Driving with your snowboard can be as easy as throwing it into your car or strapping it onto a rack. If you’re flying with your board, you can put it in a bag and let the airline do their thing.
However, what happens when you want to ship it?
While it can be nerve-racking to leave the transport of your favorite board in the hands of others, there are some easy solutions to that process. We’ll take a look at some of the best ones below.
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Why Ship a Snowboard?
There are a few reasons why you would want to ship a snowboard. I’ve transported a board across the country in many different ways, and shipping has been my go-to more than a couple of times.
One reason to ship a board is if you are giving it as a gift. Maybe you found a good deal on a board in your hometown and want to send it as a birthday present to a family member or friend who lives far away.
Shipping enables you to send it along without having to actually go out and deliver it yourself.
Another reason you might ship a board is if you have sold a used board and need to get it to the buyer. There are several different ways to sell a snowboard online to a private party.
In fact, it’s a common way for many riders to get a deal on a used board or make some money on the side.
I’ve also shipped a board instead of flying with it because the cost of shipping was cheaper than what the airline was going to charge me.
That isn’t an ideal situation because it will generally take a long time for the board to arrive, but it can be a good way to save some cash if you’re planning a big snow trip.
Best Way to Ship a Snowboard
There are actually two ways to ship your snowboard, depending on your needs.
1. Use a Standard Shipping Service
One of the most common ways to ship a snowboard is by using a standard shipping service. In the US, this can include commonly known companies such as UPS or USPS.
If you’re in a different country or want to ship your snowboard internationally, I would suggest using FedEx.
These are trusted companies that have a great network and infrastructure to effectively deliver just about anything from anywhere. That includes your snowboard.
A benefit of using a standard shipping service is that you have plenty of options when it comes to how fast you want your board to get there.
Faster shipping will cost you more, but if you want to make sure your package arrives on time in its intended location, you might want it fast.
Standard shipping is great if you’re in no rush to deliver the board and want to save some money. If you’re selling your board and shipping it, this is a good way to go.
These companies will also be able to provide insurance on your shipping, which is important if you want to make sure that you will be compensated should your board get lost or damaged.
You’ll have to pay extra for insurance, but it’s well worth it if you are concerned about anything happening during transit. It’s a good way to get some peace of mind.
The cost of shipping can vary between the companies listed here. They all have different rates that are typically based on the weight and size of your package. A snowboard isn’t all that heavy, but it is long. USPS is generally the cheapest option.
However, you might want to pack up your board (we’ll take a look at how to do that below) and get a quote from each shipping company before you decide which one to use.
2. Use a Specialty Shipping Service
You can also use a specialty service to ship your snowboard. There are some companies that have built their business on shipping your board from your home to the resort.
Like I mentioned earlier, this is a good way to go if you’re headed on a snowboarding trip that involves air travel. You can save money by using these companies instead of paying the oversized baggage fee that many airlines charge.
Ship Skis is a cool company that specializes in shipping skis and snowboards. They have a really easy-to-use system that will pick up your board right from your house and then take care of everything involved in getting it to wherever it needs to go.
Through their online system, you print out your own label, attach it to your snowboard bag or box, and they will take care of the rest.
Advantages of a specialty shipping service like Ship Skis include ease of use, convenience, and the ability to pack your snowboard in a travel bag or box. Such services are usually more expensive than standard shipping, but you will save money over what airlines tend to charge.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Snowboard?
The cost of shipping a snowboard depends on how far you are shipping it and what type of service you choose to ship it with. On average, you’ll pay between $30 to $100+ to ship a board. UPS and USPS are usually the cheapest options.
If you are shipping a board to a nearby location, in the same state it will cost $30, maybe less. If you ship across the country, it will cost you closer to $50. If you want to ship a board internationally, it gets more expensive and could cost you $100 or more.
How to Pack a Snowboard for Shipping?
You can’t just stick a stamp on your board and put it in the mailbox. You need to package it properly in order to avoid damage and meet any rules or regulations the shipping service has in regards to your item.
At a basic level, you can think of packaging a snowboard like you would any other item. Get a box, secure it inside, and you’re ready to go.
However, because of how long boards tend to be, a box can be hard to find. While you can get long boxes specifically intended for snowboards, you can also make your own box by using old cardboard boxes and cutting them to fit your board.
Before you put your board into a box, you want to make sure that it’s covered in some way to avoid damage. Bubble wrap is an easy option but you could also use old clothing, styrofoam, or any other packaging material you have lying around the house.
If you use Ship Skis, you don’t have to get a box to ship your board. You just need a good travel bag. If you don’t already have one of these, boxes are going to be the cheaper option.
Final Thoughts
Shipping a snowboard is pretty easy. Any of the above shipping companies and services will allow you to get your board anywhere you need it to go.
Just remember to pack it up carefully so it doesn’t get damaged along the way, and, if you’re nervous about sending it off in the mail, pay a few extra dollars and get insurance on the package.
About Lorraine
Elena
Where to buy a box for snowboard to ship out? Where do I find the cost?
Lorraine
Hi Elena,
You can find a box that will fit your snowboard from a number of different places. Amazon sells a few that should work and are pretty affordable. You can also use tape and scissors to cut up whatever boxes you have around to the right size. That will save you money is probably the easiest and quickest way to go about it.
Sally
I have to ship my son’s board from Ontario to BC but I am still a bit confused about which Canadian shipping company may be the best in terms of price etc. Is UPS the way to go?
Lorraine
I do think UPS is probably your best bet for shipping the board. There might be a few other Canada-specific shipping companies out there, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find an option that is as affordable or reliable as UPS. Calling a ski/snowboard shop in your area might help as well. They are usually familiar with shipping boards and might have more inside information than I can provide here.