How to ship
a computer
a computer
How to ship
a computer
Here's what you’ll find on this page:
Shipping a computer
The thought of shipping an expensive computer or other fragile electronics might seem daunting. But when you use the right packaging and pack your item correctly, you can get it where it needs to be safely. Use the info on this page to help you pack and ship your PC, laptop, tablet, or other electronics with more confidence and less stress.
Prep to ship a computer: Here’s what you’ll need
Original manufacturer’s packaging (if you still have it and it’s reusable)
1–3 sturdy shipping boxes (depends on whether you have original packaging and the number of pieces you’re shipping)
Box for cables and other accessories (if needed)
Packing supplies, such as bubble packaging, packing peanuts, or air pillows
Foam corners (ideal for shipping a PC/desktop computer)
Packing tape at least 2" wide
If you’re shipping a laptop or tablet, we recommend:
FedEx® laptop box
FedEx® tablet box
NOTICE: This packaging information is provided to FedEx customers to help reduce loss or damage due to improper packaging. It is NOT intended to be a comprehensive guide for packaging items we accept for transit. We make no warranties, expressed or implied, regarding this information. Proper packaging is the sole responsibility of the shipper. For more information and comprehensive guidelines, contact the FedEx Dangerous Goods/Hazardous Materials Hotline at 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339; press “81” or say “dangerous goods,” then press “4” for the next available dangerous goods agent. (Outside the U.S., request to speak to a dangerous goods representative.) Refer to the current FedEx Service Guide for terms, conditions, and limitations applicable to FedEx® delivery services.
First things first: Double-box to defend against damage
To help protect your computer, you need to give it multiple layers of protection. This includes cushioning (packing materials) and using a sturdy outer box. Use these instructions for double-boxing your items as needed.
How to double-box
Choose an outer box that is the appropriate size and strength.
- Select a sturdy box that is at least 6" larger in length, width, and height than the original manufacturer’s packaging or the box you used to pack your item(s).
- Use the H taping method to enclose the bottom of the box.
Pack the outer box.
- Fill the bottom of the outer box with 3" of packing material, such as bubble packaging, air pillows, or peanuts. Don’t use crushed paper.
- Place the box you used to pack your items in the center of the outer box, on top of the packing material.
- Fill empty space on all sides with packing material. The inner box should be surrounded with at least 3" of packing material around all six sides.
Properly seal and label the box.
- Use the H taping method and apply at least three strips of packing tape (at least 2" wide) to the top, bottom, and all seams and flaps to close and seal.
- Place your shipping label on the top of the box. Marking your box with “This End Up” doesn't guarantee that it will remain that way while in transit. By placing your label on top, you increase the chances that it will be shipped in the preferred orientation.
Your one-stop shop for computer shipping
Get the packing supplies you need to ship PCs, laptops, and other electronics. Want us to pack it for you? Find a FedEx Office location with packing services near you.
How to ship a desktop computer
Use the steps below to pack a computer for shipping.
Pack the computer hard drive and accessories
If you have the original desktop box from the manufacturer, follow these steps.
Repack the hard drive in the original packaging.
- Inspect the original packaging to make sure the cushioning material and box are intact and unbroken.
- Make any repairs to the packaging with packing tape that is at least 2" wide.
- Pack the hard drive and any accessories using all of the original packaging components.
Follow steps 1–3 in the double-boxing section.
If you don’t have the original packaging or it’s too damaged to use, choose one of these three
methods to pack and protect your computer.
- Wrap the hard drive on all sides with 3–4" of bubble packaging. Secure the wrap with packing tape.
- Place the wrapped computer inside a sturdy box.
- Wrap accessories (e.g., keyboard, power cords, adapters, and cables) in bubble packaging. Place them in an open space inside the box if available. If there’s no room, pack them in a separate box.
- Fill any remaining empty spaces with additional cushioning so the wrapped computer and/or accessories fit snugly inside the box.
- Use the H taping method and apply at least three strips of packing tape (at least 2" wide) to the top, bottom, and all seams and flaps to close and seal.
