How to Package Sports Equipment for Safe Shipping

When applying for shipping insurance, you must follow these packaging standards to ensure your claim is valid in the event of loss or damage.

✅ General Guidelines

• Use new, undamaged packaging (double-walled boxes, reinforced tubes, or hard cases)
  
  
• All sports equipment must be individually secured and cushioned
  
  
• Packaging must pass a 4-foot drop test without product damage
  
  
• Use heavy-duty tape (2” wide or more) with H-taping method
  
  
• Include item invoice and contents list inside the package
  
  
• Clearly label with “Fragile,” “Heavy,” or “This Side Up” as applicable
  
  
• Take full photo documentation at every packaging step
  
  

🏒 Specific Requirements for Sports Equipment

1. Evaluate Equipment Size and Sensitivity

• Identify if the item is impact-sensitive (e.g., rackets, skis, hockey sticks)
  
  
• For large gear (e.g., surfboards, bicycles, treadmills), consider custom crate or freight-ready packing
  
  
• Small accessories should be bagged and padded separately
  
  

2. Wrap Each Item Individually

• Use foam wrap, bubble wrap, or padded bags around each piece
  
  
• For metal items, use abrasion-resistant wrap to prevent scuffs and scratches
  
  
• For rackets, clubs, or sticks, add foam guards to ends and corners
  
  

3. Double Box or Reinforce

• Use reinforced cardboard tubes for items like fishing rods or hockey sticks
  
  
• Place wrapped equipment inside an inner box, then in a larger outer box with 2”+ cushioning on all sides
  
  
• For gear bags, ensure items inside are immobile and then place the bag inside a box
  
  

4. Secure and Immobilize

• Use void fill (air pillows, foam blocks, peanuts) to eliminate movement
  
  
• Heavy or oddly shaped gear should be secured with tie-downs or straps within crates
  
  
• Use corner protectors on large or rigid items
  
  

5. Seal and Label Clearly

• Use H-tape method with heavy-duty tape
  
  
• Clearly label: “Fragile,” “Sports Equipment,” and any orientation instructions
  
  
• Add item list, contact details, and invoice inside
  
  

📸 Photo Documentation (REQUIRED for Claims)

Take timestamped photos of the following:

• Individual equipment before wrapping
  
  
• Padding, protection, and positioning inside the box or case
  
  
• Final sealed box/crate with visible labels and measurements
  
  

🚫 Common Reasons Claims Are Denied

• Insufficient cushioning or no inner wrapping
  
  
• Not double-boxed or improperly secured for heavy items
  
  
• Fragile items shipped in soft-sided bags without outer box
  
  
• Incomplete or missing packaging photos
  
  
• Using packaging not suitable for size or weight of equipment
  
  

🛡️ Pro Tip

Sports gear often takes a beating in transit. Over-pack rather than under-protect. One dented snowboard or broken racket can ruin an entire claim if packaging doesn’t meet insurance standards.