This guide will walk you through the entire process of shipping a guitar, including cost factors, packaging tips, carrier selection, and how to scale your operation using a third-party logistics provider (3PL) like Daguer.
Shipping a guitar requires more than just placing it in a box. One wrong move can turn a cherished instrument into a costly loss. Whether you’re sending a vintage Fender Stratocaster for repair, shipping an acoustic to a customer, or relocating your entire music business inventory, properly packaging and shipping your guitar is essential.
As experts in global freight and high-value logistics, Daguer Logistics specializes in safe, reliable transportation for musical instruments, including international guitar shipments. This guide will walk you through the entire process of shipping a guitar, including cost factors, packaging tips, carrier selection, and how to scale your operation using a third-party logistics provider (3PL) like Daguer.
Start by gently cleaning the guitar with a microfiber cloth. Wipe down the fretboard, strings, and body. Use fretboard conditioner if the instrument will be in transit for more than a few days to prevent cracking.
Loosen the strings to relieve neck tension. For bass guitars or instruments with long necks, this is especially important to prevent warping.
Take off any removable parts:
· Whammy bar
· Knobs
· Switch caps
· Strap buttons
· Locking nut clamps
Store these in a labeled, resealable plastic bag and place them inside the guitar case.
Take high-resolution photos from all angles. Focus on:
· Front and back of the body
· Headstock and tuners
· Neck and frets
· Serial number and existing wear marks
This documentation is crucial for insurance claims.
Companies like UPS and FedEx offer musical instrument shipping services, including professional packing. Expect to pay $30–$70 for packing, plus shipping costs.
For those shipping regularly or looking to save costs, DIY packaging is effective if done properly.
· Hardshell guitar case
· Corrugated cardboard shipping box (sized for guitars)
· Bubble wrap and/or foam padding
· Packing peanuts or air cushions
· Packing and clear shipping tape
· “Fragile” and “This Side Up” labels
1. Wrap the headstock and neck with bubble wrap and secure it with elastic bands.
2. Place foam padding around the body, especially at the neck joint.
3. Insert the guitar into its hardshell case.
4. Add bubble wrap around the guitar inside the case to prevent shifting.
5. Place the case into the cardboard shipping box with packing peanuts or air cushions filling any gaps.
6. Seal the box with packing tape. Reinforce all seams.
· Print and attach a shipping label with full addresses.
· Add handling labels: “Fragile” and “This Side Up”.
· For international shipping, include completed customs forms.
· Dimensions & Weight: Large guitars or heavy cases may trigger dimensional weight charges.
· Shipping Distance: Rates increase with longer domestic or international shipping distances.
· Service Level: Overnight or express shipping costs more.
· Insurance: Recommended for high-value guitars; costs roughly $1-$3 per $100 of declared value.
· Customs Fees (International): Duties vary by country. Be transparent about declared value.
Carriers will retrieve the guitar from your home or warehouse. This is ideal for:
· Bulk shipping
· Business shipments
· High-value or fragile instruments
Expect to pay an extra $10-$25 for this convenience.
Dropping off the package at a shipping center reduces costs. It also allows for last-minute inspection and relabeling if needed.
1. Inspect the package before signing.
2. Open the package while the delivery driver is present (if possible).
3. Document any damage with photos.
4. Contact the shipper immediately if there are any issues.
At Daguer Logistics, we specialize in ecommerce fulfillment and high-value product transport. Whether you’re a music retailer shipping hundreds of guitars monthly or a musician sending one prized instrument across the globe, we have the infrastructure, tools, and experience to ensure safe delivery every time.
· Fragile item packaging expertise
· Insurance and tracking options
· Nationwide & international coverage
· Custom branding for packaging
Outsourcing logistics to a 3PL like Daguer Logistics lets you focus on growth, not guesswork. With our advanced WMS, real-time tracking, and automated order routing, we streamline guitar shipments from checkout to customer.
Whether you’re selling on Reverb, Shopify, or your own site, we can integrate seamlessly.
Shipping a guitar is a delicate process that demands precision. Whether you're an individual or a business, Daguer Logistics is your partner for stress-free, damage-free, and affordable guitar deliveries.
From packing and labeling to final-mile delivery, we’re your go-to solution for ecommerce, international shipping, and high-value fulfillment.
Not recommended. Gig bags offer minimal protection. Always use a case or double-box with extensive padding.
Yes, especially for high-value items. Standard carrier coverage may not cover the full cost of the guitar.
Partner with a logistics expert (like Daguer). You’ll need a commercial invoice, HS codes, and to declare the guitar’s value. We handle this for you.
Yes, but they have size and weight restrictions. FedEx and UPS tend to be more reliable for larger instruments.
Yes. We provide warehousing, pick-and-pack, and ecommerce fulfillment for music businesses in the U.S. and abroad.
