How To Ship A Large Stuffed Animal: A Step-By-Step Guide

Shipping a prized large stuffed animal doesn’t have to be scary. With some preparation and the right carrier, your oversized plush can arrive safely at its destination.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer on shipping large stuffed animals: Use an airline pet carrier or extra large box filled with packing materials to protect your stuffed animal in transit. Make sure to declare accurate dimensions and weight.

FedEx and UPS Ground with oversize pricing are reliable affordable options for most large plushies under 150 pounds.

Choose the Right Shipping Carrier

FedEx

FedEx is a great option for shipping large stuffed animals. They offer convenient oversize package shipping with door-to-door delivery. FedEx also has a large network of drop-off and pick-up locations which makes sending your stuffed friend easy.

Some key benefits of FedEx for oversized items:

• Free packaging for items up to 150 lbs
• Discounted rates for FedEx One Rate pricing
• Ability to schedule convenient pick-up times
• Tracking throughout transit so you know your package’s status

UPS

UPS is another solid shipping choice when mailing oversized stuffed animals or pillows. They provide guaranteed delivery windows so you can know precisely when to expect your package. UPS also offers shipment protection for up to $100 of declared value to cover damage at no extra cost.

Top reasons to select UPS:

• Free packaging materials for oversize items
• Residential or commercial pick-up
• Live support to help select the best rate
• Ability to pick up from The UPS Store locations

USPS

You can ship large stuffed animals via USPS using Priority Mail Express or Priority Mail services. Key things to know:

• Max weight is 70 lbs
• Boxes can measure up to 108 inches combined length and girth
• Free packaging supplies and pick-up with Priority Mail Express
• Affordable rates compared to private couriers

Just schedule a package pick-up on the USPS website or drop it at any post office location near you. Tracking is also included.

DHL

DHL Express offers reliable global delivery of oversized items like large stuffed toys. As one of the world’s top international shippers, they provide:

• Door-to-door transport to over 220 countries and territories
• A 97% on-time delivery rate for express shipments
• Online shipment booking and tracking
• Professional packaging advice

So if you need to send your stuffed friend overseas, DHL can make sure they arrive safely in time for that special occasion.

Find a Sturdy and Spacious Shipping Container

When shipping a prized large stuffed animal, it is crucial to find a sturdy container that will protect it from damage during transit while still allowing enough room so it is not squished. There are several great options to safely transport oversized plush toys.

Airline Pet Carriers

An airline-approved pet carrier makes an excellent shipping container, as they are specifically designed for safe animal transport. Look for a hard-sided model made of durable plastic with ventilation holes and a steel door that locks securely.

Make sure to choose an extra large size with enough interior room for your stuffed friend. Brands like Sherpa and Frisco offer quality, spacious carriers.

Extra Large Cardboard Boxes

If transporting as checked baggage on a flight, an oversized cardboard box makes a lightweight and affordable option. Look for heavy duty shipping boxes at least 20x20x20 inches or larger. Protect pointy areas like ears and limbs by wrapping them in bubble wrap or foam.

Line the bottom and sides with additional cushioning material. Tape securely on all seams and label with “Fragile” stickers.

Wooden Crates

For shipping ground via freight truck, a custom wooden crate offers superb protection. Have one specially constructed to your stuffed toy’s shape and density specifications out of plywood or dense hardwood. Drill ventilation holes if needed.

Secure the crate with screws and bolts vs nails for durability; apply weatherproof outdoor stain if shipping uncovered. Add internal braces and fill empty space with packing material. Though pricey, crates prevent damage even in poor weather and rough transit conditions.

Pack the Container Securely

Cushion with Packing Materials

Cushioning the stuffed animal inside the shipping box is crucial to prevent damage during transit. Start by lining the bottom of the box with 2-3 inches of packing material like bubble wrap or foam peanuts.

Make sure to use packing peanuts specifically designed for shipping rather than cheaper alternatives like loose fill peanuts which can settle over time and leave the item vulnerable.

After lining the bottom, place the stuffed animal inside and begin filling in all empty spaces around it with more packing material. Be generous with the amount of cushioning and make sure there are at least 2 inches of buffer on all sides.

Lightly press the packing peanuts or bubble wrap around the plushie to immobilize it inside the box.

Immobilize Inside Box

In addition to the packing materials surrounding the stuffed animal, you may want to immobilize it even further inside the box to prevent shifting during handling and transportation. Some good methods include:

• Wrapping the plushie securely with a few layers of stretch wrap. This clings tightly and reduces movement.
• Anchoring the stuffed toy in place by taping cardboard pieces or rolled up packing paper around it.
• Placing the plushie inside a slightly larger box first before putting it in the main shipping container. The smaller box acts as an inner shell to keep the item from sliding around.

Be careful not to wrap or tape the item too tightly as you still want some cushioning ability from the packing materials. The goal is gentle yet secure immobilization.

Seal Container

After the stuffed animal is protected on all sides by adequate cushioning and immobilized to prevent shifting, you’re ready to seal up the container. Use 2-3 strips of packing tape over the opening of the box flaps to securely close it.

