How Much Does It Cost to Ship an Arcade Machine?
A complete breakdown of freight rates for arcade cabinets, pinball machines, jukeboxes, and other coin-op equipment — plus a free quote form for your exact shipment.
Whether you just bought a vintage arcade cabinet from a dealer, won a pinball machine at auction, or picked up a classic jukebox from an estate sale — eventually you need to move it. And the first question everyone asks is: how much does it cost to ship an arcade machine?
The short answer: most arcade machine and pinball machine shipments cost between $150 and $500 for domestic US freight. The exact rate depends on a few key factors that we break down below.
What Affects the Shipping Cost?
Machine Type & Size
Upright arcade cabinets, sit-down machines, and cockpit cabinets all have different freight footprints. A standard upright runs 24"–30" wide and ships on a standard 48"×40" pallet. Larger sit-downs or cockpits may need oversized handling.
Origin & Destination
The distance between pickup and delivery is the biggest cost driver. A local in-state move might be $100–$200. Cross-country coast-to-coast runs $300–$600+ for a standard arcade cabinet.
Residential vs. Commercial
Residential pickups and deliveries add a liftgate surcharge, typically $50–$100 each way, because a forklift isn't available. If you can use a commercial dock, you'll save money.
Weight
Freight is billed on actual weight or dimensional weight, whichever is higher. Most arcade cabinets run 200–400 lbs. Heavier machines like deluxe sit-down racers can reach 800 lbs+.
Estimated Shipping Cost by Machine Type
These are general ranges for continental US shipments. Actual rates vary — fill out the quote form for your exact price.
| Machine Type | Typical Weight | Est. Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Upright Arcade Cabinet | 150–350 lbs | $150–$350 |
| Sit-Down Arcade Machine | 300–600 lbs | $200–$500 |
| Cockpit / Racing Cab | 400–800 lbs | $300–$600+ |
| Pinball Machine | 200–350 lbs | $150–$400 |
| Vintage Jukebox | 150–450 lbs | $150–$450 |
| Vending Machine | 300–700 lbs | $200–$550 |
* All estimates are for palletized freight within the continental US. Alaska and Hawaii may be higher. Residential liftgate adds $50–$100 each end.
Why Freight Shipping Beats a Moving Company
Many people first call a moving company to ship their arcade machine. Here's why freight is almost always the smarter choice for coin-op machines:
How to Get the Lowest Shipping Rate
Ship on a proper pallet
All our quotes require machines on a pallet. This is the most cost-efficient freight method and protects your machine.
Use a commercial address if possible
Residential pickups and deliveries add liftgate fees. A business address or freight terminal saves $50–$100 each way.
Ship during off-peak times
Mid-month weekday shipments sometimes get better rates than end-of-month or weekend requests.
Bundle multiple machines
Shipping two or three machines together on the same order often gets a better combined rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship an arcade machine?
Most arcade machine shipments cost $150–$500 for domestic US freight. The exact rate depends on the distance, machine weight, and whether residential liftgate service is needed. Fill out our free quote form for an exact price.
How much does it cost to ship a pinball machine?
Pinball machine shipping typically runs $150–$400. Ship legs-off on a pallet for the best rate. Add $25 for our optional $10,000 insurance — strongly recommended for any vintage or high-value machine.
Can I get an instant shipping quote?
Fill out the quote form with your origin zip, destination zip, machine type, and approximate weight. We'll respond with the best available rate, typically within one business day.
Is there a cheaper way to ship a coin-op machine than freight?
For heavy, awkward items like arcade cabinets and jukeboxes, freight is already the cheapest professional option available. Parcel carriers (UPS, FedEx) don't accept items this heavy. Moving companies charge 2–3× more than freight for the same job.
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