How to ship a trampoline: expert tips for safe and cheap transport

Shipping a trampoline can seem daunting. Bulky frames, delicate components, and multiple pieces can turn a simple shipment into a logistical puzzle. Plus, there’s the whole freight vs. parcel dilemma. 

In this three-step guide, we’ll simplify the trampoline shipping process with expert tips on disassembly and packing techniques. We’ll even answer the freight vs. parcel question with a breakdown of cost comparisons between options. (Note, however, that we recommend reading steps one through three before you start packing so you can select your boxes and packing materials with your chosen shipping method in mind.)

Whether you’re an ecommerce seller or shipping as an individual, these strategies will help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure your trampoline arrives safely. 

What you’ll learn 

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If your trampoline is already packaged and ready to ship, skip ahead to step No. 3. If not, you’ll need to disassemble it and organize the parts. 

To disassemble, simply reverse the original assembly process. If you don’t have the instructions, visit the manufacturer’s website to locate them, and consider printing them out for the next owner.

After disassembling the trampoline, separate the components into the following groups:

While you could leave some components partially assembled, such as the T-joints, we don’t recommend it for large pieces like enclosure poles. They can get damaged or bent easily during shipping; plus, their length can increase shipping costs.

Trampolines typically ship in multiple boxes due to their size and weight. The exceptions are mini-trampolines designed for fitness or small children’s models, which are compact enough to fit into a single box.

When shipping via parcel service, group the trampoline parts items strategically to remain within per-box weight and size restrictions while minimizing overall shipping expenses.

For instance, you don’t necessarily have to pack a single part type in a single box. If you can fit a few bags of hardware in the same box without exceeding the size and weight limits, pack them together to save on shipping. Or better yet, try to fit the hardware bags inside one of the boxes with your heavy metal pieces.

The limits are as follows:

In addition to these limitations, be mindful of additional charges for oversized packages. FedEx and UPS apply an oversized charge if the combined length plus girth exceeds 130” or one side exceeds 96”.

While exceeding weight or size limits may result in extra fees, it’s usually cheaper than shipping an additional box. For instance, a box that exceeds 130″ of combined length and girth would incur a $205 Large Package surcharge on top of the base shipping costs when shipping with UPS. However, splitting the shipment into two boxes under the 130″ limit at $100 each would be more economical.

Being aware of these thresholds is helpful, as you may be able to avoid them with careful parts organization and box selection, which we’ll cover next.

Effective packing involves selecting the right boxes, properly preparing and boxing the parts, and labeling the packages.

Choose the right boxes for the trampoline parts

Carriers charge based on both weight and dimensions (i.e., DIM weight). So, selecting the proper size boxes for your trampoline components can minimize fees and reduce the risk of oversized charges. 

Properly fitted packaging also prevents costly damage by limiting movement during transit. And by eliminating excessive packing materials, you reduce costs and foster sustainability. 

Choose strong, heavy-duty corrugated or double-wall boxes that match the size and weight of your trampoline parts. Allow 2–4” of extra space on each side for padding to prevent shifting and damage.

Due to the wide range of trampoline sizes and variety of their components, there isn’t a single method for packing and shipping them effectively. Instead, you’ll have to measure each part and determine the most suitable box sizes based on the size and weight of the components.

Some trampolines may need multiple boxes for the frame parts alone, while smaller models can be packed into a single box.

The boxes should be rated to support the weight of the trampoline components, with this weight capacity typically provided by the supplier. At a minimum, use sturdy boxes for heavier items like frame tubes and enclosure poles to prevent damage and bursting during transit.

You can obtain corrugated boxes directly from carriers like UPS and FedEx or one of the following suppliers:

If you’re shipping the trampoline as freight, use boxes that fit onto a standard 48″ x 40″ pallet without overhang. For example, you could use four 48″ x 20″ x 20″ boxes, or a mix of different box shapes and sizes, as long as they fit on the pallet. The shipping costs will depend on the weight and height, not the number of boxes. Therefore, use as many boxes as necessary.

Here’s how to choose the right boxes for each part of the trampoline:

Frame components

Frame tubes, legs, enclosure poles, and ladder parts need sturdy packaging due to their weight and shape. 

