Cheapest Way to Ship Golf Clubs (2025): Rates & Tips

• 11 min read

Shipping golf clubs doesn’t have to break the bank. The cheapest way to ship golf clubs is almost always by using a ground service like USPS Ground Advantage, UPS Ground, or FedEx Ground, especially when you use a third-party platform to get discounted rates. Whether you’re sending them to a vacation spot, selling a set online, or shipping them to a tournament, this guide walks you through everything from picking the right service to packing like a pro, ensuring your clubs arrive safely and affordably.

Start by Comparing Carrier Rates Instantly

Before you do anything else, the smartest first step is to compare prices. A shipping rate calculator is an online tool that shows you costs from different carriers like USPS, UPS, and FedEx all in one place. Instead of checking each website one by one, you enter your package details (for golf clubs, this is usually the box dimensions and weight) and see the options side by side. If you’re not sure how carriers price shipments, check our guide on how to calculate shipping costs. Many shippers overpay simply out of habit, but a quick comparison can reveal significant savings. For instance, one carrier might quote $120 for a shipment while another quotes $200 for the same delivery.

Using a free tool like the Online Shipping Calculator lets you spot these differences in seconds. You might be surprised to find that the cheapest way to ship golf clubs isn’t always the carrier you expected.

Choose Ground Shipping for the Lowest Cost

If your clubs don’t need to arrive overnight, ground shipping is almost always your most affordable option. This service uses trucks and trains instead of expensive air transport. While it’s slower, typically taking 2 to 7 days within the U.S., the savings are huge.

Think about it this way: sending a package via an overnight air service can cost three to five times more than sending it via ground. For a non urgent shipment, choosing a ground service is the easiest way to lower your costs. Unless you’re in a major time crunch, this is the cheapest way to ship golf clubs.

Why USPS is Often a Great Choice for Domestic Shipments

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is frequently the most budget friendly carrier for domestic shipping, especially for packages that aren’t excessively heavy. Services like USPS Ground Advantage offer a fantastic balance of cost and reasonable delivery time (usually 2 to 5 business days). For details on USPS services, rates, and when each makes sense, see our USPS shipping guide.

For packages under 70 pounds, USPS is a strong contender. While a full set of clubs in a box might push that limit, shipping a single club or a few irons often falls well within their sweet spot. Even major competitors have admitted they can’t profitably compete with USPS on lighter shipments, making it a go to for many individuals and small businesses.

FedEx Ground and UPS Ground: Top Low Cost Options

When you’re dealing with a heavier or bulkier shipment, like a full set of 14 clubs in a travel bag and box, FedEx Ground and UPS Ground are your best friends. These services are designed for exactly this kind of package.

  • Higher Weight Limits: Both carriers handle packages up to 150 lbs, well beyond the 70 lb limit for USPS.
  • Cost Effective for Heavy Items: For heavier packages, FedEx and UPS Ground rates often beat other services. They are built for moving larger items efficiently across the country. If you’re choosing between carriers for a heavier box, compare scenarios in our UPS vs USPS price guide.
  • Reliable Tracking: Both services provide dependable tracking, so you can monitor your clubs’ journey from start to finish.

These ground services are a cornerstone for cost efficient shipping, and for many golfers, they represent the cheapest way to ship golf clubs.

Use Third Party Shipping Services for Big Discounts

Here’s a secret the pros use: third party shipping platforms. Services like Shippo, Pirate Ship, or ShipStation give you access to pre‑negotiated commercial rates that are much lower than what you’d pay at a retail counter. See our overview of shipping discounts to understand how these savings work. These platforms aggregate volume from thousands of shippers to get bulk discounts from USPS, UPS, and FedEx, and they pass those savings on to you.

You can often save up to 90% off retail shipping rates. Instead of paying the full price at The UPS Store, you can print a discounted label from home. This is one of the most effective strategies for finding the cheapest way to ship golf clubs. You get the same reliable service from the major carriers but at a fraction of the price. For certain routes and sizes, Sendle can also be cost‑effective; read our Sendle review.

How to Minimize Dimensional Weight

Carriers don’t just charge based on how much your box weighs; they also consider its size. This is called dimensional weight (or DIM weight). They calculate a “volumetric weight” based on the package’s length, width, and height and charge you for whichever is greater: the actual weight or the DIM weight.

A long, slender golf club box is a prime candidate for DIM weight charges. To keep costs down:

  • Use the Smallest Box Possible: Don’t put your clubs in a giant box with tons of empty space. Find a box designed specifically for golf clubs. Many shipping stores sell them, or you can get one from a golf shop.
  • Consider Telescoping Boxes: These adjustable boxes can be sized to fit your clubs perfectly, minimizing wasted space and keeping the dimensional weight low.
  • Pack Tightly: Fill any voids with padding like bubble wrap to prevent shifting, but avoid “bulging” the box, which can increase its dimensions.