For additional protection, you can reinforce the box further by wrapping it completely in tape or securing the edges and seams with tape. This offers more resistance against impacts or accidental opening during shipping. Just take care not to wrap so much that the box loses its structural integrity.

With cushioning, immobilization, and a securely sealed box, you can ship even the most precious oversized stuffed animals without damage. Just handle the package gently and add appropriate shipping insurance for extra peace of mind.👍

Accurately Label Package Dimensions and Weight

Properly labeling the package for your stuffed animal is a crucial step to ensure safe delivery. When shipping with major carriers like USPS, FedEx, or UPS, you must provide accurate dimensions and weight so they can determine the right logistics and pricing for the package.

Measure Carefully

Carefully measure the length, width, and height of the stuffed animal and packaging in inches, rounding up to the nearest inch. Be sure to account for any protruding parts like ears or limbs. You don’t want any surprises! 😅 An inaccurate dimension can cause delivery delays or extra fees.

Consider using a tape measure for precision.

Likewise, weigh your packaged stuffed animal and round up to the nearest pound or ounce as required. For large or heavy items exceeding 50 pounds, confirming an accurate weight is especially important as additional services or fees may apply.

Determine Dimensional Weight

If your stuffed package measures large compared to the actual weight, carriers will assess a “dimensional weight” – basically charging for the amount of space the parcel occupies. Carefully check each carrier’s dimensional weight policies.

For example, UPS has a 166 cubic inch per pound threshold for dimensional weight to take effect in domestic ground shipments.

Write Measurements Clearly

With precise measurements in hand, clearly write the length x width x height dimensions and weight on the outside of the packaged stuffed animal. Use a bold thick marker so it’s easy to read. Include any special handling instructions as well if needed.

This labeled information will facilitate handling and aid accurate delivery.

Accurately labeling dimensions and weight is quick and easy with the right tools and information. Taking this important step helps stuffed animal shipments stay on track! 👍

Purchase Insurance and Tracking

When shipping a large or expensive stuffed animal, it is highly recommended to purchase insurance and tracking services. This provides protection in case the package gets lost or damaged during transit and allows you to monitor its location and delivery status.

Insurance Options

Most major shipping carriers like USPS, FedEx, and UPS offer insurance and tracking add-ons when shipping a package. Insurance costs extra but covers the value of your stuffed animal if something happens to it. Common options include:

• Basic insurance – Covers up to $100 of value, best for lower-cost items
• Declared value – Insures the full value you declare, more expensive but better coverage
• Shipment insurance – Provides coverage for the entire shipment based on the total value

We recommend getting insurance for the full value of your stuffed animal so you are fully covered. On a treasured or expensive plushie worth $200+, the extra insurance fees are well worth it for that added peace of mind! 😊

Tracking Services

Tracking options depend on the shipping carrier but can include delivery confirmation, signature confirmation, or full tracking visibility:

• Delivery confirmation – Notifies you when package is delivered
• Signature confirmation – Requires a signature at delivery for added accountability
• Full tracking – Enables you to monitor each step of the delivery process through online tracking

Full tracking is optimal, allowing you to follow your package’s journey from origin to destination. According to a 2021 study, 87% of consumers view real-time tracking as “very important.” For a cherished stuffed buddy, that peace of mind is priceless!

As the table shows, major carriers offer ample insurance and tracking options to keep your prized plushie safe. When in doubt, you can never go wrong with maximum coverage! 👍

Final Tips

When shipping large or expensive stuffed critters:

• Research insurance costs for full value coverage
• Utilize signature and full tracking for accountability and visibility
• Document condition with photos in case of disputes
• Keep packaging secure to avoid damage

With the proper protections and proactive steps, you can ship even your most prized stuffed buddies with total confidence and care! Those special plush pals deserve to arrive safe and sound ready for lots of snuggles and love. 🧸😍

Schedule Carrier Pickup or Drop Off

Booking carrier pickup is the most convenient option when shipping a large stuffed animal or oversized item. UPS, FedEx and USPS all offer scheduled pickups so you don’t have to lug the stuffed animal to a shipping location yourself.

Carriers like UPS and FedEx typically require at least 24 hours advance notice to schedule a residential pickup. USPS requests pickup scheduling before your carrier’s last daily delivery to your address. On the carrier’s website, select your pickup date and preferred collection time frame.

Pricing is usually very reasonable (under $10). The site will confirm if pickup is available at the requested time.

For both pickup and self drop-offs, check carrier size and weight allowances beforehand. Oversized or heavy items may require special shipping services. Most locations also have weight or size limitations for their drop boxes.

Get confirmation from an employee before leaving an oversized stuffed animal in a drop box unattended.

Comparison of Shipping Carrier Options

Conclusion

Preparing a large stuffed animal for transit may seem daunting, but breaking the process down into a few key steps makes shipping your oversized plush possible. With an adequately sized container, plenty of internal cushioning, and a shipping carrier suited for large packages, your beloved stuffed friend can safely arrive at any destination.