How to Ship an Arcade Machine
Shipping an arcade machine doesn't have to be stressful. With the right supplies and technique, you can prep a cabinet for freight in under an hour. This step-by-step guide covers everything — from gathering supplies to choosing a freight carrier — for upright cabinets, cocktail tables, and sit-down machines.
What You Need Before Packing
To ship an arcade machine, you need: a 48"×40" wooden pallet (standard), 2–3 ratchet straps, corrugated cardboard sheets (3mm or thicker), several rolls of industrial stretch wrap, foam or cardboard for the monitor face, and tape. Total supply cost is typically $30–$70 at your local hardware store or online.
The machine ships whole — no disassembly required. The cabinet is wrapped, palletized, and strapped. Freight carriers need the machine on a pallet to pick it up safely. A properly palletized arcade machine is extremely secure during transit.
Our Shipping Process
Pickup
Protect the Monitor
Place a piece of cardboard or thin foam against the monitor face / bezel. This is the most fragile part of the cabinet. Tape the cardboard in place. For CRT monitors, front-face protection is critical — glass can crack from impact or vibration without it.
Packing
Wrap the Cabinet in Cardboard
Use large corrugated cardboard sheets to cover all sides of the cabinet. Pay extra attention to corners and the control panel (joy sticks and buttons can puncture other cargo if exposed). Secure cardboard with tape before stretch wrapping.
Freight Transport
Apply Stretch Wrap
Wrap the entire cardboard-covered cabinet in 4–6 tight layers of industrial stretch wrap. Start at the bottom and spiral upward. The stretch wrap binds the cardboard, adds moisture protection, and keeps everything tight during freight handling.
Delivery
Palletize & Strap Down
Place the wrapped cabinet in the center of a 48"×40" pallet. Balance the weight evenly. Use 2–3 ratchet straps to secure it — cross at least one strap over the top of the cabinet. Cinch firmly. The cabinet should not move at all when the pallet is tilted slightly.
Arcade Machine Shipping Cost Estimate
Once your machine is prepped, the freight cost depends on the cabinet type, weight, and your route:
- Standard upright cabinet (200–300 lbs): $150–$350 for most domestic routes.
- Large sit-down or cockpit cab (400–800 lbs): $250–$500+ depending on distance.
- Cocktail cabinet (150–250 lbs): $150–$300 — smallest footprint, most affordable.
- Residential liftgate: adds $75–$125 per end if no dock or forklift available.
- Cross-country routes: add $100–$200 to regional prices for coast-to-coast shipping.
- $10,000 insurance for just $25 — always recommended for vintage or original cabinets.
Why Choose Coin Machine Shippers?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to remove the marquee or control panel before shipping?
No — for freight shipping, the cabinet ships whole. No disassembly needed. Just wrap and pallet the machine as-is. Marquees, control panels, and sideart panels all stay in place — the wrapping protects them.
How do I protect the sideart on an arcade cabinet during shipping?
Place a layer of cardboard directly against the sideart before applying stretch wrap. Never let stretch wrap contact painted or screened sideart panels — the adhesion can damage the artwork when removed. Cardboard as the first layer is key.
Can a cocktail arcade cabinet ship flat on a pallet?
Yes — and it actually ships better that way. A cocktail cabinet laid flat on a pallet has a low center of gravity, ships stably, and is easier to strap down than an upright. Just wrap it thoroughly before palletizing.
How many ratchet straps does an arcade machine need?
At minimum, two straps crossing over the top of the cabinet. For tall cabinets (over 5 feet), add a third strap at the mid-section. The machine should not shift at all when the pallet is tilted or bumped.
What if I've never shipped an arcade machine before?
Call us at 866.216.7742 — we'll walk you through the entire process. We've helped thousands of first-time shippers get their machine safely across the country.
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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.