furniture shipping costs in 2026, how freight differs from white glove delivery, which hidden fees push quotes higher, and how to decide if shipping makes sense or if selling locally is the smarter move.

What Does Furniture Shipping Cost in 2026?

In 2026, furniture shipping typically costs $350 to $3,000 per item, depending on size, distance, and service level.

Smaller items that ship as freight can sometimes stay under $1,000. Large pieces like sofas, dining tables, armoires, or sectionals often cost far more, especially if you choose in-home delivery, packing, and setup. If you are moving multiple pieces, the totals add up quickly, and that is usually where people start reconsidering their plan.

A realistic way to think about it is this: freight can look affordable on paper, but white glove can be the safer option for high-value items. The right choice depends on your furniture type and your risk tolerance.

Why Furniture Shipping Costs Are Higher in 2026

Furniture shipping prices are higher in 2026 for a few predictable reasons. Most price increases come from logistics and labor, not from the furniture itself.

Fuel and Transportation Costs

Long-distance routes are expensive to run, and fuel remains a major line item. Even small changes in fuel pricing can impact cross-country shipping quotes.

Labor and Handling

Furniture is not like shipping boxes of clothing. It is heavy, awkward, and easy to damage. Carriers price for the labor required to move items safely, especially when stairs, tight hallways, or apartment buildings are involved.

Insurance and Liability

Carriers also price based on risk. The more valuable the item and the more fragile the materials, the more the carrier expects to spend on claims and damage prevention.

Packaging and Protection

Crating, padding, and professional packing materials raise costs, but they also reduce damage risk. White glove delivery usually includes more protection, which is why it costs more.

What Is Freight Furniture Shipping?

Freight shipping moves furniture using large trucks and terminals. Items are typically placed on a pallet, wrapped, or crated, then transported through a distribution network before final delivery. Freight shipping is usually curbside delivery, meaning the carrier drops the shipment at the curb or the driveway, not inside your home.

Freight is often the default option when you are shipping furniture long distance and trying to control costs, but it requires preparation and a willingness to handle more steps yourself.

Freight Shipping Costs in 2026

Freight shipping typically costs $350 to $1,400 per item in 2026.

Pricing depends on:

• Item dimensions and total weight

• Distance and route complexity

• Pallet size and freight class

• Residential delivery requirements

• Liftgate service if the truck cannot unload without it

• Terminal pickup versus home delivery

Freight can be a good deal if the item is sturdy and you can package it properly. It can be a poor deal if you underestimate packaging needs or you get hit with extra service fees.

When Freight Shipping Makes Sense

Freight shipping works best for:

• Sturdy furniture that can be palletized or crated

• Items that are not extremely fragile or high-end

• Buyers who can manage pickup, unboxing, and moving the item indoors

• Situations where speed is less important than cost

If you are shipping something like a solid wood dresser, a desk, or a basic dining set that can be wrapped well, freight can be practical.

Pros of Freight Shipping

Freight shipping is popular because it offers:

• Lower upfront cost compared to white glove delivery

• Wide availability across the country

• Flexible scheduling through freight brokers and carriers

Cons of Freight Shipping

Freight also comes with tradeoffs:

• Limited protection during transit if packing is weak

• Higher chance of cosmetic damage from terminal handling

• Curbside delivery instead of in-home placement

• You may need to move heavy furniture yourself

If the furniture is easily scratched, has delicate legs, or is made of glass, freight can be risky unless it is crated properly.

What Is White Glove Furniture Delivery?

White glove delivery is a premium service where movers handle packing, loading, transport, and in-home placement. Depending on the provider, it may also include unpacking, debris removal, and light assembly, such as attaching legs or placing a tabletop.

White glove delivery focuses on care and convenience. It is designed to reduce damage, reduce stress, and reduce the amount of work you need to do.

White Glove Delivery Costs in 2026

White glove furniture shipping typically costs $1,200 to $3,000 per item in 2026.

Large items like sofas, dining tables, or armoires often land at the higher end, especially when stairs, long carry distances, or complex placement is involved. If the item is high-value or requires custom crating, the price can rise even further.

When White Glove Delivery Makes Sense

White glove service is best for:

• Antiques and heirlooms you cannot replace

• Designer furniture where scratches reduce value

• Fragile furniture such as glass-top tables or pieces with intricate trim

• Customers who need in-home placement or do not want to lift heavy items

If you would be upset by a scratch, dent, or damaged corner, white glove is usually the better fit.

