With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing the closures of gyms across the world, fitness enthusiasts have had to get creative. This has made exercise equipment a hot commodity in 2020, as workout warriors seek out the right equipment to work toward their health goals from the safety of their home gyms.
If you’re shipping exercise equipment during the home gym boom, or you’re moving your equipment to your new home, there are a few shipping strategies that will make it easy on you and your bank account.
Large Exercise Equipment: Freight Services
For the full-size home gym or a large individual piece of exercise equipment, you’ll likely require the efficiency of freight shipping services. Freight shipping refers to the transportation of large shipments via land, air, or sea. Freight shipments exceed 150 pounds, 108 inches in length, and 165 inches in length plus girth.
Freight shipping should be used for equipment such as:
- Exercise bikes
- Ellipticals
- Treadmills
- Rowers
- Weight benches
- Weight racks
- Stair climbers
Your best option is likely less-than-truckload (LTL) freight, which reserves space on a shared shipping truck. While transit times can increase on a shared delivery, LTL freight gives you the best price and most reliable way to ship your large equipment.
Large pieces of exercise equipment are heavy and awkward, making them difficult to pack and ship on your own. Look into a reputable shipping company to properly pack, crate, palletize, and ship your equipment. This will limit stress and save you time and money.
Small Exercise Equipment: Parcel Services
If your large exercise equipment can be disassembled into smaller, more manageable units, standard parcel services could be a shipping option. Parcel services refer to the shipment of items of less than 150 pounds that require minimal assistance. The United States Postal Service (USPS), FedEx, and UPS are major carriers that provide parcel services.
Parcel service is also appropriate for small pieces of exercise equipment such as:
- Kettlebells
- Resistance bands
- Yoga mats
- Foam rollers
- Pull-up bars
- Dumbbells
- Weight plates
Packing and moving these items can be dangerous, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions to prevent injury or property damage. Weight plates, dumbbells, kettlebells, and any component pieces that may be heavy should be packed and shipped separately. Each package should weigh less than 150 pounds or up to your personal capabilities. Be sure to wrap each piece of equipment in bubble packaging before placing it into appropriately sized shipping boxes or containers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping Exercise Equipment
What is the best way to ship large exercise equipment?
Large exercise equipment such as treadmills, ellipticals, rowing machines, weight racks, and stair climbers is usually best shipped through freight services. These items are often too heavy or oversized for standard parcel shipping and may need professional packing, palletizing, or crating.
Can exercise equipment be shipped by UPS, FedEx, or USPS?
Smaller exercise equipment and disassembled parts may be eligible for parcel shipping through carriers such as UPS, FedEx, or USPS if each package meets the carrier’s size and weight limits. Heavier equipment typically requires freight shipping.
Should exercise equipment be disassembled before shipping?
When possible, exercise equipment should be disassembled into smaller, more manageable pieces before shipping. This can make packing easier, reduce movement during transit, and help determine whether some components can ship by parcel instead of freight.
How should weights, dumbbells, and kettlebells be packed?
Heavy items such as dumbbells, kettlebells, and weight plates should be packed separately in strong, appropriately sized boxes. Each piece should be wrapped in protective material to reduce movement and prevent damage to the box or surrounding items.
Do I need professional help to ship exercise equipment?
Professional packing and shipping help is often recommended for large, heavy, awkward, or high-value exercise equipment. A professional shipping company can help pack, crate, palletize, and coordinate the right shipping method for the equipment.
Once all pieces of equipment are properly packed, take them to the Navis Pack & Ship in your area to get the best price on shipping from all the major carriers. If you’re uncomfortable packing the equipment, the experts at Navis offer on-site and off-site crating as well as full-service pickup in the U.S. and Canada. Contact the Navis Pack & Ship in your area for a quote or find a Navis location near you today.
