Bulk Beef Delivery & Pickup
You've ordered your beef—now how do you get 200+ pounds of frozen meat home safely? Here's what to expect.
Pickup vs Delivery
Farm/Processor Pickup (Most Common)
The standard for local bulk beef. You drive to the farm or the processor (butcher) where your animal was cut. This keeps costs down and lets you inspect the meat before leaving.
- Pros: No delivery fee, can inspect packages, meet the farmer
- Cons: Requires vehicle space, coolers, and planning
Local Delivery
Some farms deliver within a radius (typically 50-100 miles). They bring the beef in a refrigerated truck or packed in coolers. Fees range from $50-150 depending on distance.
- Pros: Convenient, no transport logistics
- Cons: Extra cost, scheduled delivery windows
Nationwide Shipping
Online suppliers and specialty farms ship frozen beef via FedEx, UPS, or freight carriers. Packages arrive in insulated boxes with dry ice or gel packs. Common for specialty breeds or when local options are limited.
- Pros: Access to any farm in the country
- Cons: Shipping adds $50-150+, must be home to receive
Pickup Day Checklist
What to bring when picking up your beef:
Essential
- ✓Large coolers — 2-3 for a half cow, 4+ for whole
- ✓Ice or frozen jugs — to keep meat frozen during transport
- ✓Blankets or towels — to insulate coolers in hot weather
- ✓Payment — final balance is often due at pickup
Helpful
- ✓SUV or truck — a half cow fills a sedan trunk completely
- ✓A helper — boxes are heavy (50-70 lbs each)
- ✓Your cut sheet — to verify you got what you ordered
- ✓Inventory list — many processors include one; keep it
How Bulk Beef Is Packaged
Vacuum-Sealed (Cryovac)
The standard for quality processors. Each cut is sealed in thick plastic with all air removed. This prevents freezer burn and extends storage life to 12-18 months.
Look for: Tight seal with no air pockets, clear visibility of the meat
Butcher Paper
Traditional wrapping in white freezer paper. Less expensive for processors but offers less protection. Shelf life is 6-9 months before freezer burn risk increases.
Note: Some processors charge extra for vacuum sealing—it's worth it for long-term storage.
Boxing
Meat is typically packed in wax-coated cardboard boxes (like banana boxes). A half cow usually fills 4-6 boxes weighing 40-60 lbs each. Boxes are labeled with contents and weight.
Getting It Home Safely
Pre-chill your coolers
Put ice in your coolers the night before to bring them down to temperature. Dump the melt water before loading meat.
Load strategically
Put ice on the bottom, meat in the middle, more ice on top. Fill air gaps with frozen water bottles or crumpled newspaper for insulation.
Keep coolers closed
Every time you open a cooler, warm air gets in. Load once, close it, and don't peek until you're home.
Drive straight home
Schedule pickup so you can go directly home. No errands, no lunch stops. In summer, run the AC even if you're comfortable.
Have your freezer ready
Clear and organize your freezer before pickup. Running at 0°F or below. You want to load meat immediately when you arrive.
Receiving Shipped Beef
If your beef is being shipped rather than picked up:
| What to Expect | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Insulated box with dry ice or gel packs | Handle dry ice with gloves—it burns skin. Let it sublimate in ventilated area, not freezer. |
| Meat should arrive frozen or very cold | If packages are soft/thawed, contact the shipper immediately. Document with photos. |
| Delivery requires signature | Be home or have a neighbor accept. Don't let it sit on a hot porch. |
| Transit time is typically 1-3 days | Track your shipment. Most farms ship Monday-Wednesday to avoid weekend delays. |
Delivery Questions
How long can frozen beef stay in my car?
Do farms deliver, or do I have to pick up?
What if some packages are damaged or leaking?
Can I have beef shipped to me from another state?
How do I split delivery if I'm sharing with someone?
Ready to find a supplier?
Browse farms and check their delivery options.
Browse Suppliers