Big and heavy items like snowboards face unique shipping challenges—a standard box and basic bubble wrap won’t cut it.
Improper shipping can lead to issues like cracked edges, delaminated bases, and structural warping, turning your board into an expensive wall decoration.
Your shipping strategy affects both the safety of your equipment and your wallet.
Whether you’re selling a board online, moving across the country, or sending equipment for professional servicing, this guide covers proven packaging methods and cost-saving techniques. You’ll learn how to prevent damage, choose the right shipping partner, and avoid unnecessary expenses that come with shipping winter sports equipment—straight from the experts (us).
PRO TIP: If you sell snowboards or other large products, partnering with a 3PL that specializes in big, heavy, and bulky fulfillment—like Red Stag Fulfillment—can save you money (especially on shipping surcharges for large items) and let you focus on what really moves the needle in your business.
To learn more about how we can handle the heavy lifting of your fulfillment operations, reach out today.
TL;DR:
Key takeaways
The easiest way to ship your snowboard is to bring it to a UPS or FedEx store and have them package it for you.
The cheapest way to ship your snowboard is likely to be via UPS or FedEx ground shipping during the middle of the week.
To get a box for shipping your snowboard, go to a local UPS or FedEx store or a local shipping supplies store. Boxes can be purchased online, but they are typically sold in packs with minimum quantities.
If you want to buy a box online, the Pack Kontrol Snowboard Shipping Box is a good option.
Clean and inspect your snowboard
01
Dirt and old wax left on the base can trap moisture, which leads to rust and other damage during transit. Before packing your snowboard, start by giving it a thorough cleaning:
01
Gather your supplies
02
Remove the bindings (optional, but recommended)
03
Clean the top sheet
04
Clean the base
05
Remove rust and burrs from edges
06
Wax the snowboard (optional)
07
Reattach bindings (if removed)
08
Inspect the snowboard for any damage before preparing for shipment.
Decide if you want to handle the packaging
02
With packaging, you have two main options:
Do it yourself or let the shipping provider handle it for you.
Companies like UPS or FedEx offer professional packaging services for snowboards. They provide the box, handle the packing, and ship the snowboard on your behalf, ensuring that everything is done by the book. This service can be especially useful if you don’t have access to the right materials or if you prefer to save time.
While outsourcing packaging to a carrier guarantees proper packaging, you’ll need to consider whether the added convenience is worth the extra cost. If you decide to package the snowboard yourself, you’ll have more control over the materials used and how everything is secured.
Protect the edges and bindings
03
The edges and binding of the snowboard are the most vulnerable to damage during shipping. Wrap the metal edges with foam padding or bubble wrap to prevent them from chipping or piercing the shipping box.
Use strong packing tape to secure the padding, ensuring that it stays in place throughout the journey. Properly securing these components minimizes the risk of damage and helps maintain the structural integrity of your snowboard during transit.
Remove the bindings and any small parts completely to minimize the risk of breakage. Place all hardware, like screws and mounting plates, in a sealed plastic bag or tightly wrapped bubble wrap to keep them secure. (Wrapping the smaller parts separately also prevents them from scratching the snowboard during transit and keeps everything organized.)
For added convenience, especially if shipping the snowboard to a buyer, include a simple assembly guide inside the package so the recipient can reassemble it easily. Additionally, add extra padding around the binding mount points, as these areas are particularly fragile.
Wrap the snowboard in protective material
04
To protect the snowboard from impacts during shipping, wrap the entire board with two to three layers of bubble wrap or foam:
Gather your materials
Bubble wrap
Foam padding or cardboard sheets
Packing tape
Plastic bag (optional for extra protection from moisture)
Edge protectors (optional)
Marker (for labeling)
Cover the edges
Place edge protectors on the metal edges to prevent them from cutting through the packaging.
If you don’t have edge protectors, wrap the edges with foam padding or extra bubble wrap.
Wrap the snowboard
01
Lay the snowboard flat and wrap it completely in bubble wrap, focusing on the nose and tail (most vulnerable areas).
02
Secure the wrap with packing tape to keep it snug.
03
Add an extra layer of cardboard or foam padding around the snowboard if needed for extra impact protection.
Pack the snowboard in a plastic bag (optional)
01
Slide the wrapped snowboard into a plastic bag to prevent moisture during transit.
02
If you removed bindings and bagged them separately, include the wrapped bindings in the same bag or box as the board itself.
