A lot of shipping companies offer different prices for shipping a fishing rod. Some of these are very cheap, while some are relatively expensive.
If you want to know how much it costs to ship a fishing rod, you will find an answer to that in this article. You will also find the cheapest way to ship a fishing rod.
Here Is How Much It Cost To Ship A Fishing Rod
Shipping a fishing rod can cost anywhere from $10 to more than $500. The shipping cost depends on the length and weight of your rod, including the distance of where you want to ship it to. Also, the particular mailing company you choose determines how much you will pay for the shipping.
How Much Does It Cost To Send A Fishing Rod In The Mail?
The cost of sending a rod in the mail depends on the shipping service. Here is a list of some popular shipping services and how much they charge for shipping a fishing rod.
US Postal Service (USPS)
USPS offers budget-friendly shipping services. The cost of shipping your rod will depend on the option you choose, ranging from about $9 to $60 or more.
USPS will calculate the cost based on the size of your rod and the distance of the location you want to send it to.
Any package with a dimension over 12 inches, like a fishing rod, is considered a large package.
For a large package, the dimensions of the package will determine how much the shipping will cost.
Here is an example of USPS’s estimated cost for shipping a 7 feet packed fishing with a dimension of 84 × 3 × 3.
Shipping cost for a distance of about 100 miles
| Priority Mail Express 1-Day™ | $27.40 |
| Priority Mail 2-Day™ | $8.70 |
| USPS Retail Ground® | $8.50 |
Shipping cost for a distance of about 3000 miles
| Priority Mail Express 1-Day™ | $48.45 |
| Priority Mail 2-Day™ | $11.60 |
| USPS Retail Ground® | $10.25 |
There is also the media mail option which is a lot cheaper. However, it does not apply to items like a fishing rod.
United Parcel Service (UPS)
UPS is an American shipping company with its headquarters located in Atlanta and Georgia in the US.
Here is an estimated prince range of shipping a packed fishing rod with 84 × 3× 3 inches dimension.
Shipping cost covering a distance of about 100 miles
1-day in transit | 2 days in transit | 3 days in transit |
| Next-Day Air® Early$100.53 | 2nd Day Air®$44.50 | 3 Days Select®$38.13 |
| Next-Day Air®$65.36 | 2nd Day Air A.M.®$47.91 | |
| Next Day Air Saver®$62.30 | ||
| UPS Ground$27.50 |
Shipping cost covering a distance of about 3000 miles
1-day in transit | 2 days in transit | 8 days in transit |
| Next-Day Air® Early$167.01 | 2nd Day Air®$84.63 | UPS Ground$53.37 |
| Next-Day Air®$131.84 | 2nd Day Air A.M.®$99.33 | |
| Next Day Air Saver®$104.59 |
If you are using UPS to ship your fishing rod, you may want to avoid packing the rod inside a PVC pipe. This is because UPS will not consider your fishing rod packed inside a PVC pipe a standard package, and you may end up paying more for the shipping cost.
FedEx
The cost of shipping through FedEx depends on the time of delivery, weight, and destination.
You will pay an additional charge for fuel, additional handling, and dimension depending on the delivery option you want to go for. All the charges sum up together for the estimated delivery price.
Below is the estimated cost for sending a packed fishing rod with 84 × 3 × 3 inches dimension.
Shipping cost for a distance of about 100 miles
| FedEx First Overnight® | $115.3 |
| FedEx Priority Overnight® | $78.96 |
| FedEx Standard Overnight® | $72.32 |
| FedEx Ground® | $27.32 |
| FedEx 2Day® | $52.02 |
| FedEx 2Day®AM | $54.71 |
| FedEx Express Saver® | $50.92 |
Shipping cost for a distance of about 3000 miles
| FedEx First Overnight® | $ 180.21 |
| FedEx Priority Overnight® | $143.87 |
| FedEx Standard Overnight® | $115.49 |
| FedEx 2Day® | $90.79 |
| FedEx 2Day®AM | $106.85 |
Also, if you send your fishing rod and it is scheduled for delivery on Saturday, you will pay an additional charge for Saturday delivery.
What Is The Cheapest Way To Ship A Fishing Rod?
Using USPS is one of the cheapest ways to ship your fishing rod. Just make sure you pack your rod very well to avoid any damage. If your rod incurs any damage in transit, then the economical shipping will not be worth it.
Also, you can ship your rod with affordable rod containers.
You don’t have to break your bank to get cases to ship your rod. A simple 2″ or 3″ PVC pipe with end caps will do. Another cheaper alternative is to use heavy-duty cardboard that comes with a rod when you purchase it.
What To Avoid When Shipping A Fishing Rod?
Fishing rods are fragile equipment that can break easily if not well-packed when shipping. It would be best to avoid certain things when you want to ship a fishing rod. For instance,
- Avoid using a weak container to pack your rod when shipping. If the container is not durable and strong enough, it can break and expose your rod to damage.
- Also, don’t leave space in the container for your rod to move around inside. The rod moving inside can cause damage. Instead, fill the inside of the container well with bubble wraps to protect your rods and keep them in place.
- Another thing you would want to avoid is packing the rod with other fishing tackles. It is best to pack other fishing tackle separately to protect your fishing rod.
- Avoid packing two or more rods in one container. It is better to pack them separately.
However, if you want to pack them as one package to reduce the cost of shipping, make sure you wrap each of the rods separately with bubble wrap before putting them together in the container.
How To Ship A Fishing Rod And Reel?
If you are wondering how you can ship your fishing rod and reel, then follow the steps below.
- First, pack your rod and reel properly. To pack them, you will need
- Bubble wrap
- PVC pipe
- PVC cap
- Tape
- Cardboard box
After packing the rod, it should be in place without moving. You can confirm by shaking the container. You should not hear any sound when you shake it.
The reel should be packed separately from the rod. Also, wrap both the reel and the rod with bubble wrap and secure the wrap in place with tape.
- Next, you should weigh your rods and reel. Knowing the weight and dimensions of your packed rod and reel will give you an insight into the price likely to be charged.
- Decide on the shipping company that will help you ship your rod and reel. Some of the popular companies are USPS, UPS, and FedEx.
The shipping companies charge different prices for their services. Find one that offers options within your budget.
- Lastly, choose your preferred shipping option and have your reel and rod sent to the desired destination.
Takeaway
The cost of shipping your fishing rod will depend on the particular shipping service you use. Regardless of the shipping service, make sure you pack your fishing rod properly before sending the rod out. Packing the rod well will reduce the risk of it breaking in transit.
Also, you can take insurance on the fishing rod if the shipping service you are using offers it. If your fishing rod gets damaged in transit, the insurance will cover the damage.