The cost to ship a crossbow is $3 through USPS First-Class Package Service. If your crossbow weighs less than one pound, the shipping fee starts at $2.75. However, if the weight of your crossbow is exactly one pound, the shipping rate starts at $7.03 using Shippo’s special cubic pricing.
It is essential to note that the total weight for shipping includes the box’s weight plus your crossbow’s weight. USPS and FedEx usually base the total shipping cost of crossbows on their actual weight, the storage box, or their calculated dimensional weight. However, couriers mostly choose whichever is more significant in weight.
You can use this service if your crossbow is more significant than the standard size. However, you also need to note that the shipping cost increases by 15 to 25 cents. It increases for each pound added to the total weight of your package. Moreover, USPS also accepts large packages with a total weight of 70 pounds.
The insurance fee is about $500, which you can avail of if you prefer. It would be best to consider that most couriers add around $4-10 to their packages to cover the admin and service fees. That does not include the insurance fees if you want to ensure your crossbow.
For the boxes, couriers usually provide one, but if you have specific packing requirements, you can buy your package. However, if you prefer to buy your box, it will be an added cost because most couriers give out boxes without additional fees.
One advantage when providing your box and doing the packing is that you can assure that you pack it correctly. Moreover, if you are only shipping your crossbow domestically, you can pay less, around $35 to $55, unless you choose to send it through a third-party shipping service.
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Can I quickly ship a crossbow?
You can quickly ship a crossbow to countries without regulations or states with stricter laws on crossbows and other archery bows. Countries like the Netherlands, Finland, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Germany are some of those with minimal to no regulations on shipping a crossbow.
Meanwhile, countries like Spain, Poland, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden have stricter regulations regarding acquiring and shipping crossbows. To ship a crossbow to these countries, you must get a license before purchasing one.
Norway even has a stricter rule that requires you to obtain permission from their chief of police before you can ship a crossbow, and you need to be 18 years old to get such a permit.
You can ship your crossbow through couriers like FedEx or USPS, which ships internationally. Another thing to remember when sending a crossbow is not to wrap too many bubble wraps as it can affect the total thickness of your package. That can also increase the total weight, thus affecting the amount you need to pay.
When shipping your crossbow, it is best to break the parts into smaller ones for less weight. However, if the limbs of your crossbow are wide or long, or when your package is already heavy, you can opt to ship it in a smaller box. Remove the bow assembly, the scope, and the foot stirrup.
How to ship a crossbow?
To ship your crossbow, make sure to buy a hard case to keep your crossbow safe. Many states and countries require you to put your crossbow in a hard case before they approve your shipment documents. They need that to ensure your bow does not harm anyone during transit.
Most states require crossbows to be put in hard cases when transported on a public road or vehicle. While some states impose stricter regulations, including that all crossbows must be in an uncocked condition before they approve your shipping documents.
Another thing to consider when choosing the type of case for your crossbow is the level of protection you prefer for your crossbow. There are two varieties of crossbow cases: hard-shell or soft-shell. As mentioned earlier, most cases require hard-shell cases, but in some countries, soft-shell cases are alright.
If you prefer the maximum protection, go with a hard-shell case, even if the state you are shipping it to does not require a hard-shell case. A hard-shell case provides maximum safety when shipping a crossbow, and it is the best choice if the shipping transit is aggressive.
Hard-shell cases usually have a soft fabric with tie-down straps. These help the crossbow stay in position and keep it from moving inside. That way, it assures that your crossbow is safe and away from any damage and scratches.
Moreover, it is advisable to use PVC tubes instead of tubular containers. Use those PVC tubes packed in a rectangular corrugated box with the dimensions 36″ x 6″ x 6″ or a triangular box with the dimensions 3″ x 36″.
It would be best not to use a tubular container because they cannot stay in place. They roll when placed on roller ramps or conveyors aside from the PVC tubes and rectangular containers, oblong and triangular containers because they do not move during transit.