PRO TIP: If you’re shipping during the wet season or anticipate exposure to moisture, consider adding a weather-resistant wrap, like plastic sheeting underneath the bubble wrap. This extra layer prevents moisture from reaching the board and causing potential damage.
Choose the right box or shipping container
05
A double-wall corrugated cardboard box is a great choice as it offers durability and strength, especially for long-distance shipping. Use a box slightly larger than the snowboard to fit extra padding, allowing for about two to three inches of space on each side. This padding prevents the snowboard from shifting during transit and helps absorb any impact.
For the best fit, you can opt for custom-fit containers designed specifically for snowboards. These boxes eliminate excess space, providing easy protection and ensuring that you don’t overpay for shipping based on dimensions larger than necessary. Custom-fit boxes can also reduce overall shipping costs by keeping the dimensions optimized.
If you’re shipping a single board and only need one box, your best bet is to go to a local FedEx or UPS store. Call ahead to see if they have an appropriately sized box available.
You can find shipping boxes suitable for snowboards online, but they typically sell in packs with minimum quantities, so you may end up overpaying if you only need to ship a single board.
Here are a couple of online options if you’re okay with buying multiple boxes:
Pack Kontrol Snowboard Shipping Boxes: 14” x 4” x 68”
ULINE Telescopic Box: 12 x 4 x 48 – 90″
Add padding inside the box
06
Fill the space between the snowboard and the box with things like air cushions or crumpled paper, ensuring all areas around the snowboard are buffered—especially the nose and tail. These are the most impact-prone parts of the snowboard, so pay extra attention to padding these areas thoroughly.
PRO TIP: For high-end snowboards, especially those with carbon fiber or other sensitive materials, temperature fluctuations during shipping can be a concern. Add insulating materials like thermal wraps to protect against extreme temperature changes that might affect the structure of the board.
Seal the box securely
07
Once the snowboard is properly padded, it’s time to seal the box. Use heavy-duty packing tape to reinforce all seams and edges to confirm the box remains secure during transit. For longer shipments, consider using reinforced tape for added security.
Label the package clearly with “Fragile” and “Handle with Care” stickers on all sides. Proper labeling helps shipping personnel handle the package with extra care, reducing the risk of damage. Double-check the integrity of the box to ensure there are no weak spots or areas that might come undone during the snowboard shipping process.
Choose a shipping carrier
08
Selecting the right shipping carrier is essential for managing costs and ensuring safe delivery. Major carriers, like those listed below, offer various services that cater to shipping larger items like snowboards.
| Carrier | Standard Ground Transit Time |
|---|---|
| FedEx | 1-5 days |
| UPS | 1-5 days |
| USPS | 2-8 days |
| DHL | 2-8 days |
Calculating shipping costs
One thing to consider is that shipping costs depend on both the dimensions and weight of the package. Since snowboards are long and can be bulky, the dimensional weight (DIM weight) is often the deciding factor for carriers.
Understanding how DIM weight works can save money by ensuring your box dimensions are as optimized as possible. Carrier-provided calculators or online tools can help you get accurate estimates before committing to a service:
PRO TIP: Use Red Stag Fulfillment’s DIM weight calculator to help determine the best packaging dimensions.
Example of NYC to Los Angeles shipping costs for a 15 lb package
| Carrier | 3-5 days | 1-2 days |
|---|---|---|
| FedEx | $49-$158 | $183-$316 |
| UPS | $51-$113 | $157-$282 |
| USPS | $119 | $171-$295 |
| DHL | N/A | $231 |
Example of NYC to London shipping costs for a 15 lb package
| Carrier | 6+ days | 3-5 days |
|---|---|---|
| FedEx | $363 | $407-$551 |
| UPS | N/A | $402-$484 |
| USPS | $135 | N/A |
| DHL | N/A | $409-$430 |
Insure the package (optional)
09
Insurance is highly recommended when shipping winter gear like snowboards. High-end, premium (over $500), and custom boards should always be insured, as their replacement cost is significant.
Insurance covers potential damage or loss during transit, and the cost typically is based on the board’s value. Here’s what to keep in mind if you’re considering insuring your package:
Consider the shipping service
Shipping carriers offer different insurance options — review the coverage provided by services like FedEx, UPS, or DHL.
Some carriers include limited insurance coverage by default, but higher-value items (like snowboards) often require additional coverage.
Understand coverage limits
Check the maximum coverage amount available for snowboards.
