How to Ship a Stand Up Paddle Board in the Most Secure Possible Way
How to ship a stand up paddle board is relatively simple if you bubble wraps it all over. Deflate it if you have an inflatable model. Other than that, find a box in the right size, fill it with cushioning and choose the cheapest courier.
It makes no difference if you run a business selling paddle boards or want to get rid of your old one – maybe you got an upgrade, or perhaps it is not for you.
Figuring out how to ship a stand up paddle board can be tricky, mostly because of its size.
Luckily, just like other brands out there, you can do it without too much hassle.
This article will give you all the steps to ensure safe transportation, prevent damage and get the best possible deal with the courier.
Table of Contents
What You Need to Prepare
How to Pack Stand Up Paddle Boards
In this guide, you will learn how to ship stand up paddle boards safely and efficiently, like a pro. By following these steps, you can minimize the risk of damage during shipping.
1. Prepare the Stand Up Paddle Board
The first step implies cleaning the paddle board.
If you have used it before, ensure there is no sand on it.
When pressed against it, it will most likely scratch the surface.
Even if there is no sand, you should still wipe it to get rid of dust.
If this is a solid stand up paddle board, leave it as it is.
If it is an inflatable one, deflate it first.
It would help if you still had the original case or bag, whether it is solid or inflatable.
2. Wrap Up the Stand Up Paddle Board
The next step implies wrapping up the paddle board.
Whether in its original case or not, you need to bubble wrap it.
A few layers around it will help – make sure you cover the top sides as well, so do it from more angles.
After all, you do not want it to slip out of this cover.
Use some tape to keep the bubble wrap tightly in place when you are done.
3. Place the Whole Package in a Shipping Box
The shipping box must not be the same size as the paddle board.
Instead, it must be a bit bigger, especially if you need to send other things.
For example, you may need to send the paddles, not to mention other accessories.
The pump may also be part of the package if you ship an inflatable paddle board.
Add packing peanuts or other cushioning materials to fill up the whole box.
Make sure they go all around the board.
Put some at the bottom first, place the board on top, and cover up.
Press against the cushioning or shake the box for it to settle down, then fill the gaps again.
4. Seal the Box
Close the box and use tape to seal it.
You will need plenty of it.
Insist around the openings and corners.
Ideally, You should wrap the whole package in it.
Keep in mind that most courier employees will not necessarily care about what is inside.
If one part of the box is not covered but exposed to moisture, it will disintegrate, exposing the paddle board.
Write fragile on the box or get a few stickers.
It is not a guarantee that someone will be more careful with the box, but it is good for your peace of mind – you never know.
Remember that writing fragile on the box does not mean you can overlook the cushioning.
Proper packaging is a must.
5. Get Shipping Labels and Ship the Item
Finally, choose a courier, get your shipping labels, and you are ready.
Shipping labels are sold separately, so this is another expense.
How Much Does it Cost to Ship Stand Up Paddle Boards?
Get ready to pay between $20 and $60 for your shipping.
You will likely be somewhere in the middle range – around $40.
Although most couriers will charge based on the weight, the truth is they have some limits regarding the volume too.
Fill up a massive box with packing peanuts only, and despite being super lightweight, you will also face numerous fees for the physical size.
A compact inflatable paddle board will require a smaller box and cost less.
Also, it depends on how fast you want the receiver to get it – premium delivery is super quick but more expensive.
If it is an expensive paddle board and you feel like insuring it, this will also add to the expenses.
The Cheapest Way to Ship Stand Up Paddle Boards
USPS is the best-rated option because it can keep prices low due to the high volume of items.
You will have to wait in the queue and purchase shipping labels, depending on who you choose for the shipping.
You can skip the queues and save money by printing your shipping labels.
There are more types of shipping software out there.
Pirate Ship, for instance, allows weighing the item yourself and putting in the measurements of the box.
Not only do you get to print your shipping labels for free, but Pirate Ship will also find the cheapest courier based on the size and weight.
Having your labels means you can drop the item by the counter rather than wait in a queue.
Final Thoughts
Bottom line, a bit of attention with packing and a few tricks to save money will help you figure out how to ship a stand up paddle board like a professional.
If you have ordered such boards online before, you should know how they are packed.
Other than that, more couriers are willing to give you a good deal, but some of them stand out.
Using shipping software will also allow you to print shipping labels without paying for them or waiting in the queue.
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