Shipping Surfboards
Secure, affordable freight solutions for surfboards of all sizes, from shortboards to longboards and everything in between.
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Shipping a surfboard can be a challenging task, as they are oversized and fragile items that require special care. It’s essential to use high-quality packaging materials, a reputable carrier, and consider insuring your package. By taking the right steps, you can ensure your surfboard arrives at its destination safely and in good condition.
FreightCenter is a platform that allows you to compare rates and services from top carriers in the industry. We provide all the information you need to decide which carrier to choose, including carrier ratings, transit times, and pricing.
Transporting and Shipping a Surfboard - Choosing the Right Company
When it comes to choosing a freight company, look for a company that specializes in shipping oversized or fragile items and has experience handling surfboards. Check their reputation online, read customer reviews, and inquire about their insurance policies. Ask about their packaging requirements and whether they offer customized packaging services for surfboards. Compare prices and delivery options, and choose a company that offers the best value for your money.
FreightCenter is a reputable shipping company that specializes in handling oversized and fragile items, including surfboards. We offer competitive pricing and multiple carrier options to choose from, including those that offer specialized services for surfboards. We also provide tailored packaging services to ensure your surfboard is properly secured during transit. Plus, our dedicated customer support team can assist you every step of the way, from booking to delivery.
Choosing the Right Transportation Method to Ship Your Surfboard
Choosing the right transportation method is crucial when shipping your surfboard. Your decision will depend on several factors, including the distance of the shipment, your budget, and the timeframe for delivery. FreightCenter offers a range of shipping services, including ground transportation, air transportation, and sea transportation, which are all common methods for shipping surfboards.
Air freight is the fastest option, but it can be expensive. It’s ideal for time-sensitive shipments, such as a surf competition. Ground freight is a cost-effective option for domestic shipments but can be slower than air freight. Sea freight is the most affordable option for international shipments but can also be the slowest. Consider your options carefully and choose the best transportation method for your needs and budget. Don’t forget to check the carrier’s requirements for packaging and labeling your surfboard to avoid delays or damage during transit.
How Do You Package a Surfboard?
Preparing a surfboard for transport via freight requires special care to ensure its safe delivery. Follow the steps below to prepare and ship your surfboard:
- Cleaning the board: Start by cleaning the board thoroughly and removing any wax, stickers, or accessories that could come loose during transport, like the fin.
- Visually inspect: Inspect the board for any dings, cracks, or other damage that could affect its integrity during transit.
- Bubble wrap: Use bubble wrap or foam padding to protect the board from impact and scratches, and reinforce the nose, tail, and rails with extra padding.
- Use a box: Place the board in a surfboard bag, then a cardboard box that is the appropriate size and strength for the size and weight of your board.
- Label: Secure the box with high-quality tape and label it with the appropriate shipping information.
Ensure to follow the carrier’s requirements for packaging and labeling to avoid any delays or damage during transit.
How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Surfboard?
The cost to ship a surfboard varies depending on several factors.
- Size: The overall dimensions of the surfboard will factor into the cost to ship.
- Weight: The weight, including the packaging materials, determines the total shipping cost.
- Destination: – How far between origin and destination.
- Service: The shipping method and carrier used can also impact the price.
Generally, domestic shipping of a standard-sized surfboard within the US can cost between $50 to $150, while international shipping can range from $200 to $400. However, oversized or specialized surfboards, such as longboards or SUPs, can incur additional fees due to their size and shape. It’s always a good idea to compare prices and options from different shipping companies to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Necessary Documents to Ship a Surfboard
Having the proper documentation is essential when shipping a surfboard via freight to ensure a smooth and successful delivery. These will depend on the shipping method, the destination, and other factors.
The most common documents you may need to prepare when shipping a surfboard are:
- Customs Declaration Form
- Bill of Lading
- Insurance forms
- Proof of Purchase.
It’s important to check with the shipping carrier for their specific documentation requirements and ensure that all necessary documents are completed and included with the shipment to avoid delays or issues during transit.
