Need to ship a skateboard but feel overwhelmed by the options?
Do you take it apart or ship it complete?
Which carrier should you choose?
How much will it cost?
As a specialized fulfillment company, we’re used to shipping bulky items.
We know the answers to all these questions from first-hand experience.
And we know of a few critical questions you’re probably not asking.
We’ll go over all of this–packing steps, common damage scenarios, shipping options, cost-saving tips, and more.
What you’ll learn
When to consider disassembling the skateboard
How to choose the right box size and minimize costs
How to pack for optimal protection and minimum shipping costs
Factors that influence carrier selection
Special considerations for eBoards, insurance, international shipping, and tracking
TL;DR:
Key takeaways
The cheapest way to ship a skateboard is by standard ground transport with UPS. It will cost approximately $20-50, depending on the distance.
The fastest way to ship it is by expedited air transport (typically delivered the next day).
A box that measures 34 x 10 x 6 inches will fit most standard/medium skateboards.
Disassembling the board and/or cutting your box to size may decrease costs.
PRO TIP: Shipping skateboards might seem simple, but decks can snap, trucks can bend, and wheels can get damaged in transit. Packaging problems and shipping headaches can grind your ecommerce business to a halt. But a 3PL specializing in bulky shipments offers a solid solution.
At Red Stag Fulfillment, we’ve mastered the art of shipping skateboards, longboards, and other bulky items. Our expert packaging methods protect your boards from damage, while our carrier relationships help you roll out better rates. Reach out now for a customized quote, and let us keep your skateboard shipments on track.
How to ship a skateboard in 8 steps
Measure your skateboard
01
Measure your skateboard’s furthermost edges and note the dimensions.
Pay attention to the following:
- The width that’s relevant for packing.
This can be the distance between the wheels’ outer edges or the width of the deck, whichever is greater. - Nose and tail angles.
Measure the distance between the floor and the highest point. That’s your height.
A freestyle longboard can be up to 60 inches long, while an old-school or a mini-cruiser deck will be 27—30 inches.
NOTE: It will all make more sense in a minute–when we discuss packing, size limits, and shipping costs.
Decide if you’re shipping disassembled or complete
02
It makes sense to disassemble your board for shipping if:
You want to minimize the risks of transit damage. Disassembly allows you to pack and pad each part separately.
You want to lower the cost by packing the parts into a smaller box.
Your ink/paint is sensitive, and you want to protect the deck with an acid-free skateboard bag (a good idea for custom paint jobs).
However, disassembling your board involves:
Extra work to disassemble, pack, and reassemble the board upon receipt.
Higher risk of missing parts, like screws and washers.
Greater risk of shifting damage. For example, the truck might move inside the box and scratch the deck.
On the other hand, shipping a whole skateboard will be easier for most people because:
It’s faster to pack.
It’s less work, as there’s no disassembly and reassembly.
There’s less risk of losing the smaller parts–like the spacers, nuts, and bearings.
Pro tip: If you’re disassembling the board, pack all parts in a separate bag. This will prevent the smallest parts (e.g., washers) from falling out of the box during transit
Choose the correct shipping box
03
You want a box that is:
01
Thick and rigid. A three-ply corrugated shipping box will do.
02
Big enough to fit the skateboard and allow for 1 to 3 inches of padding on all sides.
03
Compact enough to minimize shifting inside the box.
For the purposes of this guide, let’s assume you’re shipping a medium concave deck.
The assumed deck is:
30 inches long
8 inches wide
4 inches high
If shipping complete, a box measuring 34 x 10 x 6 inches (like https://www.amazon.com/Boxes-Large-Corrugated-Cardboard-Storage-34x10x6-34106/dp/B00BT3E4EU) might be a good fit.
If shipping disassembled (or just the deck), a smaller box will be a better choice.
For example, a box measuring 32 x 10 x 3 (like this one on CustomSkateboards.com) will allow you to pack all parts compactly.
PRO TIP: Getting a box from your local skate shop might be convenient. Most shops have a few boxes on hand or can save you one from their next shipment. (If you opt for a used box, make sure it’s structurally solid.)
Determine size limits (if shipping multiple boards)
04
If the package size exceeds the limits below, the carrier won’t ship your skateboard(s) as a parcel. It will need to be shipped as freight.
