Maybe you're gearing up for a big move, or you want to surprise a friend or family member with a comfy mattress. Whatever your reason—shipping a mattress isn't exactly easy. It can feel overwhelming to handle all the logistics on your own.
Here's a helpful tip: if you buy an adjustable bed or mattress from Bed Tech—a trusted company that's been making sleep better since 2009—most will get free delivery straight to your doorstep. That means you can skip the stress and extra costs of getting your new bed home, and focus on enjoying a great night's sleep instead.
As for actually shipping a mattress, let's face it: mattresses are big, awkward, and surprisingly heavy, especially King and California King sizes. Shipping one after it's arrived at your home isn't exactly cheap—in fact, it's one of the most expensive household items to send by courier. But the good news is, with a little planning and the right information, you can potentially save money and avoid headaches if you decide to ship a mattress.
Next, the Bed Tech Sleep Experts will walk you through what to consider before shipping a mattress, how to do it safely, what it might cost, and whether it's actually worth it.
Mattress Shipping FAQs
Can UPS pack & ship a mattress?
UPS does not package items for you, but they can ship your mattress once it's wrapped and ready. If you want or need help to pack large items like furniture, you can visit The UPS Store, where the staff can professionally pack the mattress for you for an additional fee.
You will need a sturdy box that fits your mattress if you pack it yourself. After everything is secure, call your local UPS branch or schedule a pick-up online. They can pick it up from your doorstep, which makes things a little easier.
Can I ship a mattress with FedEx?
Yes, you can send a mattress with FedEx. You'll just need to make sure it's packed in a proper mattress shipping box before drop-off or pickup. FedEx can handle large packages—up to 150 pounds or 165 inches (length+girth)—so most mattresses will fit, but if yours weighs more, expect an oversize fee. With a little prep, you can get your mattress on its way without too much hassle.
Should You Ship Your Mattress?
Shipping a mattress isn't always the best deal. In fact, the cost of shipping can sometimes match—or even exceed—what you paid for the mattress in the first place. But there are exceptions. If you have a larger mattress, like a King or California King, it might make sense to ship it, since replacing those sizes can be more pricey.
Before you decide to ship your mattress, here are a few things to think about:
- The age of the mattress: Most mattresses last about 7 to 10 years, depending on usage and quality. If yours is already five years old or more, it might not be worth the shipping cost.
- Original price: Think about what you paid for your mattress. If shipping it costs as much (or more) than buying a new one, it probably makes more sense to start fresh.
- Individual comfort: Is your current mattress supporting healthy sleep and providing the support and comfort you need? If a new one would help you sleep better, it may not be worth the effort to ship your old mattress.
- Wear and tear: Take a close look at your mattress. Are there bent or poking springs, torn foam, or other issues? If it's looking worn out, you might be better off replacing it instead of paying to ship it across the country.
What Will It Cost to Ship a Mattress?
If you're thinking about shipping a mattress, expect to pay anywhere from $150 up to $900 or more. The actual price depends on a few key things, and rates can be very different from one courier to another.
Here's what matters most:
How far it's going: Longer distances mean higher shipping costs.
How much it weighs: Most mattresses are between 50 and 150 pounds or more, but heavier ones cost more to ship. Watch out for extra fees if your mattress goes over a courier's weight limit.
How big it is: Larger mattresses with bigger dimensions, such as a King size (76 inches by 80 inches), will cost more to send. Make sure your mattress fits within your courier's size restrictions.
Which courier do you choose: Every courier has its own prices. Comparing a few can help you find the best deal.
Shipping A Mattress With FedEx
As of 2026, you can ship packages up to 110 pounds with FedEx, regardless of their size. This is a shift from their old rule, which allowed mattresses under 150 pounds and shorter than 108 inches in length. Starting January 12, 2026, FedEx charges even more for oversized packages—anything over 10 cubic feet in volume or heavier than 150 pounds. These fees range from $255 to $330 or more, depending on where you're shipping.
If your mattress is over 150 pounds or longer than 165 inches (length plus girth), it's considered "unauthorized." It might be refused, or you could face a hefty Ground Unauthorized Package Charge—now over $1,875 per package. Residential delivery surcharges have also gone up slightly, from $6.45 to $6.95 per package.
FedEx shipping for a mattress or adjustable bed can get pricey, but Ground is usually the most affordable option for big items through FedEx—it'll get your package there in two to seven business days. If you're in a hurry, you can choose FedEx 2Day or Standard Overnight, though these come at a higher cost. For the most accurate price, try FedEx's online shipping calculator with your package details.
Shipping A Mattress With USPS
The United States Postal Service (USPS) is a wallet-friendly choice if you're looking to ship a mattress. That said, keep in mind there's an extra $200 fee if your mattress weighs more than 70 pounds or measures up to 130 inches in length plus girth. (This fee recently doubled from what it used to be.)
USPS gives you a few options for shipping. For the lowest price, go with USPS Ground Advantage. If you're in a rush, you can pay more for Priority Mail 2-Day or Priority Mail Express 1-Day delivery. To see exactly what you'll pay, try the USPS Retail Postage Price Calculator online.
If your mattress is heavy or extra bulky—like a King size—FedEx Ground or a specialized freight service may be a better fit, especially for mattresses in the 70–150 pound range.
Shipping A Mattress With UPS
UPS lets you ship packages up to 150 pounds and 108 inches long (or 165 inches in length plus girth) without an oversized package fee. These limits apply to their small package network—if your shipment goes over, it has to be sent via UPS Freight. If your package is above the maximum weight or size, be ready for a steep fee: $1,875 (up from $920 in previous years).
