How to Ship a Guitar Safely & Cheaper (2026 Costs)
Written by Valentin Scemama, Expert at Secursus.
⚡ Quick Answer: The Safest Way to Ship a Guitar
To ship a guitar without damage, always loosen the strings first. Place the instrument in a hard-shell case, then "float" that case inside a guitar shipping box (standard size 50"x20"x8") lined with bubble wrap or peanuts. Never ship a guitar in a soft gig bag without double-boxing.
Shipping a guitar is not easy. Guitars are fragile and break more often than you think during transit.
As a guitar owner, you know how difficult it is to ship a guitar safely, especially when you sell it and it must arrive in good condition. That's why it's a big deal when you have to send a classical guitar, Fender, or Gibson Les Paul. You must be knowledgeable about the proper way to pack the guitar and how to get the appropriate insurance in the event that it is damaged or lost while being shipped.
We'll walk you through the essential steps to ship your guitar securely while maintaining proper shipping insurance coverage.
1. Where to find a Guitar Shipping Box? (Supplies)
Before packing, you need the right materials. This is where most people fail. You cannot just tape two random boxes together.
- The Box: You need a 200# Test Corrugated Box (standard size: 50" x 20" x 8"). You can buy them at Uline, The UPS Store (expensive), or often get them for free by asking your local Guitar Center or music shop if they have leftovers from shipments.
- The Tape: Use heavy-duty packing tape (3 inches wide). Avoid duct tape or masking tape.
- The Padding: Bubble wrap is king, but packing peanuts are excellent for filling the "dead space" inside the box.
2. Prepare the Guitar (Crucial Step)
Important: Loosen the strings to decrease tension on the neck joint. Temperature changes in the cargo plane or truck can cause the wood to expand/contract. If the strings are tight, the headstock can snap.
- Secure loose parts: Remove the tremolo bar, capo, and strap. Pack them separately in a small pouch.
- Headstock Protection: Wrap the headstock in bubble wrap inside the case. This is the most fragile part of the instrument.
3. Packing Scenarios: Case vs. No Case
Scenario A: You have a Hard Case
This is the gold standard. Place the guitar in the case. Shake it. If it moves, add crumpled newspaper inside the case until it's snug. Then, place the case into your shipping box and fill all voids with peanuts or paper so the case doesn't touch the box walls.
Scenario B: How to Ship a Guitar Without a Case
Warning: This is high risk. You must use the "Mummy Method":
- Wrap the entire guitar in 2-3 inches of bubble wrap (like a mummy).
- Construct a "shell" using cardboard sheets folded around the guitar.
- Double Box: Place this shell inside a first box, and then place that box inside a second, larger shipping box with padding in between.
4. Carrier Showdown: FedEx vs. UPS vs. USPS
Which one should you choose in 2026?
- UPS: often preferred for guitars because of their robust network. They offer a "Pack & Ship" guarantee if you let them pack it (expensive but safe).
- FedEx: Generally offers better rates for Ground Home Delivery. Great for heavy hard cases.
- USPS: The best option for small/light instruments (like ukuleles) or if you are shipping simply a guitar neck. However, their insurance limits for collectibles are strict.
5. How much does it cost to ship a guitar? (2026 Rates)
Several factors are to be taken into account (Distance, Weight, Speed). To provide a rough estimate for a standard acoustic guitar in a hard case (approx. 20 lbs box):
| Service Level | Estimated Cost (USA Domestic) | Time in Transit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPS / FedEx Ground | $50 - $90 | 3-5 Days | Standard Sales (Reverb/eBay) |
| USPS Priority Mail | $60 - $110 | 2-3 Days | Lighter Guitars |
| 3-Day Select | $100 - $160 | 3 Days | Time-Sensitive |
| Next Day Air | $200 - $350+ | 1 Day | High-Value Vintage (> $5k) |
Note: Add $30-$40 if your box is longer than 48 inches (Large Package Surcharge).
6. Insurance: The "Hidden" Risk
Most carriers offer some form of basic liability coverage, often capping the maximum payout at $100 unless you pay extra. Even then, getting paid for a "broken headstock" is notoriously difficult with carrier insurance (they often blame your packaging).
Secursus provides specialized insurance for musical instruments, covering up to $120,000 per package for theft, loss, and damage.
Guitar Shipping Cost CalculatorProtect your instrument instantly:
🎸 Calculate your insurance cost here
Guitar Shipping FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a guitar?
Expect to pay between $50 and $150 for domestic ground shipping depending on the distance and weight. Faster services like Next Day Air can cost over $300.
What is the best way to ship a guitar?
The "Double-Box Method" is the safest. Place the guitar in a hard case, and float that case inside a sturdy shipping box filled with packing peanuts or bubble wrap.
Can I ship a guitar in a gig bag?
Yes, but it is risky. You MUST double-box it. Wrap the gig bag in bubble wrap, box it, and then put that box into a larger shipping container.
Does USPS ship guitars?
Yes, USPS is a good option for smaller instruments, but watch out for their size limit (max 108 inches length + girth). Large acoustic cases often exceed this limit.
Monitor the package's progress using the tracking number provided by the carrier. Keep a copy of the shipping receipt, insurance documentation and any relevant paperwork if you needed to file a claim.
If you still need any help on how to ship your guitar, feel free to contact our team and we'll help you to pack, ship and insure your guitar.
