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Cheapest Way to Ship Posters and Artwork (Tubes vs Flat)
Posters and art require special packaging to prevent damage. Compare tubes, flat mailers, and the best carriers.
January 9, 20263 min read34 views
Poster and Art Shipping Options
Shipping flat artwork without damage requires careful packaging choices.
Tube Shipping
Best For:
- Rolled posters
- Flexible prints
- Canvas (unframed)
| Contents | Tube Size | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 18x24 poster | 26" x 3" dia | 0.5 lb |
| 24x36 poster | 40" x 3" dia | 0.8 lb |
| 27x40 movie poster | 44" x 4" dia | 1.2 lb |
| Carrier | Service | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| USPS Priority | Priority | $12.50 |
| USPS Ground | Ground Advantage | $9.80 |
| UPS Ground | Ground | $14.50 |
Flat Shipping
Best For:
- Rigid prints
- Matted artwork
- Photography prints
- Framed pieces
| Type | Max Size | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Flat mailers | 12x15" | Small prints |
| Rigid mailers | 18x24" | Medium art |
| Art boxes | Any size | Framed art |
| Carrier | Service | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| USPS Priority | Flat Rate | $10.40 |
| USPS Ground | Ground | $8.50 |
| UPS Ground | Ground | $12.80 |
USPS Tube Rates
Priority Mail Tubes:
| Tube Size | Price |
|---|---|
| Small (25x6x6) | Free Priority Flat Rate |
| Medium (38x6x6) | Free Priority Flat Rate |
| Large (38x6x6 triangle) | $21.90 (Flat Rate) |
Packaging Materials
Tubes:
| Type | Cost | Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Kraft tubes | $0.50-1.50 | Basic |
| White tubes | $0.75-2.00 | Better presentation |
| Heavy-duty tubes | $1.50-3.00 | Maximum protection |
| Adjustable tubes | $2.00-4.00 | Fits multiple sizes |
| Type | Cost | Protection |
|---|---|---|
| Cardboard stiffeners | $0.30-0.75 | Basic |
| Rigid mailers | $0.80-2.00 | Good |
| Art boxes | $3.00-8.00 | Excellent |
Protecting Artwork
Rolled Prints:
Flat Prints:
Framed Art Shipping
Challenges:
- Glass breakage risk
- Heavy weight
- Large dimensions
- Tape glass in X pattern
- Wrap in bubble wrap
- Use corner protectors
- Double-box with 2" gap
- Add "Fragile—Glass" labels
| Carrier | Rate |
|---|---|
| UPS Ground | $28-45 |
| FedEx Ground | $30-48 |
| USPS Priority | $32-55 |
Gallery and Artist Tips
Frequent Art Shippers:
- Buy tubes/boxes in bulk (50%+ savings)
- Create standard sizes for efficiency
- Use template for consistent packing
- Build shipping into art prices
Comparison Chart
18x24 Print, 1 lb:
| Method | Packaging | Shipping | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tube (rolled) | $1.25 | $8.50 | $9.75 |
| Rigid flat | $1.50 | $8.50 | $10.00 |
| Boxed flat | $3.00 | $10.50 | $13.50 |
Atoship for Art
Features:
- Compare tube vs flat shipping
- Accurate dimensional quotes
- Insurance for valuable art
- Discounted USPS and UPS rates
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