Cheapest Way to Ship Posters
Posters ship best in sturdy triangular tubes or flat between rigid cardboard panels.
Shipping Options for Posters
Posters require protection from bending, creasing, and moisture. The two main shipping methods are rolling the poster in a tube or shipping it flat between rigid cardboard sheets. Tubes are cheaper and lighter for most standard posters (18x24, 24x36), while flat shipping is preferred for vintage or high-value posters where any curl is unacceptable. Triangular tubes are more crush-resistant than round ones. Always include a layer of tissue paper or glassine to prevent the poster from sticking to itself or the tube interior.
| Service | Carrier | Est. Cost | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground AdvantageRecommended | USPS | $4-7 | 2-5 days | Standard poster tubes up to 36 inches long |
| Priority Mail | USPS | $9-14 | 1-3 days | Valuable or limited edition posters needing faster delivery |
| FedEx Ground | FedEx | $12-18 | 3-7 days | Oversized posters exceeding USPS size limits |
| UPS Ground | UPS | $12-18 | 3-7 days | Bulk poster shipments to retailers or events |
Packaging Tips for Posters
Pro Tips
- Triangular tubes cost slightly more than round ones but provide significantly better crush protection — the flat sides distribute impact forces more evenly.
- For flat shipping, sandwich the poster between two pieces of rigid cardboard cut slightly larger than the poster, then tape all edges shut.
- Add 'DO NOT BEND' and 'FRAGILE' labels to flat mailers — while not guaranteed, they do reduce rough handling in many facilities.
Important Considerations
Poster tubes over 36 inches may incur dimensional weight surcharges from some carriers. USPS allows packages up to 108 inches in combined length and girth. For oversized posters, FedEx and UPS may offer more competitive rates than USPS.
Frequently Asked Questions
For most posters, rolling in a sturdy tube is the cheapest and safest option. Tubes protect against bending and creasing while keeping the package lightweight. Ship flat only for vintage posters, autographed prints, or any poster where even a slight curl would diminish its value.
A 24x36 inch poster (the most common size) needs a tube at least 37 inches long and 3-4 inches in diameter. For 18x24 posters, a 25-inch tube with a 3-inch diameter works well. Always leave at least 1 inch of extra length beyond the poster to allow for end caps and prevent edge damage.
Roll the poster loosely (not too tight) around a cardboard core if available, then slide it into a sturdy tube with end caps secured by tape. For flat shipping, use two sheets of rigid cardboard larger than the poster and seal all four edges with packing tape. The key is eliminating any room for the poster to shift or fold inside the packaging.
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