March 30, 2026
Arcade Bar Expansion: Shipping Checklist for Operators Buying Machines in Bulk
Opening a second location or retrofitting a taproom with classic cabinets? Use this checklist so mixed LTL loads, liftgates, and install windows line up.
What Does It Cost to Ship an Arcade Machine?
If you have been searching for arcade machine shipping costs, you have probably noticed that prices vary wildly. One quote might be $200, another $800 for the same machine and distance. Why? Because arcade machine shipping is highly dependent on the specific equipment, how it is packaged, and which carrier type is used.
This guide gives you real numbers based on thousands of shipments we have handled.
Arcade Machine Shipping Cost by Type
Upright Arcade Cabinets
The classic stand-up arcade cabinet — Pac-Man, Galaga, Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat — is the most common type shipped. A standard upright weighs 150–300 lbs and stands 5–6 feet tall.
Cocktail Cabinets
Cocktail cabinets are lower and wider than uprights, which makes them easier to crate but often heavier per square foot. Typical weight: 200–350 lbs.
Sit-Down and Cockpit Cabinets
Racing games (Daytona USA, OutRun), flight simulators, and cockpit shooters are the most expensive to ship due to their unusual shapes, multiple monitor setups, and high weight (often 400–600 lbs).
Multi-Game Cabinets and Mini Arcades
Smaller bartop and mini arcade units can ship via UPS or FedEx if properly boxed. Weight typically under 50 lbs.
Large Redemption and Prize Machines
Claw machines, ticket redemption units, and large prize centers can weigh 500+ lbs and require forklift handling.
What Factors Drive the Cost Up?
1. Residential Delivery
Delivering to a home instead of a commercial warehouse or arcade adds $75–$150 to any shipment. Most freight carriers charge a residential fee because deliveries take more time and cannot use a loading dock.
2. Liftgate Service
If your location does not have a loading dock, the truck needs a hydraulic liftgate to lower the cabinet to the ground. Add $75–$150 per end of the shipment.
3. Inside Delivery
Dropping at the curbside is cheaper than carrying inside. Inside delivery adds $100–$300 depending on stairs, elevator access, and distance from the truck.
4. Crating vs. Blanket Wrap
A properly built crate adds $150–$350 to the total cost but dramatically reduces damage risk. Blanket wrapping (moving pads) is cheaper but offers less protection for rough freight handlers.
5. Freight Class
Carriers assign a freight class (50–500) to every shipment based on density, stowability, and handling requirements. Arcade cabinets typically fall in class 150–250. Higher class = higher rate.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
How to Get the Best Price on Arcade Shipping
1. Be flexible on pickup and delivery dates. Carriers offer lower rates for flexible scheduling. If you can accept delivery anytime in a 5-day window, you will pay less than requiring a specific day.
2. Use a loading dock if possible. If you can receive at a commercial address with a dock, you eliminate liftgate and residential fees.
3. Crate your machine properly. Freight claims cost everyone money. A crated machine gets better treatment and better rates from carriers who recognize well-packaged freight.
4. Ship with a specialist. Generic freight brokers do not know coin-op equipment. A specialist quotes accurately the first time and handles claims properly if something goes wrong.
Arcade Machines We Ship Every Week
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Tell us the cabinet type, dimensions, weight (if known), pickup zip, and delivery zip. We will have a quote ready in under an hour.
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