Pros of White Glove Delivery

White glove delivery typically offers:

• Professional packing and handling

• Lower risk of damage

• In-home delivery and setup

• Less work for you during pickup and drop-off

Cons of White Glove Delivery

The downsides are real:

• High cost per item

• Longer scheduling windows

• Limited service coverage in some rural areas

• More coordination required for delivery appointments

White glove is not for every budget. It is for situations where protection and convenience matter more than the lowest possible price.

Freight vs White Glove: Side-by-Side Comparison

Freight shipping prioritizes affordability and broad availability, but it requires careful packaging and more effort from you. White glove delivery prioritizes protection and convenience, but it comes at a premium.

A simple rule helps many people decide.

Choose freight when:

• The piece is durable

• You can package it well

• You can handle curbside delivery and moving it inside

Choose white glove when:

• The piece is valuable or fragile

• You want in-home placement

• You want fewer damage risks and fewer steps

In many cases, the price difference is large enough that selling and replacing furniture becomes the smarter option, especially for common items you can easily find again.

Hidden Costs People Overlook

Furniture shipping quotes often increase after booking because of added services and real-world conditions. These are the most common hidden costs.

Residential Delivery Fees

Delivering to a home often costs more than delivering to a commercial location.

Liftgate Charges

If the truck needs a liftgate to unload, you may pay an additional fee.

Packaging, Crating, and Materials

Better protection usually means higher costs, but skipping it can be worse if the item arrives damaged.

Insurance Upgrades

Basic coverage may be limited. Higher-value items often require added protection.

Storage and Redelivery Fees

If you miss a delivery appointment, some carriers charge for storage and redelivery.

These extras can add hundreds of dollars to the final bill, which is why it is important to confirm all fees upfront.

Is Shipping Furniture Still Worth It in 2026?

Shipping furniture in 2026 is usually worth it only when the item has high monetary or sentimental value.

A practical benchmark is this: if shipping costs exceed 40 to 50 percent of what the item could sell for locally, selling is often the better financial decision. For many mid-range sofas and basic bedroom sets, shipping costs can exceed the item’s value quickly.

A Smarter Alternative to High Shipping Costs

Instead of paying premium rates to ship furniture long distance, many people choose to sell quality pieces locally and buy replacements after they move.

This approach often works better because:

• You avoid damage risk

• You avoid delays and missed delivery windows

• You reduce the total cost of a move

• You simplify your logistics

It is not always the right choice for heirlooms, but it is often the right choice for everyday furniture.

How Reperch Helps You Skip Costly Furniture Shipping

Reperch makes it easier to sell quality furniture locally instead of paying rising shipping costs.

By listing furniture through Reperch, sellers can reach local buyers who handle pickup, saving time and avoiding long-distance logistics. This is often faster, less stressful, and more cost-effective than freight or white glove delivery.

For buyers, Reperch offers access to curated secondhand inventory, which can be a smart way to furnish a new space after a move without paying high shipping rates.

FAQs About Furniture Shipping Costs in 2026

What is the cheapest way to ship furniture long distance?

Freight shipping is usually the cheapest option, especially for sturdy pieces that can be palletized and wrapped properly.

Is white glove delivery worth the price?

White glove is worth it for high-value, fragile, or irreplaceable furniture because it reduces handling risk and includes in-home placement.

Why do furniture shipping quotes change after booking?

Quotes can change due to added services like liftgate delivery, residential fees, long carry distances, stairs, or packing upgrades.

Do I need insurance for shipping furniture?

You should have coverage if the item has meaningful value. Basic carrier coverage may be limited, so confirm what is included and what is not.

When should I sell instead of ship?

Selling is often smarter when shipping costs exceed 40 to 50 percent of the item’s local resale value, or when the item is common and easy to replace.

Final Thoughts on Furniture Shipping in 2026

Furniture shipping costs in 2026 reflect higher labor, fuel, and handling expenses. Freight shipping offers lower prices but more risk and more work. White glove delivery offers protection and convenience at a premium.

For many households, selling furniture locally and replacing it later is the smarter financial move, especially when you factor in hidden fees and damage risk.

A Full-Service Alternative That Goes Beyond Shipping

Reperch is part of Remoov, the only full-service decluttering solution in the United States that helps people sell, donate, and recycle items in one pickup.

Instead of paying thousands to ship furniture across the country, Reperch helps you sell what has value, donate what still works, and recycle the rest responsibly. This approach reduces waste, saves money, and simplifies major transitions like moving or downsizing.