How to Ship a Mattress Safely: Packaging, Carriers, and Costs

Why Shipping a Mattress Is Complicated

Mattresses are the single most difficult household item to ship. They are oversized, compressible but not easily, and most standard carriers decline them at the counter. Freight services and peer-to-peer shipping platforms handle mattresses regularly, and the process is straightforward if you follow the right steps.

Carriers That Ship Mattresses

• uShip.com: Best rates for mattress shipping. Post your shipment and receive bids from independent carriers. A queen mattress shipped 500 miles averages $180-$250 on uShip.
• Greyhound Package Express: Surprisingly effective for in-network routes. Rates are fixed, not distance-based. A twin mattress ships for $50-$80 between major cities.
• FedEx Freight: The FedEx freight network (separate from FedEx Ground) accepts mattresses. Requires scheduling a pickup or drop-off at a freight terminal, not a retail FedEx location.
• Forward Air: Terminal-to-terminal freight service with good rates on mattresses. You drop at the origin terminal and pick up at the destination terminal -- not door-to-door.
• Moving companies: For local moves under 100 miles, moving companies often take single-item jobs for $150-$300.

Packaging Requirements by Mattress Type

Innerspring and Hybrid Mattresses

Cannot be compressed. Must ship flat or on edge in a mattress bag. For edge-standing, ensure the coil system is robust and use cardboard on the face and back secured with stretch film.

1. Slide mattress into a heavy-duty mattress bag (twin: $8, queen: $12, king: $15)
2. Seal with 2-inch packing tape -- all seams double-taped
3. Wrap full mattress in 2 moving blankets (overlap seams)
4. Shrink-wrap with 80-gauge stretch film, minimum 6 layers
5. Add cardboard corner protectors for all 4 long edges

Memory Foam and Latex Mattresses

Can be compressed for most foam models, which dramatically reduces shipping cost.

1. Place in a vacuum-seal or compression bag rated for mattresses
2. Compress to minimum height using a vacuum pump or ratchet straps
3. Roll (for full-foam models) or keep flat (for latex)
4. Overwrap with stretch film -- minimum 10 layers around the compressed package

Cost Guide by Mattress Size and Distance

Insurance and Liability

Standard freight carrier liability is $0.10-$0.50 per pound, which means a 70-pound queen mattress has maximum liability of $7-$35 -- far below replacement cost. Always purchase declared value coverage. Most carriers offer it for 2-3% of the declared value. For a $1,500 mattress, that is $30-$45.

Document the mattress condition with photos before packaging. Note the mattress tag serial number.

See our guide to moving a mattress across the country for a full comparison of shipping versus professional moving services, and our mattress construction guide to understand how different types handle the stress of shipping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will UPS or FedEx ship a mattress?

Both UPS and FedEx technically accept mattresses as freight but most retail locations decline oversized items. You need to schedule a freight pickup. Expect a size surcharge on top of base rates, typically $50-$120.

How do I package a mattress for shipping?

Use a mattress bag (available at Home Depot, $8-$15) sealed with packing tape. Wrap the outside with 1-2 layers of moving blankets, then overwrap with 2-inch stretch film. For memory foam, compress-wrap tightly before bagging.

How much does it cost to ship a king mattress?

Domestic king mattress shipping runs $200-$500 depending on distance and carrier. Cross-country typically costs $350-$500 via freight. Uship.com often yields the lowest quotes.

Do mattress shipping carriers provide insurance?

Most carriers cap liability at $100 for residential freight. Purchase declared value coverage for the replacement cost of the mattress. For a $1,000 mattress, declared value insurance adds $20-$40 to the shipment.

Is it cheaper to ship or replace a mattress?

For mattresses under $500, replacing is almost always cheaper than cross-country shipping once you factor in packaging, carrier fees, and insurance. For premium mattresses ($1,200+), shipping may break even or save money.