Retro & Vintage Arcade Machine Shipping
Specialized freight shipping for vintage and retro arcade machines from the golden age of gaming. Original 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s arcade cabinets — Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Galaga, Street Fighter, and more — handled with the expert care these irreplaceable pieces deserve.
Why Vintage Arcade Machines Need Special Care
Original arcade cabinets from the 1970s–1990s are irreplaceable collectibles. Original artwork sideart, CRT monitors, original PCBs, and factory decals are all fragile and often impossible to replace. A damaged sideart panel or cracked monitor bezel on a Pac-Man or Galaga machine can significantly reduce its value.
The retro arcade collector market is nationwide. Enthusiasts buy machines from dealers, estate sales, arcade warehouses, and private collectors across the country. Professional freight shipping is how the retro gaming community moves these machines safely — with proper packing, single-carrier transit, and optional high-value insurance.
Our Shipping Process
Pickup
Request a Quote
Tell us the cabinet game title, approximate dimensions, weight, and your shipping route. We understand the value of original machines and will advise on the best shipping method for your specific cab.
Packing
Careful Packing
Protect sideart panels with cardboard before anything touches them. Cover the monitor face with foam or cardboard. Wrap the entire cabinet in cardboard sheets, then multiple layers of stretch wrap. Secure to a pallet with ratchet straps — never over-tighten near sideart.
Freight Transport
Single-Carrier Transit
One freight company handles your vintage cabinet from pickup to delivery. No terminals, no handoffs — fewer touchpoints means less risk to your irreplaceable machine.
Delivery
Safe Delivery
Delivered to your location with liftgate service available. Inspect the cabinet thoroughly before signing the delivery receipt — document any issues immediately on the driver's paperwork.
Cost of Shipping
Retro arcade machine shipping typically costs $150–$450 for domestic US freight. Most original cabinets weigh 200–350 lbs. The $25 insurance upgrade is especially important for machines valued over $500.
- Cabinet weight — most original uprights are 200–350 lbs; larger deluxe cabs cost more.
- Distance — local/regional moves start around $150; cross-country runs $350–$450.
- Cabinet size — wide-body machines (Robotron, Defender) have a larger freight footprint.
- Residential liftgate — adds $75–$125 if no dock at pickup or delivery.
- $10,000 insurance for $25 — critical for vintage machines worth $500–$5,000+.
Why Choose Coin Machine Shippers?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you protect sideart on a vintage arcade cabinet during shipping?
Use wide sheets of cardboard as the first layer directly against the sideart. Never let stretch wrap or tape contact painted or screened sideart panels directly. Then wrap the entire cabinet in cardboard followed by stretch wrap — the cardboard acts as a buffer.
Can you ship a CRT arcade monitor without damage?
Yes, with proper packing. Cover the monitor face with foam or cardboard before wrapping. CRTs are glass and need front-face protection. A properly palletized cabinet with good padding around the monitor ships safely with professional freight.
How much is insurance for a vintage arcade machine worth $2,000?
Our optional freight insurance covers up to $10,000 for just $25. That's an exceptional rate for a machine worth $1,000–$5,000. We strongly recommend it for any vintage or restored cabinet.
Can you ship a non-working vintage arcade cabinet?
Yes — the machine doesn't need to be working, just properly packaged and secured to a pallet. Many retro arcade collectors ship project machines and restoration candidates across the country.
Get a Free Quote
$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.