- Place your shipping label on the top of the box.
- Wrap the hard drive in a plastic bag. (This will prevent the peanuts from getting inside the unit.)
- Fill the bottom of a box with at least 2" of peanuts and place the wrapped hard drive in the center of the box.
- Fill the empty spaces on all sides of the hard drive with peanuts. There should be at least 2" of peanuts on all six sides.
- Close and seal the top and bottom of the box with three strips of packing tape (at least 2" wide).
- Pack accessories, such as the keyboard, power cords, adapters, and cables, separately.
Follow steps 1–3 in the double-boxing section.
- Place the hard drive inside a box and surround it with air pillows, or at least 2" of packing peanuts or bubble packaging on all sides.
- Close and seal the top and bottom of the box with three strips of packing tape (at least 2" wide).
- Place the box containing the computer inside an outer box fitted with foam corner cushions. Make sure the outer box fits tightly around the foam corner cushions to prevent the inner box from shifting in transit.
- Use the H taping method and apply at least three strips of packing tape (at least 2" wide) to the top, bottom, and all seams and flaps to close and seal.
- Place your shipping label on the top of the box.
- Pack accessories, such as a keyboard, power cords, adapters, and cables, separately.
Pack the monitor
.png){kind=icon}
Use our how-to guide for shipping TVs and monitors to prepare and pack your computer monitor for shipping.
Successfully shipping a PC and its components requires the right amount of protection and support. Find heavy-duty double-walled boxes online and at nearby FedEx locations.
How to ship a laptop or tablet
Laptop computers and tablets may be smaller than a desktop computer, but they still need extra care and protection. We recommend our laptop shipping box or tablet box. Each includes specially made cushioning, so you don’t have to use your own or purchase it. Learn more about our ready-made boxes online or head to a FedEx Office location to get the one you need.
If you choose not to use a FedEx laptop or tablet box, you’ll need the original packaging from the manufacturer or other boxes and packing materials.
Repack the laptop or tablet in the original packaging.
- Inspect the original packaging to make sure the cushioning material and box are intact and unbroken.
- Pack the laptop or tablet using all the original packaging components.
- Make any repairs to the packaging with packing tape (at least 2" wide).
- Follow steps 1–3 in the double-boxing section.
If you don’t have the original packaging for your laptop or tablet, or it’s too damaged to
use, use one of the three options provided for shipping a hard drive.
Tips for shipping other computer equipment
Printers
Remove ink cartridges and place them inside a plastic bag and seal it. This will help prevent ink or powder from leaking into the shipping box. Tape moving parts, such as doors and print heads, to secure them during transit. Remove any paper trays and pack them separately.
Scanners
Most manufacturers recommend that you secure the scanner carriage to keep it from moving around in transit. Refer to your owner’s manual for more information.
Data storage
Before shipping CDs, memory sticks, magnetic tapes, or other data storage media, back up any stored data. For security reasons, you may also want to remove or encrypt any sensitive, personal, confidential, or financial information. Our liability for loss of any electronic data is limited only to the cost of the medium on which the data is stored. See Liabilities Not Assumed in the FedEx Service Guide.
Need to ship heavy-duty or high-volume computer equipment?
Reach out to your sales rep or call Customer Support at 1.800.GoFedEx
1.800.463.3339.
Packaging pointers:
Use these tips to care for your computer
- Back up important data before you ship computers, laptops, and tablets.
- Take photos of your computer before you disassemble it so you’ll know where to reconnect cables and cords.
- Place your shipping label on top of the box to increase the chances that it will be transported in the preferred orientation.
- When you use bubble packaging, secure it around your item with packing tape. This will keep the wrap from unraveling and exposing your equipment in transit.
- Pack your box snugly with filler so that the computer or laptop doesn’t shift in the box. However, don’t pack it too tightly. That will create unnecessary pressure on the equipment.
Back up important data before you ship computers, laptops, and tablets.
Take photos of your computer before you disassemble it so you’ll know where to reconnect cables and cords.
