How to Ship a Pinball Machine
Shipping a pinball machine safely requires proper preparation. Done right, it's a straightforward process. Done wrong, you risk backglass damage, playfield scratches, and cabinet damage that can permanently reduce a machine's value. This complete guide covers everything — from removing the legs to choosing a freight carrier.
What You Need Before You Start
Before you ship a pinball machine, gather your supplies: a 48"×40" wooden pallet, 2–3 ratchet straps, cardboard sheets (at least 3mm corrugated), bubble wrap or foam padding, several rolls of industrial stretch wrap (at least 2), and tape. These materials typically cost $30–$60 and are available at hardware stores or online.
You'll also need to decide on the shipping method. There are three main options: legs-off on a pallet (recommended), legs-on (more expensive, higher risk), or crated (safest but most expensive). For most shipments, legs-off on a pallet is the best balance of cost, safety, and ease.
Our Shipping Process
Pickup
Remove the Legs & Fold the Head
Remove all four legs using a wrench. Keep the bolts with the machine. Fold the head down flat against the cabinet body — most machines from the 1980s onward have a fold-down head. If your machine doesn't fold, it will ship upright on the pallet with the head secured. Wrap the head thoroughly with bubble wrap, placing extra padding between the head glass (backglass/translite) and the cabinet.
Packing
Protect the Playfield Glass & Cabinet
Place a sheet of cardboard over the playfield glass inside the cabinet. This prevents the glass from rattling and protects the playfield below. Cover the drain hole and flipper buttons with tape. Wrap the cabinet body in cardboard sheets, securing with tape.
Freight Transport
Stretch Wrap the Entire Machine
Apply 4–6 tight layers of stretch wrap over the entire machine — cardboard and all. Start at the bottom and work up. The stretch wrap binds everything together, adds moisture protection, and keeps the cardboard in place during transit.
Delivery
Place on Pallet & Strap Down
Center the wrapped machine on a 48"×40" pallet. Use 2–3 ratchet straps to secure it — one across the width at the top of the cabinet, one across the width at the mid-section, and one lengthwise if the machine extends beyond the pallet edges. Cinch firmly but don't overtighten near the cabinet corners.
Pinball Machine Shipping Cost Estimate
Once your machine is prepped, the freight cost depends on your route. Here's what to expect for legs-off, palletized freight:
- Local / In-State (under 300 miles): approximately $150–$225.
- Regional (300–1,000 miles): approximately $200–$325.
- Long Distance (1,000–2,000 miles): approximately $275–$400.
- Cross-Country (2,000+ miles): approximately $350–$450.
- Residential liftgate (pickup or delivery): adds $75–$125 each end.
- Optional $10,000 insurance: just $25 — always recommended.
Why Choose Coin Machine Shippers?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the legs need to come off for pinball machine shipping?
We strongly recommend it. Legs-off shipping reduces the pallet footprint, lowers the center of gravity, and is significantly cheaper than legs-on. It also reduces the risk of leg bolts working loose during transit and puncturing the cabinet.
How do I protect the backglass when shipping a pinball machine?
Wrap the head in bubble wrap, placing padding between the backglass and the cabinet backbox walls. Then wrap the head in cardboard and stretch wrap as part of the overall machine packing. The goal is to prevent any movement of the glass inside the cabinet.
Can I ship a pinball machine without a pallet?
No — we require all machines to be on a pallet for freight pickup. A pallet protects the bottom of the machine and allows safe forklift handling at freight terminals. You can find free pallets at hardware stores, grocery stores, and garden centers.
What if I'm not sure how to pack my specific machine?
Call us at 866.216.7742 — we're happy to walk you through the packing process for your specific machine. We've shipped thousands of pinball machines and know the quirks of different eras and manufacturers.
Is professional pinball machine shipping better than DIY?
For long-distance shipments, professional freight shipping is the standard. DIY in a rented truck is fine for short local moves, but for anything more than a few hours' drive, freight is safer, often cheaper, and doesn't require you to drive a large vehicle.
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$10,000 insurance for just $25
Protect your machine with $10,000 of freight insurance for just $25. Strongly recommended for all vintage, collectible, or high-value equipment.