Call ahead to check size limits and investigate your freight-shipping options if needed.
Size limits for shipping a skateboard (as a parcel)
| Measurement | UPS | FedEx | USPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length and girth* combined (inches) | 165 | 165 (130 for Express) | 108 (130 for Retail Ground, still charged as oversized) |
| Length (inches) | 108 | 108 | * |
| Weight | 150 | 150 | 70 |
This means it will be separated from the smaller items and placed in a separate container or strapped onto a pallet.
Below is an illustration of items typically transported as parcels and freight.
*Girth is 2 * (height + width).
In other words, it’s the sum of the dimensions perpendicular to the package length, as illustrated below.
Freight transport is a whole new ball game with different terms for both speed and cost.
Learn more about the differences in our comparison guide–shipping vs. freight.
ALERT: Things can get complicated if you’re shipping skateboards in bulk. The bigger the boards, the fewer you can ship as one parcel. Partnering with a premier 3PL provider like Red Stag solves that problem. It allows you to spend time growing your business instead of measuring boxes and doing math.
Contact us, and let’s start a conversation today.
Adjust box size to lower shipping cost.
05
You’d be lucky to stumble into a Goldilocks scenario where the box size is “just right” for your board.
In most cases, you’ll need to cut a bigger box down to size like in the video below.
Gather packing supplies (bubble wrap, packaging tape, and more).
06
Below is a list of supplies you might need for proper packaging.
It’s a comprehensive list that covers all scenarios (shipping complete and disassembled), so you won’t need every item listed.
| Supplies | Tools |
|---|---|
| Shipping box | Measuring tape |
| Bubble-wrap | Box cutter or craft knife |
| Acid-free skateboard bags (best for custom paint jobs) | Scissors |
| Packing paper | Wrenches for disassembly–Allen and/or hex |
| Plastic bags for smaller parts | |
| Packaging tape | |
| General adhesive and painters’ tape | |
| Styrofoam boards | |
| Foam sheets and cushions | |
| Air pillows (instead of packing peanuts) |
Choose the carrier.
07
Choosing a carrier for your skateboard shipment will come down to cost and speed.
The best way to compare carriers is via a real-world example.
We’ve already made some assumptions:
You’re shipping a standard, medium deck with 54mm wheels.
The board’s dimensions are 30 x 8 x 4, and it weighs 5 pounds.
You’re shipping without disassembly and declaring a $100 value.
This board snugly fits into a 34x10x6-inch box.
Below is a cost comparison across three major carriers–including their cheapest and fastest options for two reference distances:
01
New York to Charlotte (just over 600 miles)
02
New York to Denver (just under 1,800 miles)
| Carrier | Cheapest by Carrier | Fastest by Carrier |
|---|---|---|
| UPS | $20.46 | $237.54 |
| FedEx | $20.94 | $267.45 |
| USPS | $27.70 | $125.75 |
| Carrier | Cheapest by Carrier | Fastest by Carrier |
|---|---|---|
| UPS | $42.93 | $303.51 |
| FedEx | $45.98 | $328.13 |
| USPS | $45.50 | $168.00 |
NOTE: The cheapest options are basic ground-shipping services, which can take 5-7 days. The fastest options are next-day air transport and priority mail. The most convenient are specialized pack-and-ship services for sports equipment, like this one from UPS.
Dimensional weight of a skateboard
Dimensional weight is a way for carriers to calculate shipping costs based on the size of the packaged board (instead of the actual weight).
It’s typically applied to light and bulky items.
Skateboards tick both boxes.
Below is an example of dimensional-weight calculations for our reference box. To learn the dimensional weight of your box, use our dimensional weight calculator.
A screenshot from the Dim Weight calculator.
PRO TIP: If you’re flying with your skateboard to a holiday or an event, most airlines will allow it as a carry-on. Still, the length will usually exceed the carry-on limits (22 inches for most airlines), so be prepared to check it at the gate.
Pack, pad, and box your skateboard.
08
The packing steps will depend on whether you’re shipping complete or disassembled.
Packing steps for a complete skateboard:
01
Wrap the skateboard in no less than three layers of bubble wrap.
02
Add foam protectors to the deck’s edges (optional–if the box size allows for it).
03
Apply tape to the bubble wrap (rather than the deck’s surface).