Certain shipping companies may not cover damage to sports equipment unless proper packaging guidelines are followed.
Verify if there are exclusions (e.g., no coverage for cosmetic damage).
Document the snowboard’s value
Take photos of the snowboard from multiple angles, especially before wrapping it, to document its condition.
Keep receipts or proof of purchase to establish the snowboard’s value if you need to file a claim.
Use proper packaging for insurance compliance
Follow carrier-recommended packaging standards to ensure claims won’t be denied due to insufficient protection.
Most carriers require foam padding, bubble wrap, and a sturdy box to approve insurance claims.
Declare the value accurately
Declare the snowboard’s full value when purchasing insurance. Under-declaring value to save costs may limit payout if the board is damaged or lost.
Understand the claim process
Familiarize yourself with the timeline and steps required to submit a claim if damage or loss occurs.
Keep all receipts, tracking information, and photos ready for a smooth claims process.
Track the snowboard shipment (optional)
10
Tracking the snowboard shipment provides peace of mind, allowing you to monitor the delivery in real time. Most major carriers offer tracking as part of their standard shipping service and setting up delivery notifications or alerts helps keep both the sender and recipient informed throughout the process.
By enabling tracking, you can respond quickly if any issues arise during transit, ensuring your snowboard’s safe delivery.
Additional tips and best practices to keep in mind when shipping snowboards
Before you finalize your snowboard shipment, there are a few essential best practices to consider that can make a big difference in the safety and efficiency of your delivery:
Schedule shipments during off-peak times
Timing is crucial when shipping a snowboard and other winter sports equipment, as it can significantly impact both costs and delivery speed.
Shipping during off-peak times often results in lower costs and faster delivery. Avoiding peak seasons like the winter holidays not only reduces the chance of surcharges but also minimizes the risk of delays caused by increased shipping volumes and inclement weather.
Shipping costs and delivery times: Off-peak vs. peak seasons
| Time Period | Shipping Cost | Delivery Time | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midweek (Tues-Thurs) | Lower | Faster | Best time to ship for reduced congestion. |
| Weekend | Higher | Slower | Less availability, resulting in longer transit times. |
| Off-peak season (Mar-Oct) | Lower | Consistent | Avoids holiday surcharges and seasonal delays. |
| Peak season (Nov-Feb) | Higher | Slower, delays possible | Increased costs due to holiday rush and weather issues. |
Consider any international shipping differences
International shipments often require:
Commercial invoice
Country of origin documentation
Value declaration forms
EORI number (for shipping to and from the EU)
Import duties and/or VAT
Depending on the destination country, some shipments may require an export or import license, particularly if the snowboard is categorized as high-value, falls under certain regulations, or is made of specific materials (like carbon fiber). It’s important to check the import regulations of the destination country before shipping.
International shipments require additional paperwork for these requirements, so choosing carriers that offer customs clearance services (like FedEx, UPS, and DHL) can expedite the process and reduce complications.
Keep the box weight and size in mind
When shipping snowboards, the dimensions of the package have a bigger impact on shipping costs than its weight due to dimensional (DIM) weight pricing.
As mentioned above, DIM weight is calculated based on the volume the package occupies, meaning that even lightweight packages can incur high fees if they are bulky. To minimize costs, it’s essential to use the smallest box possible that still provides adequate protection for the snowboard.
Impact of box dimensions on shipping costs (sample calculation)
| Box dimension (inches) | Actual weight (lbs) | DIM weight | Shipping cost (estimate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 x 12 x 6 | 15 | 31 | $85 |
| 62 x 14 x 8 | 15 | 36 | $95 |
| 64 x 16 x 10 | 15 | 40 | $105 |
NOTE: The DIM weight increases as the volume of the box increases, which raises the shipping cost even when the actual weight stays the same. By keeping the dimensions as compact as possible, shippers can ensure lower DIM weight and reduce the overall cost.
Get peace of mind with secure, safe snowboarding shipping
Shipping snowboards involves proper packaging, choosing the right carrier, and understanding the costs upfront to prevent unnecessary hassle.
For those who prefer a professional touch, partnering with an experienced fulfillment provider like Red Stag Fulfillment can simplify the process. We specialize in managing large and high-value shipments, guaranteeing safe delivery with tailored logistics solutions.
Ready to ship your sold snowboards with confidence? Contact Red Stag Fulfillment for expert shipping solutions designed for your needs.
