Moving 600+ lbs of Clothes from Cleveland to Seattle: Cheapest Shipping Options

Shipping a large volume of clothing (600+ lbs, no furniture) cross-country requires balancing cost, convenience, and reliability. Here are the most economical methods, ranked.

1. Freight LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) — Best for Pure Weight

• Carriers: YRC, Old Dominion, XPO, Estes, ABF, UPS Freight, FedEx Freight
• How: Palletize boxes (48×40×48" max), shrink-wrap, schedule pickup
• Cost: ~$400–$700 for 600 lbs (Class 100–150, density-based)
• Transit: 5–7 business days
• Pro: Cheapest per pound; commercial pricing
• Con: Need pallet jack/liftgate or dock; residential fees ($75–150)

2. Container / Portable Storage — Best for DIY Loading

• Companies: U-Pack (ABF), PODS, 1-800-PACK-RAT, U-Haul U-Box
• How: Container dropped at home, you load, they drive it
• Cost: ~$1,500–$2,500 for 7–16 ft container (Cleveland→Seattle)
• Pro: No driving truck; flexible timeline; weatherproof
• Con: Higher base cost; street parking permits may be needed

3. Consolidated Shipping / Shared Truck — Hidden Gem

• Platforms: uShip, FreightCenter, FreightRun, Shiply
• How: Post shipment; carriers with empty backhaul bid
• Cost: ~$500–$900 if timing flexible
• Pro: Uses otherwise empty space
• Con: Less predictable dates; vet carrier insurance/USDOT#

4. USPS / Parcel — Only If Boxed Small

• 600 lbs = 15×40 lb boxes. Priority Mail: ~$150/box = $2,250+ (too high)
• Parcel Select Ground: ~$80/box = $1,200+ (slow, 2–9 days)
• Verdict: Not competitive for this weight/volume

5. Local Movers with Long-Haul Authority — Worth a Quote

• Some Cleveland movers (e.g., Corrigan, Berger, local independents) run own trucks or broker to van lines
• Get 3+ binding estimates; ask for "weight-based" not "volume-based" pricing
• May include packing materials

Prep Tips to Save Money

1. Use uniform boxes (18×18×24" wardrobe or 16×16×16" standard)
2. Vacuum-seal bags reduce volume 50% → fewer pallets/containers
3. Label every box: "CLOTHING — NOT FRAGILE — STACKABLE"
4. Weigh each box; total must match BOL (Bill of Lading)
5. Insure: $0.60/lb carrier liability is low; buy 3rd-party ($1–2/lb)

Bottom Line

For 600 lbs of clothing only: LTL freight on pallets is usually cheapest if you can handle palletizing. uShip/consolidated is best if you want door-to-door without a dock. Get quotes from all three channels.