04
Pad the bottom of the box with 1—2 inches of crumpled packing paper for stability and extra protection. Add more padding to the front and back of the box to account for the nose and tail angles.
05
Slide the skateboard into the box.
06
Cut the box down to size if there’s more than 3 inches of space at the top.
07
Fill any empty spaces with cushioning materials–e.g., packing paper, air pillows, and foam inserts.
08
Tape in an H-pattern along all edges. Use packing tape at least 2 inches wide.
Packing steps for a disassembled skateboard:
01
Disassemble the board.
02
Pack all small parts into small plastic bags. Sort them by part to make assembly easier (bearings, spacers, bolts, washers).
03
Place all bags with the smaller parts into one bigger zipper bag.
04
Slide the deck into an acid-free skateboard bag (optional).
05
Wrap and pad the deck (as described in steps #1-3 of the previous list).
06
Wrap bigger parts separately–such as trucks, wheels, and risers. Use foam sheets, bubble wrap, or smaller boxes.
07
Slide the deck onto a previously padded bottom (padding described in step #4 of the previous list).
08
Add a layer of padding over the skateboard deck to prevent movement and shifting damage.
09
Add the separately packaged bigger parts and the bag with the smaller parts.
10
Insert the top padding layer (step #7 in the previous list).
PRO TIP: Tape the bubble wrap to itself and not the skateboard deck. The strong adhesive of the packing tape can pull off paint and ink. Only use painters’ tape on the deck surface.
Label and package with shipping in mind.
09
Along with “to” and “from” information, consider adding:
Handling instruction labels (fragile, handle with care, this side up, etc.).
Instructions for unpacking, assembly, etc.
Other considerations when shipping a skateboard safely
Let’s cover the basics of carrier coverage and third-party insurance.
Get third-party insurance when shipping valuable boards
Declared value of a skateboard
The declared value represents the maximum compensation you can receive if your skateboard is lost, damaged, or stolen during shipping.
It’s the carrier’s maximum liability.
You declare it on the shipping form.
Most shippers don’t charge for the first $100 of declared value. Anything higher than that will add cost.
Still…
Just because you declare a specific value doesn’t guarantee you’ll receive that amount in compensation.
In other words–declared value is not insurance.
NOTE: If you’re shipping a skateboard valued at more than $100, get additional insurance. The terms are more flexible, and the coverage is more comprehensive.
Understand the additional regulations for e-boards
Electric skateboards include batteries that might be considered hazardous materials (depending on the battery strength, type, and size).
Regulations vary by state.
What it means for you
If an e-board is shipped within the United States, it will probably be transported via ground services.
International shipments can only go through a carrier with a license to ship hazardous materials between countries. (Most major carriers have the appropriate licenses, but you’ll want to verify this before selecting a carrier. )
For more information, see our guide on hazmat shipping requirements.
NOTE: When shipping anything with a lithium battery via UPS, you might need to take it to the local shipping center instead of the nearest UPS store.
Consider the differences between international and domestic shipping
Shipping internationally requires a few extra steps.
At a minimum, you’ll need a packing list and a customs declaration form.
You may also need a commercial invoice, export declaration, packing slip, and certificate of origin–depending on the destination country.
So, it’s more work and will take longer.
If you’re shipping for a vacation or an event, checking the skateboard as luggage or carry-on is much simpler.
Track your board
All major carriers allow you to track the whereabouts and status of your skateboard, which allows you to stay on top of things until the deck arrives safely.
You can track it through the carrier’s website or get daily updates via email or text messages.
You typically get information like:
Estimated delivery.
Current location.
Transit path.
Delays or exceptions.
Choose a trusted partner to ship skateboards
Shipping is probably a headache if you’re selling skateboards online.
They’re awkwardly shaped and have sensitive parts. Each step can be challenging–from finding the correct box to deciding what parts to disassemble.
Partnering with a trusted, award-winning 3PL company solves that problem.
It gives you a sense of control and peace of mind.
It also frees up time and allows you to focus on growing your businesses instead of packing and taping.
At Red Stag Fulfillment, we have the experience, the infrastructure, and the people to do the heavy lifting.
That’s why we back it up with zero-shrinkage guarantees. If we lose or damage your board, we pay for it.Contact us, and let’s talk about making your life easier.