Surfboards aren't just oversized items; they're personal, precision-crafted, and too fragile for careless handling. Whether you're shipping a single shortboard to Hawaii or a crate of longboards to a surf shop in Florida, FreightCenter delivers shipping solutions that are built to ride the wave with you.
LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) shipping is perfect for sending one or two surfboards without booking an entire truck. Your surfboard travels with other carefully packaged freight, making it a more cost-effective solution without sacrificing safety or timing.
Shipping a large volume of boards or oversized longboards over long distances? FTL (Full Truckload) gives you full control over the truck space, no sharing, no shifting, and minimal handling.
Need to get your board to Baja before the swell rolls in? Whether it's a last-minute delivery to a surf expo or an urgent replacement board for a traveling athlete, FreightCenter's expedited services get your freight moving fast.
Some boards are one-of-a-kind. Custom shapes, vintage longboards, big wave guns - these aren't boards you want bouncing around in a standard trailer. FreightCenter offers white glove service, temperature-controlled transit, and international delivery for high-value or oversized surfboards. You'll get tracking, expert handling, and peace of mind from coast to coast, or continent to continent.
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
Surfboard Shipping FAQ
Q. How much does it cost to ship a surfboard?
The cost of shipping a surfboard varies based on factors like size, weight, and distance. You can contact FreightCenter or use our online shipping calculators for an accurate quote and compare carrier rates. Keep in mind that packaging and insurance may add to the total cost.
Q. How do I ship a surfboard across the country?
The best option to ship a surfboard nationwide is to utilize a third-party logistics company like FreightCenter. By connecting shippers with shipping carriers with available space in their trailers, FreightCenter offers a unique and efficient solution for surfboard shipping.
Q. How to ship surfboards safely?
To safely ship a surfboard, it’s crucial to pack it properly. Start by placing the surfboard in a sturdy cardboard box, ensuring it’s well-protected with layers of cardboard and bubble wrap. This will protect it from any potential damage during transit.
Q. What size surfboard can be shipped via freight?
Freight carriers can ship surfboards of nearly any length, including shortboards, longboards, funboards, and paddleboards. Boards over 6 feet long typically require freight shipping rather than parcel services.
Q. How do I pack a surfboard for shipping?
To pack a surfboard for shipping, remove the fins, wrap the board in foam or bubble wrap, pad with cardboard, place it in a surfboard bag if available, and box or crate it securely. Label the package as fragile and indicate which side is up.
Q. How long does surfboard shipping take?
Transit time for domestic surfboard shipments typically ranges from 2–7 business days with LTL freight. Expedited freight is available for faster delivery. International shipments may take 1–3 weeks, depending on the method.
Q. What is the cheapest way to ship a surfboard?
The cheapest method is bundling multiple boards in one crate or choosing slower freight options. Ocean freight is the most cost-effective for international surfboard shipping.
Q. What is dimensional weight, and how does it affect surfboard shipping?
Dimensional weight (DIM weight) is a pricing method based on the size of a package rather than its actual weight. Large, lightweight surfboards often cost more due to DIM weight charges, especially with parcel carriers.
Q. Can I ship multiple surfboards at once?
Yes, shipping multiple boards in one shipment can reduce costs. Use foam padding between each board and secure them together inside a reinforced box or crate to prevent damage.
Q. How do I get a surfboard shipping quote?
You can get a surfboard shipping quote by entering your shipment details, size, weight, origin, and destination into a freight quote tool or working with a 3PL like FreightCenter that specializes in oversized and specialty freight.
The FreightCenter Advantage
Competitive Rates
FreightCenter leverages our extensive network of carriers to offer competitive pricing, helping you save on shipping costs.
Customized Solutions
We provide tailored shipping solutions to meet your specific business needs, whether you're shipping small items or oversized freight.
Expert Support
With over 25 years of experience, FreightCenter offers knowledgeable customer service and logistics expertise to guide you through the entire shipping process.