Here is a simple, efficient, and easy-to-follow step-by-step on how to pack your crossbow for shipping:
- Loosen the bow’s hair before putting it in the case. Make sure to snug the bow in the tube or bow case by using more foam at the end of your hard-shell case to prevent it from moving too much. Then wrap the bow in a thin layer of tissue paper or bubble wrap, whichever you prefer.
- Write your full name in your package. You can write it directly outside the bubble wrap or on paper and tape it around the bubble wrap where people can easily see it.
- Add more security to your bow by putting a strong rubber band around the bow case to prevent it from moving during transit. You can also put packaging tape at the end caps using a PVC tube.
- Ensure that there is no air space and that you tightly place everything in the box. Put another layer of bubble wrap and the hard case inside the carton. Prevent putting the case too close to the edges and the sides of the carton to avoid scratches.
- Finish packing by securing the lids with plastic packaging tape. Remember not to use masking, duct tape, paper, or scotch tape because these tapes do not guarantee maximum security to your package.
Most of the time, no matter how carefully you pack your bow, there is still roughly a 1% chance that your package gets lost in transit or damaged. Moreover, if you send high-end crossbows, call your insurance company first and ask if they offer insurance when you ship your bow.
Also, do not forget to declare the estimated value of your bow and discuss your shipping options with your courier.
What is the essential information needed to ship a crossbow?
The essential information needed to ship a crossbow are the package dimensions, weight, shipping point, origin, and expected delivery date. With these details, you can expedite the shipment of your crossbow.
You can already determine the estimated amount you need to pay before going to your courier using the following information. That way, you can save time calculating the fees on the spot. Here is a more specific look at the information you need when shipping your crossbow.
- The weight of your package- Weigh your package before going to the courier and use an online shipping calculator to know the estimated shipping cost. If your parcel is too heavy, get the estimated shipping cost based on the dimensional volume of your package. It is because there is a higher chance that you will get a lower price.
Remember to use the total weight of the package when calculating the shipping cost and not only the product. That includes the bubble wrap, cardboards, and other materials you intend to use to pack your crossbow.
You need to include all these things when calculating the total weight because the thickness of bubble wraps can affect the total weight of your box as well as the total cost of shipping. In that case, you can pack your crossbow ahead of time so you can weigh it.
- Origin and destination- A general rule in shipping is that the farther you are from your recipient, the higher the shipping cost. A higher shipping cost is especially true when shipping your crossbow internationally. However, FedEx, DHL, UPS, and USPS calculate domestic shipping costs depending on shipping zones per state.
- Expected delivery date- Most of the time, delivery schedules directly affect the shipping service you availed. It means that when you avail of one-day shipping service, the couriers need to use an overnight shipping service which costs more than the regular shipping fee.
The shipping cost is directly related to the total time it takes for your package to arrive at its destination. That is why overnight shipping usually costs more than a three-day service.
- Dimensions of the package- To calculate the dimensions of your package, you can use this formula: length x width x height. Most couriers mainly use the dimensional and product weights to calculate the total shipping cost. Knowing your parcel’s dimensional volume to help you widely pack for bulky items like a crossbow is essential.
The purpose of using the dimensions of your package in calculating the total shipping cost is to estimate how much space the package can fill on the delivery service. It makes it easier for the couriers to have more efficient deliveries.
Knowing each state and country’s regulations and shipping rules saved your resources and time. On top of that, do not forget to secure your bow with the tips mentioned earlier. It is to ensure a less hassle shipping experience for your crossbow.
How to know the total shipping cost?
To determine the total shipping cost for your crossbow, you need to know the transport fee, duties and taxes, purchased price, and other associated costs. This information significantly affects the total cost of your shipping fee.
There are also three more categories of shipping costs that you need to consider when knowing the best way to ship your crossbow and how much you should spend on shipping.
- Flat-rate shipping
- Calculated shipping
- Free shipping
However, there are some instances and special occasions when you need to shoulder the total costs of shipping, but there are also instances where you can divide the total price with the shop or the seller from where you bought your crossbow.
If you get an agreement with your buyer or seller, make sure to settle the arrangements before shipping the crossbow to ensure that you will not encounter any problems during transit.
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