Best way to ship a rod

[bassbandit2]

Hey everyone, I was curious as to the most cost effective and easiest way to package a rod to sell? I'd be doing it to make some cash for more fishing stuff lol.

 

Thank you

 

Wasn't sure is this was ok to post here or not

 

[MN Fisher]

#1 - PVC pipe, large enough diameter to fit the rod with bubble wrap around the handle and tip at minimum...mid-section as an added bonus. Get one with threads - or have the hardware store thread it - and screw caps on the ends

#2 - Heavy wall cardboard tube - like rods from decent shippers come to you in. Same diameter stats as for the PVC.

 

Going cheap on shipping rods more often than not results in a broken rod.

 

Also make sure to insure it for the full replacement value.

[GReb]

If length plus girth is less than 108” you can ship it USPS priority and save some $$$. Last few I’ve shipped for around $12 plus whatever the cost of insurance (you get $50 insurance free). FedEx or UPS cost around $35

[shimanoangler]

6 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

#1 - PVC pipe, large enough diameter to fit the rod with bubble wrap around the handle and tip at minimum...mid-section as an added bonus. Get one with threads - or have the hardware store thread it - and screw caps on the ends

#2 - Heavy wall cardboard tube - like rods from decent shippers come to you in. Same diameter stats as for the PVC.

 

Going cheap on shipping rods more often than not results in a broken rod.

 

Also make sure to insure it for the full replacement value.

What he said!  PVC is BRUTALLY expensive to ship though due to weight.  However there are some sewer grade tubes you can buy that don't weigh nearly as much as PVC and are pretty rugged for shipping purposes.  Just have to duct tape the ends after packing and you are good to go. Cardboard my preferred shipping tube, as it is a inexpensive way to ship rods, and is the cardboard is rugged enough to survive the intentional beating shipping employees give these easy targets as they pass through the terminals.   The other advice from above that is IMPERATIVE is insurance.  Must must must must must fully insure your package.  Even the best packing efforts can get destroyed in shipping.  So insurance is a must.   I use the USPS almost exclusively as they are everywhere and fairly competitive in this space.   

[kayaking_kev]

I always save all my rod tubes from Tackle Warehouse + others and peel off any labels that's on them. 

 

I have found that using USPS and printing the label at home is the cheapest. Without insurance, it's usually under $15 to any State except like California, from Ohio. I always get it fully insured and signature on delivery, so it adds to the cost a little bit, it's usually around $20 total.

 

Just make sure you secure the rod to one side of the tube with tape or something so it can't move around. I always throw some packing material in there to fill space and make sure the tip and guides are wrapped in bubble wrap.

[S Hovanec]

Sch 40 pvc and usps.  Do click and ship and print your own label because the PO doesn't know how to measure tubes.  I sent a 3.5"x8' insured for $1000 a couple months ago for $35

[MN Fisher]

6 minutes ago, S Hovanec said:

Sch 40 pvc and usps.  Do click and ship and print your own label because the PO doesn't know how to measure tubes.  I sent a 3.5"x8' insured for $1000 a couple months ago for $35

well, 3.5" diameter on a 96" tube is 107" (106.995") total - so under their 108" limit.

[JustJames]

55 minutes ago, shimanoangler said:

What he said!  PVC is BRUTALLY expensive to ship though due to weight.  However there are some sewer grade tubes you can buy that don't weigh nearly as much as PVC and are pretty rugged for shipping purposes.  Just have to duct tape the ends after packing and you are good to go. Cardboard my preferred shipping tube, as it is a inexpensive way to ship rods, and is the cardboard is rugged enough to survive the intentional beating shipping employees give these easy targets as they pass through the terminals.   The other advice from above that is IMPERATIVE is insurance.  Must must must must must fully insure your package.  Even the best packing efforts can get destroyed in shipping.  So insurance is a must.   I use the USPS almost exclusively as they are everywhere and fairly competitive in this space.   

This ^^^^ lighter than cardboard tube but stronger. I cut cardboard to fit the opening hole and tape it real good. When you ship a rod, please tie the butt end and tape it, so the tip doesn’t get damage when moving around.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Advanced-Drainage-Systems-4-in-x-10-ft-Triplewall-Pipe-Solid-4550010/100135310

You should expect to add around 20 for shipping cost, tell USPS you want to ship 2nd day priority.

[bassbandit2]

3 hours ago, Bass_Fishing_Socal said:

This ^^^^ lighter than cardboard tube but stronger. I cut cardboard to fit the opening hole and tape it real good. When you ship a rod, please tie the butt end and tape it, so the tip doesn’t get damage when moving around.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Advanced-Drainage-Systems-4-in-x-10-ft-Triplewall-Pipe-Solid-4550010/100135310

You should expect to add around 20 for shipping cost, tell USPS you want to ship 2nd day priority.

Ok perfect these are the ones you've used in the past? What if the rods are 7' should I cut It down to like 7 1/2 feet long?

[shimanoangler]

7 hours ago, Bass_Fishing_Socal said:

This ^^^^ lighter than cardboard tube but stronger. I cut cardboard to fit the opening hole and tape it real good. When you ship a rod, please tie the butt end and tape it, so the tip doesn’t get damage when moving around.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Advanced-Drainage-Systems-4-in-x-10-ft-Triplewall-Pipe-Solid-4550010/100135310

You should expect to add around 20 for shipping cost, tell USPS you want to ship 2nd day priority.

Yup, that is the stuff.  Cut it to length and you are good to go.  I typically place bubble wrap around the tip and fill the space between the tip and the tube end cover with crumpled up newspaper.