If your mattress is large but still under the max limit, you'll pay a "Large Package Surcharge"—usually between $250 and $330 or more. And starting in 2026, there's an extra handling charge for packages over 6 cubic feet.
UPS Ground is usually the most affordable way to ship—your package should arrive in one to five business days. If you need it to get there faster, UPS 2nd Day Air or Next Day Air are available, but they're much pricier. For the most accurate quote, use UPS's online shipping calculator with your package details.
Things To Consider When Shipping Mattresses
The bigger your mattress, the more you'll pay to ship it. In some cases, you might need to hunt for an extra-large box or find a courier that can handle your mattress's size.
Extra Shipping Costs to Watch Out For
When shipping a mattress, you'll likely face some extra fees, especially if it's on the bigger or heavier side. Mattresses are also pretty vulnerable to damage in transit, so investing in sturdy packaging is a must.
A few other things can bump up your shipping costs, including:
- Pickup and delivery: If it's tricky for the courier to reach your home or drop off at a remote location, you might see extra charges.
- Distance traveled: The farther your mattress has to go, the more you'll pay.
- Special handling: Some couriers charge extra if your mattress needs special handling or attention during shipping.
- Holiday shipping: Sending a mattress around major holidays often comes with higher fees.
- Fuel surcharges: If fuel prices go up, your shipping fees often go up, too. Couriers add a fuel surcharge to cover rising fuel costs.
Smart Tips for Shipping Your Mattress
If you want to ship your mattress safely and save money, there are a few easy steps to follow. These practical tips will help make the process simple and stress-free.
Shop Around for the Best Shipping Price
Mattress shipping prices can vary a lot depending on the size of your mattress and where it needs to go. That's why it helps to compare your options. Many delivery services have online shipping calculators, so you can quickly see who offers the best deal. Spending a few minutes to compare prices could save you more money than you expect.
Don't forget to measure and weigh your mattress before you ship. If you can keep it within the standard size and weight limits, you'll avoid expensive extra fees for oversized packages.
Protect Your Mattress with Shipping Insurance
If you're shipping a large and valuable item like a mattress, consider getting shipping insurance. It helps protect you if your package is lost, damaged, or stolen during delivery.
Most major couriers, such as USPS, FedEx, and UPS, include basic insurance (usually about $100) with your shipment. For a mattress, though, you'll probably want to pay a little extra for more coverage. Spending a bit more from the get-go can really help if something unexpected happens and your mattress gets lost or damaged.
If Possible, Schedule a Delivery Timeframe
Not sure when your package will arrive? If you don't know the delivery time, your mattress might end up sitting outside, making it an easy target for a thief. Scheduling your delivery means you'll know exactly when to expect your package, so you or someone you trust can be there to bring it inside right away.
Most major couriers like UPS, FedEx, and USPS offer scheduled delivery timeframes and ways to track your package. With these features, you can keep an eye on your mattress and know exactly when it will arrive at your door.
Alternatives To Shipping A Mattress
If shipping your mattress doesn't seem like the best fit, you have other options to think about.
If you're moving within the country, renting a moving van or truck could be a smart choice, especially if you have other large items like furniture. Driving the van yourself takes more effort, but it can save you money versus shipping your mattress separately. Another option is to use a shipping pod, which is a large storage container you can rent and have moved by a company according to your schedule. Shipping pods are helpful if you have several boxes or pieces of furniture to move along with your mattress.
If moving your mattress costs too much, consider buying a new one instead. There are plenty of good mattresses for different comfort needs and budgets, such as the affordable Bed Tech Copper Lux Hybrid. If you go this route, you could sell your old mattress or donate it to someone who needs it, giving it a second life.
Mattress Shipping: Main Things to Know
Shipping a mattress often costs a lot, but you can cut costs and protect your mattress by following a few easy tips. Make sure to pack it well and add lots of padding to avoid damage while it's being moved. Check prices from different couriers before you book, since comparing your options can help you find better deals.
If your mattress is old or uncomfortable, think about whether it's a good idea to pay to ship it. If you're moving more than just a mattress, renting a van or shipping pod could save you time, money, and effort. And if your mattress is really worn out, getting a new one could help you feel more comfortable, manage pain, and sleep better.
Bed Tech: Luxurious Sleep Made Simple and Affordable
When it comes down to it, shipping a mattress can be a major hassle—not to mention expensive, with costs ranging from a few hundred to nearly a thousand dollars depending on the size, weight, and distance. But there's a much simpler, smarter solution. Bed Tech makes it less complicated and more reliable than other ways to upgrade your sleep. Whether you're searching for a new mattress, an adjustable bed, or want to transform your entire sleep experience with compatible sheets and pillows, Bed Tech makes it easy and stress-free from start to finish.
What sets Bed Tech apart is its commitment to innovation—bringing luxuriously comfortable, high-quality sleep products to everyone at a price that's genuinely affordable. Bed Tech believes great sleep shouldn't be a luxury reserved for a few, so they design their products to deliver exceptional comfort and support for all.
Plus, most every mattress or adjustable bed you order from Bed Tech comes with free delivery to your door and a 100-night sleep trial. You can enjoy your new sleep system without worrying about shipping hassles or hidden fees, and you'll have plenty of time to make sure it's the perfect fit for you and your body type. With Bed Tech, better sleep isn't just a dream—it's accessible, affordable, and just a click away in the online shop.