Reducing wasted space is a critical step in securing the cheapest way to ship golf clubs.

Pack Your Clubs Securely to Avoid Damage and Fees

Proper packing not only protects your clubs but also helps you avoid surprise fees. Carriers can levy “additional handling” surcharges for packages that are oddly shaped, poorly secured, or longer than 48 inches. This fee can add $25 or more to your bill.

Best Practices for Packing Golf Clubs:

  1. Use a Sturdy Box: Start with a new, strong corrugated cardboard box designed for shipping golf clubs.
  2. Cushion Everything: Wrap the club heads in bubble wrap or headcovers to prevent them from clanking together. Secure the shafts with bubble wrap as well, as they can be fragile.
  3. Fill the Voids: Use materials like bubble wrap or packing paper to fill all empty space inside the box. When you shake the box, you shouldn’t feel anything moving around. Experts recommend at least 2 inches of padding on all sides for fragile items.
  4. Seal It Tight: Use strong packing tape to seal all seams on the top and bottom of the box. Once your box is sealed and labeled, you can schedule a free USPS pickup from your doorstep instead of waiting in line.

Plan Ahead to Avoid Expensive Expedited Shipping

If you need your clubs to arrive tomorrow, be prepared to pay a premium. Expedited services like overnight or 2 day air are incredibly expensive compared to ground shipping. Planning your shipment a week or two in advance allows you to use slower, more economical ground services and to steer around carrier peak dates. Check the USPS holidays calendar when timing your shipment. This simple step is fundamental to finding the cheapest way to ship golf clubs.

Should You Buy Shipping Insurance?

Most carriers include some level of free coverage. For example, UPS and FedEx automatically protect shipments up to a $100 value. USPS Priority Mail also includes $100 of insurance for domestic shipments.

For a standard set of used clubs, this might be enough. However, if you’re shipping a high end driver or a brand new set worth thousands, buying additional coverage is a good idea. It typically costs around $1 for every extra $100 of value you declare. Weigh the cost of the insurance against the value of your clubs and your peace of mind.

Shipping Golf Clubs Internationally

Need to send clubs overseas? The cheapest way to ship golf clubs internationally is usually through the postal service.

  • USPS International: Services like USPS Priority Mail International are often much cheaper than private couriers for international shipments. A package to Europe might cost $10 to $15 with USPS, while a courier could charge $30 or more.
  • Discounted Couriers: Shipping software platforms often provide access to discounted international rates from services like DHL Express or GlobalPost, which can be cheaper than booking directly.

Before you ship, be sure to compare international rates to find the best deal for your destination country. For additional tactics to cut cross‑border costs, see our guide to the cheapest international shipping.

Don’t Forget the Customs Declaration Form

When shipping internationally, you must complete a customs declaration form. This document lists the contents of your package, its value, and its purpose (e.g., “used sporting goods” or “gift”). It is required by law and is used to assess any import duties or taxes.

Most shipping software will help you fill this out and print it with your label. Be honest and accurate with your declaration to avoid your package getting held up in customs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the absolute cheapest way to ship golf clubs?
For most domestic shipments, the cheapest way to ship golf clubs is by using a ground service (like UPS Ground, FedEx Ground, or USPS Ground Advantage) and purchasing your label through a third party shipping platform to access commercial discounts.

2. Is it cheaper to ship golf clubs with USPS or UPS?
It depends on the weight and size. For a single club or a very light package, USPS may be cheaper. For a full, heavy set of clubs, UPS Ground or FedEx Ground is often more cost effective. The best approach is to use a shipping calculator to compare real time rates.

3. Can I use my own box to ship golf clubs?
Yes, you can use your own box. Just make sure it is sturdy and sized appropriately to minimize dimensional weight. Avoid using old, damaged boxes.

4. How much does it typically cost to ship a set of golf clubs?
The cost varies widely based on distance, weight, and speed. Using a ground service, you can often expect to pay anywhere from $40 to $100 for a full set of clubs shipped domestically. Using a rate comparison tool is the only way to know for sure.

5. Is it better to ship clubs in a travel bag or just a box?
For the best protection, place your clubs inside a travel bag and then put the entire travel bag inside a sturdy cardboard shipping box. This provides two layers of protection against damage.

6. Do I need to buy shipping insurance for my golf clubs?
It’s a good idea for valuable clubs. Most carriers include $100 of coverage for free. If your clubs are worth more, purchasing additional declared value coverage provides financial protection if they are lost or damaged.

7. How do I find the best price without checking every website?
Using an online shipping calculator is the most efficient method. It allows you to enter your package information once and see estimated costs from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and other carriers on a single page, making it easy to find the cheapest way to ship golf clubs.

8. What’s the best way to handle an international golf club shipment?
For international shipping, start by comparing USPS International rates against discounted courier rates available through shipping software. Be sure to accurately complete the required customs declaration form to prevent delays.