Pack these heavy components in long, narrow, or telescopic boxes with a sufficient weight rating. For larger trampolines, you’ll likely need multiple boxes to accommodate these bulky parts.

Springs

Use a sturdy box or heavy-duty bag for packing springs. These metal components have sharp ends, so give yourself enough space for padding to protect other parts from damage. If the packaged springs are small enough, they can be shipped in a larger box with the frame or fabric components.

Fabric components

Place the jumping mat, enclosure net, frame pad, and enclosure pole sleeves in a rectangular box. You’ll want to avoid creating sharp bends or creases that could damage elastic or mesh materials. So ensure there’s sufficient space for gently folded materials.

Depending on the size of your trampoline, you might need more than one box for these items.

Hardware

Store bolts, nuts, connectors, and anchors in labeled resealable bags before adding them to your shipment. These smaller components can be included with other boxed items to reduce overall shipping costs.

Prepare the trampoline parts for shipping

Now that you have your boxes ready and parts organized, it’s time to wrap everything for safe transport.

Frame and enclosure poles

Wrap individual frame and enclosure poles with bubble wrap. Use bubble wrap or foam corners to add extra protection to sharp edges and corners that could puncture packaging during transit. Secure everything with electrical tape, which tends to stick well to bubble wrap and whose elasticity securely binds items together.

To simplify packing and add a barrier that protects against moisture, wrap multiple poles together with stretch wrap.

Springs

You don’t need to wrap each spring separately. Instead, bundle 4-5 pieces together with bubble wrap and secure them using cable ties or thick rubber bands. Add foam protection to the ends and place them in a separate box.

Foam sleeves

You might be tempted to leave the foam sleeves on the enclosure poles or wrap them around parts for extra protection during transport. 

However, they aren’t designed for this use and can easily get crushed during transport. Instead, roll or compress them slightly and secure them together with stretch wrap.

Fabric components

When handling fabric parts such as the jumping mat, enclosure net, frame pad, and similar materials, always fold them along their natural seams. Don’t create sharp bends, as these can weaken the mesh structure.

These items don’t require wrapping if shipped in their box, but if you’re including springs or hardware in the same box, add a layer of bubble wrap for protection.

Hardware

Your hardware should already be organized in durable resealable bags and won’t need additional packing.

Box the trampoline parts and seal the packages

Pack your trampoline components strategically to prevent damage during transit. 

When all parts are packed, fill empty spaces with cushioning materials. Gently shake each box to check for movement—you shouldn’t hear or feel any shifting. If you do, add more fill materials or rearrange the parts.

Lastly, reinforce all seams and corners with heavy-duty packing tape in an H-pattern to prevent the box from breaking during transit.

Label the packages

The final step of the packing process is to label the packages accurately to ensure safe and efficient delivery.

Attach the packing slip

Label each box with both the recipient’s address and a return address to prevent misdelivery and enable quick issue resolution. 

Insert the packing slip into a clear plastic bag and securely affix it to the outside of the box. This method safeguards the document from damage while keeping all shipping details clearly visible for carriers and customers.

Number the boxes

Mark boxes sequentially in large, clear letters using printed labels or stickers. Use designations like “Box 1 of X,” “Box 2 of X,” etc., to help both the recipient and carrier keep track of the complete shipment.

Apply handling stickers

Apply appropriate handling labels such as “Fragile” and “This Side Up” to alert handlers to exercise extra care during transit. 

Additionally, affix a “Heavy” label on any package exceeding the carrier’s weight threshold (typically around 70 lbs), ensuring that special handling procedures are followed to prevent injury or damage.

Consider the shipping method when labeling

For parcel shipments, each box must be individually labeled. Depending on the carrier’s pricing structure and available discounts, shipping boxes separately or as part of a consolidated order may result in cost savings.

Follow similar labeling practices for freight shipments. Each box should be labeled for accurate identification and handling, though you only need a single packing slip. Place it inside a clear plastic pouch and securely attach it to the wrapped pallet.

Check with the carrier for any specific guidelines, as requirements may vary.

[SECTION] Parcel or freight?

If you’re shipping a trampoline for the first time, you might need to fully package the item before deciding which method is most cost-effective. For example, if you estimate the total weight is near or above 150 lbs, freight might seem like the obvious choice. However, if you can pack the components compactly or even split them into multiple boxes, you may qualify for parcel shipping, which is often much cheaper.