Place your shipping label on top of the box to increase the chances that it will be transported in the preferred orientation.
When you use bubble packaging, secure it around your item with packing tape. This will keep the wrap from unraveling and exposing your equipment in transit.
Pack your box snugly with filler so that the computer or laptop doesn’t shift in the box. However, don’t pack it too tightly. That will create unnecessary pressure on the equipment.
Choose a computer shipping service
The service you choose really comes down to where you’re shipping a computer to and how fast you need to get it there. Other factors include how often you ship, and whether you need a signature upon delivery.
Need speed?
Choose a FedEx Express® overnight shipping option for next-business-day delivery. You can ship packages up to 150 lbs., up to 119" in length, and 165" in length and girth. Services include:
- FedEx First Overnight®
- FedEx Priority Overnight®
- FedEx Standard Overnight®
All overnight express shipments must follow lithium battery guidelines.
Got more time?
Choose a more cost-efficient FedEx Ground® service. You can ship packages up to 150 lbs., up to 108" in length, and 165" in length plus girth.
- FedEx Ground ships to businesses in 1–5 business days.
- FedEx Home Delivery® ships to residences in 1–5 days, including weekends.
Need to ship a heavy package?
A package that weighs more than 150 lbs. is considered freight. Learn about specific packaging requirements, then compare our freight shipping options.
Need to ship to another country?
Check out our international shipping options.
Read to ship?
Use your FedEx account or log in as a guest. Have your shipping info ready and your credit card handy.
Save time by having one of our couriers pick up your shipment from your home or other location.
Drop off your shipment at a FedEx Office location or other participating retailer like Walgreens or Target.
Have a computer delivered today. Yes, today.
If you’re in a crunch to get a computer to a customer across town or across the country, we can help. Find a FedEx SameDay® service option that can help you save the day.
Helpful resources
With FedEx Delivery Manager®, you can get detailed tracking and alerts, and even have your deliveries held for pickup at a secure location.
Download our free mobile app to track and manage your shipments, create shipping labels, and get alerts.
Shipping a cell phone? Get step-by-step instructions to help keep it and your data safe.
Learn how declaring a value can increase the limit of liability for your package, with or without purchasing third-party insurance.
Have other specialty items to ship?
Check out our How-to Hub for guides and tutorials to help you pack, label, ship, and more.
FAQs about computer shipping
How much does it cost to ship a laptop or computer?
Shipping costs depend on the weight and size of the box and your delivery needs. See our shipping options for details or get a rate.
What is the best way to ship a laptop?
We recommend our easy-to-pack laptop box for shipping. It’s specially made for laptops and includes all the packing materials and cushioning you’ll need. Learn more about our laptop box and other packaging materials like heavy-duty double-walled boxes. Or find a FedEx Office location near you.
Do I need to remove the battery from my laptop before I ship it?
No, but there are rules you must follow when shipping a laptop overnight using our express services. Learn more about our guidelines for shipping lithium batteries.
I don’t have the original packaging for my computer. Can I buy a computer box for shipping or use a regular box?
You can still ship your computer safely without its original packaging. Learn more about our packaging options, including specialty and heavy-duty double-walled boxes, available at FedEx Office and FedEx Ship Center® locations. And review our steps for packing and shipping computers to make sure you’re on the right track.
Can FedEx pack my PC for me?
Yes, we’re happy to help. Find a location with packing services near you, and a team member will pack it for you. Plus, if we pack it, your shipment will be backed by the FedEx Office® Packing Pledge.
How do you ship a laptop safely?
We recommend shipping laptops in our ready-made FedEx laptop box. If that’s not an option for you, you can repackage your laptop in the original packaging from the manufacturer, then place it inside a sturdy outer shipping box. Make sure to add enough cushioning materials and follow our packing steps. Don’t forget to back up important data before shipping.
Is my computer insured when I ship with FedEx?
FedEx does not provide insurance. The first $100 of value in your shipment is included in your shipping rate at no extra charge as part of our standard $100 declared value limit of liability. You can, however, choose to purchase insurance from a third party and/or declare a value with us.