Comprehensive Guide: Where to Buy Shipping Boxes for Golf Clubs
When it comes to transporting golf clubs safely-whether you’re traveling for a tournament, sending your clubs to a friend, or returning them for repair-the right shipping box is essential. Golf clubs are long, awkwardly shaped, and often expensive, making protection from bending, crushing, and moisture critical. This guide covers all the major avenues for purchasing golf club shipping boxes, including ready-to-ship options, custom solutions, and cost-saving strategies.
Key Takeaway: For most golfers, purchasing a durable, pre-measured golf club shipping box from major shipping carriers or specialty packaging retailers offers the best balance of convenience, cost, and protection.
1. Major Shipping Carriers
UPS
UPS sells a two-piece, corrugated cardboard “Golf Club Bag” box designed specifically for golf clubs. It accommodates clubs up to 50 inches long and comes with easy-to-assemble instructions.
- UPS Store Locations: Available at any UPS Store nationwide.
- Online Ordering: Purchase through ups.com for home delivery or in-store pickup.
- Price: Typically around $15–$20 per box.
FedEx
FedEx offers a “Golf Club Shipping Kit” that includes an outer corrugated box and an inner cardboard sleeve for extra support. The kit accommodates clubs up to 50 inches as well.
- FedEx Office Locations: Pick up kits at FedEx Office centers.
- Online Ordering: Order online at fedex.com and have the kit sent to your home or office.
- Price: Approximately $18–$22 per kit.
USPS
The U.S. Postal Service does not have a dedicated golf box, but you can purchase a standard Priority Mail tube-up to 108 inches in combined length and girth-which can accommodate single or double sets of clubs with adequate padding.
- Post Office Locations: Available at most USPS branches.
- Online Ordering: Purchase shipping tubes on usps.com and schedule free home delivery.
- Price: Roughly $14–$18 depending on length.
2. Specialty Packaging Retailers
ULINE
ULINE specializes in industrial and commercial packaging. They offer a variety of golf club shipping boxes:
- Standard Corrugated Box: 54” × 8” × 8” for up to 52” clubs.
- Heavy-Duty Double-Wall Box: Extra crush resistance for high-value sets or multiple clubs.
- Accessories: Custom foam inserts, bubble wrap, and corner protectors.
- Ordering: Online at uline.com or by catalog.
- Price: $10–$25 per box; bulk discounts available.
The Packaging Wholesalers
This retailer carries a wide range of box sizes, including 50”–55” generic long boxes suitable for golf clubs. They also offer custom printing for logos and handling instructions.
- Ordering: Online through packagingwholesalers.com.
- Price: $8–$16 each for generic boxes; custom prints incur additional setup fees.
Grainger
Grainger’s industrial supply catalog includes long shipping tubes and boxes. Their corrugated tubes can be fitted with foam end caps to secure club heads.
- Ordering: Online at grainger.com or via their mobile app.
- Price: $12–$20 per tube, depending on diameter.
3. Online Marketplaces
Amazon
Amazon offers one-stop convenience and fast Prime shipping on golf shipping boxes from multiple sellers. Options include:
- Two-Piece Corrugated Golf Boxes.
- Telescoping cardboard tubes with foam padding.
- Reusable plastic golf club shipping cases.
- Customer Reviews: Read feedback on durability and ease of assembly.
- Price: $12–$30, often sold in multipacks.
eBay
eBay can yield discounted or used shipping boxes. Ideal for occasional shippers who don’t need brand-new packaging.
- Auctions and “Buy It Now” Listings.
- Seller Ratings: Ensure sellers have high positive feedback.
- Price: $5–$15 for used boxes; new boxes start around $12.
Walmart.com
Walmart’s website sells generic long boxes as well as specialty golf shipping kits. You can choose between same-day store pickup or home delivery.
- Brands: Quartet, Amscan, and store brands.
- Price: $9–$18 per box.
4. Sporting Goods Retailers
Golf Galaxy and PGA Tour Superstore
Many large golf retailers carry branded shipping boxes for in-store purchase. These often include club head protectors and adjustable inserts to secure driver heads separately.
- Availability: Check store stock by calling ahead.
- Price: $18–$25 for a complete kit.
Local Pro Shops
Smaller pro shops sometimes stock shipping boxes or can order them directly from their supplier. They may charge a modest handling fee for assembly.
- Personal Service: Staff can pack your clubs professionally.
- Price: Box cost plus $5–$10 packing fee.
5. Custom Box Manufacturers
Packlane
Packlane produces fully custom printed golf club boxes with your logo, brand colors, and special handling instructions. Minimum order quantities typically start at 25–50 boxes.
- Lead Time: 2–3 weeks for custom production.
- Price: $20–$35 per box, depending on customization level.
Refine Packaging
Refine specializes in bespoke corrugated packaging. They offer structural design consultation to optimize box strength and internal supports.
- MOQ: 100 boxes.
- Bulk Pricing: Available for orders over 500 units.
- Price: $18–$28 per unit.
6. DIY and Cost-Saving Alternatives
Use Standard Long Boxes and Reinforce
Purchase a generic 55” × 6” × 6” box from Home Depot or ULINE and reinforce it with:
- Double-wall fluting or additional corrugated sheets along the sides.
- High-density foam or pool noodles around the club shafts.
- Bubble wrap or polyethylene foam wrap.
- Heavy-duty packing tape in an H-pattern.
Reuse and Upcycle
If you travel frequently, save the boxes provided by your airline. Airlines often use heavy-duty boxes for golf clubs. Inspect boxes for damage, reinforce, and reuse.
7. Key Considerations When Buying
Dimensions and Fit
- Measure the longest club and add 2–3 inches of buffer.
- Ensure the box diameter or width accommodates driver heads (which can exceed 5 inches).
Material Strength
- Single-wall is sufficient for one-way domestic shipping.
- Double-wall or heavy-duty for multiple trips, international shipping, or high-value clubs.
Internal Protection
- Look for boxes with foam liners or buy loose padding separately.
- Dividers can prevent club heads from colliding and scratching.
Water and Moisture Resistance
- Corrugated cardboard can absorb moisture, so consider a plastic sleeve or a water-resistant liner bag inside the box.
- Some plastic shipping tubes offer superior water resistance but tend to be more expensive and heavier.
Ease of Assembly
- Two-piece telescoping boxes require minimal taping.
- Single-piece boxes may need more extensive taping but often cost less.
Weight Restrictions
- Check carrier policies for maximum weight and size surcharges.
- Aim to keep the box under 70 pounds to avoid additional fees.
8. Step-by-Step Packing Tips
- Wrap Individual Clubs: Encase each club head in bubble wrap, securing it with tape.
- Group and Secure: Bundle clubs together, cinch with a velcro strap or tape, and place foam around the shafts.
- Insert into Box: Slide the bundle into the box, adjust the telescoping pieces, and ensure minimal side-to-side movement.
- Add End Caps: Use foam or cardboard end caps and fill any empty space with crumpled kraft paper or packing peanuts.
- Seal and Label: Tape securely using the H-taping method and affix “Fragile,” “This Side Up,” and “Handle with Care” labels.
Conclusion
Selecting the right shipping box for your golf clubs is a balance of protection, convenience, and cost. Major carriers like UPS and FedEx offer purpose-built boxes that simplify packing and tend to include built-in internal supports. Specialty packaging suppliers and online marketplaces deliver a wider size selection and bulk pricing, while custom manufacturers serve branding needs for frequent shippers. For occasional use, reinforcing generic long boxes can cut costs. By considering dimensions, material strength, internal padding needs, and moisture protection, you can confidently ship your golf clubs anywhere with peace of mind.
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