How to Ship a Server to a Colocation Facility (What to Expect)If you’ve never used colocation before, one of the biggest unknowns is surprisingly simple:
“Okay… but how do I actually get my server there?” Well, if you’re local to us in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, most of this doesn’t apply. But we support small businesses nationwide (and beyond.) So this article is for everyone else.
The good news: shipping a server to a colocation facility isn’t complicated—and you’re not expected to figure it out alone.
At Colo By The U, we walk customers through the entire process, from prep to power-on. Here’s what that typically looks like.
Step 1: Planning Before Anything Ships
Before a server ever leaves your office, we start with a short conversation.
We’ll confirm:
-
What hardware you’re sending and the dimensions.
-
Power requirements
-
Network needs
This step matters because it prevents surprises on delivery day—and ensures everything is ready when your equipment arrives.
Step 2: Packing and Shipping (Keep It Simple)
Most customers ship their servers using standard carriers like UPS or FedEx. We’re able to recieve both, As long as the hardware is packed securely (original packaging is ideal, but not required), the process is straightforward.
We’ll provide clear instructions on:
-
Labeling
-
Timing
-
What information to include
- Who needs the tracking info.
No worries about package theft, no guesswork, and no sending equipment into a black hole.
When your server arrives at our office, our team:
-
Receives the shipment
-
Confirms the equipment
-
Coordinates next steps with you. Typically, this means an email or phone call to let you know that your server is on the way to the colocation facility.
You’ll know when it arrives, and you’ll know what happens next.
Step 4: Rack, Power, and Network
Once everything is confirmed:
-
Your server is installed in the rack
-
Power is connected
-
Network is provisioned
If you need help with configuration or troubleshooting, this is where our hands-on support really shines. You’re not opening tickets into the void—you’re talking to people who can physically see your hardware.
Step 5: You’re Live (and Supported)
After your server is online, you’re in control. But you’re not on your own.
Whether you need a reboot, a cable check, or help planning your next piece of hardware, we’re here. Many of our customers choose colocation specifically because they want a human-scale data center experience, not a self-service portal and a knowledge base article.
Shipping a Server Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful
If you’ve been hesitant about colocation because the logistics felt intimidating, you’re not alone. Most first-time customers feel that way.
Our job is to make shipping a server to a colocation facility feel routine—because for us, it is.
If you’re considering colocation and want to talk through what the process would look like for your setup, reach out. We’re happy to walk you through it before anything ships.