Case in point: Red Stag recently helped a new client who initially planned to ship everything as freight. After reviewing their packaging, we suggested splitting the shipment into two boxes for parcel shipping, which saved them hundreds of dollars per sale.

With your trampoline packed and ready, the next step is to choose the shipping method.

Assess package dimensions and weight

You’ll need accurate measurements of each package to calculate the most cost-effective shipping method.

Using a tape measure, record the longest point of each dimension for each box—length, width, and height.

Next, weigh each package using a bathroom or shipping scale, rounding to the nearest pound.

Keep detailed records of each box’s dimensions, weight, and DIM weight to estimate shipping costs and decide whether parcel or freight shipping is more economical. This will also help you avoid oversized package surcharges.

For large trampolines with multiple boxes, create a master list of all measurements to easily calculate the total shipment weight and get accurate quotes from different carriers.

Shipping via parcel carriers

Ideal for: Consumer trampolines under 16’, kids’ trampolines, mini trampolines, and folding fitness models.

Maximum size and weight by carrier:

Generally speaking, shipping via parcel carriers like UPS and FedEx is the cheapest, fastest, and most reliable method for trampoline delivery. Even for multiple packages, parcel shipping tends to be more cost-effective and quicker than freight options.

The following factors affect parcel shipping costs:

If your trampoline fits into a single box, parcel shipping is the most efficient option. However, it can still be a better solution for multi-box shipments, as we’ll demonstrate below.

You can easily calculate parcel shipping costs for your trampoline by entering your shipping information into the calculators below:

Please note that only UPS and FedEx allow you to add multiple boxes to the calculation.

Real-world example

To give you an idea of how much it costs to ship a large trampoline across multiple boxes, here is an example of the estimated shipping costs for the ACON Air 14’ trampoline. As listed on their website, it’s packed into three boxes:

Shipping via Freight (LTL)

Ideal for: Commercial trampolines, large trampolines over 16’, and bulk orders.

While parcel shipping is typically the cheapest and fastest choice for consumer trampolines, less-than-truckload (LTL) freight shipping can be a more practical solution for larger commercial trampolines or shipments of multiple trampolines.

Freight shipping is ideal for oversized trampolines or bulk shipments that exceed standard parcel limits. It’s a cost-effective alternative when individual boxes become too large or heavy for traditional shipping methods, especially for high-volume orders.

However, it’s important to note that LTL shipping costs can vary significantly depending on whether the shipment is being sent from a business or residential address. You’ll also pay additional fees for any added service requests, such as liftgate service or inside delivery.

To ship via freight, arrange your boxes on a standard 48″ x 40″ pallet (or 48″ x 48″ if you need more space). Place heavier boxes at the bottom for stability, and secure the entire load (including the pallet) with stretch wrap, followed by banding straps to create a single, secure shipping unit.

You can obtain pallets from a variety of sources:

Real-world example

We calculated LTL shipping costs using a standard 48″ x 40″ pallet with a height of 71″ and a total weight of 300 lbs. These specifications closely resemble the ACON 14’ trampoline from the previous example. However, since the ACON trampoline is packaged in three separate boxes that do not fit neatly on a pallet, this hypothetical scenario assumes alternative packaging.

Additionally, we assumed you’d be shipping from a commercial address without the need for a liftgate service.

Cost-saving strategies for trampoline shipping

The previous tips apply to both individuals shipping a single trampoline and ecommerce businesses shipping trampolines regularly. If you fall into the latter category, here are some additional strategies to help optimize your trampoline shipping and reduce costs:

Looking to combine all these cost-saving strategies into a single solution? Partner with a 3PL provider like Red Stag Fulfillment. We handle everything from packaging optimization to shipping rate negotiations, offering bulk discounts while streamlining your entire logistics process.

By outsourcing to Red Stag, you’ll cut both expenses and hassle, without having to manage each component yourself. We simplify trampoline shipping with expert fulfillment, reaching 96% of U.S. addresses within two days.

What sets us apart? We take responsibility for any shipping mistakes through our industry-leading guarantees. If we miss a deadline or make an error, we pay you—and your business runs smoothly while you focus on growth.
Ready to reduce your trampoline shipping costs? Contact us today.