How to Ship a Poster: Rolled, Flat & Framed Packaging Guide Plus the Cheapest Rates

Posters have grown in popularity over the years, and these days are sold by many artists and merchants. They can come in many sizes, shapes, and styles, so shipping them can be tricky.  They can easily get damaged, hence requiring careful packaging and extra handling during transportation. So if you are selling posters for your eCommerce store, you need to know how to package and mail them safely to assure they arrive at your happy customers.

In this article, we share a step-by-step guide on how to package and ship rolled, flat, and framed posters, and how to find the cheapest way to ship posters. Plus, how Easyship can help you find the cheapest rates for shipping your posters.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Ship Posters Safely?

Shipping posters rolled in a tube is cheapest, with UPS Ground costing $6.91 for an 18×24 poster shipped one pound from NYC to Chicago.

How to Ship a Rolled Poster

The easiest way to ship a rolled poster is through a shipping tube, rather than using a box or poly mailer.

To prepare your rolled poster for shipping, you will need the following packaging materials:

• Shipping tube
• Cushioning material like bubble wrap or foam rubber
• Adhesive tape
• White acid-free tissue paper

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Properly Package and Ship a Rolled Poster

1. Cover the printed area of your poster with a white acid-free tissue paper
2. Prepare the shipping tube to make sure that the length of the tube matches the length of your rolled poster. You can easily do this by putting some cushioning materials at the bottom of the tube. This will reduce any free space and prevent your artwork from shifting.
3. Roll your poster, along with the acid-free tissue paper, and place it in the shipping tube.
4. Close the shipping tube with a cap. Then, bubble wrap both ends of the tube to protect the ends.
5. Affix a shipping label on the side with a clear warning that it is a delicate item that needs to be handled with care.

Related: How to Ship Artwork: Shipping Artwork Guide

There are many ways to ship flat posters. Here, we describe the most common one.

Let's begin with the materials you need:

• Flat cardboard that you can cut into four pieces larger than your flat poster
• A clean plastic bag
• Packing tape
• Tape measure

Packaging the poster:

1. Place your poster on a clean surface
2. Measure the outside dimension of your flat poster.
3. Cut your cardboard into four sheets that are at least two inches larger than your poster on each side.
4. Place your poster inside the plastic bag and tape it shut. If there is any extra space, fold and tape it to ensure a snug fit of the poster inside the bag.
5. Place the poster at the center of the first two cardboard sheets. Then tape the corners of the poster against the cardboard sheets so that it doesn't move.
6. Place the remaining pieces of cardboard on top of the poster with the ribs facing in different directions.
7. Tape the package together, and wrap the entire outside edge at least once with strapping tape.
8. Stick a shipping label on the side with the warning " Fragile Do Not Bend".

How to Ship Framed Posters

Shipping framed posters is different because they cannot be rolled. If not properly packaged, framed art can get damaged in transit, especially when the artwork is shipped without removing the glass.

It is recommended that you remove the glass and pack it separately, but if that is not possible, you should take extra precautions when packaging your posters. If the frame exceeds 36" x 36", it is good to create it.

You will need the following packaging materials:

• Glass mask or surface protection tape
• 3" packing tape
• Foam Corners
• Scissors
• Two boxes
• Styrofoam packing peanuts

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Ship Framed Posters

1. Cover the glass with the glass protection tape. This limits potential damages in the box if the glass breaks in transit.
2. Cover the entire frame with bubble wrap. Ensure that the bubbles are facing inward, then seal with the 3" packing tape. Make sure that the tape is flat against the glass and extends to the corners and edges.
3. Then, cushion the corners with foam.
4. Fill the bottom of one of your boxes with styrofoam peanuts up to a minimum of 2".
5. Put your framed poster inside the box, and fill any empty space with peanuts.
6. Seal the box and place it inside the second box. Seal the outer box and secure all the seams with the 3" packing tape.
7. Shake and squeeze your box to ensure that it is ready for transit.
8. Affix a shipping label showing that it is a fragile item that needs careful handling.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Ship Posters?

Finding the cheapest way to mail posters begins with the size of your poster and understanding how you plan to package and ship. This will impact the costs. In most cases, shipping them rolled up in a tube is going to be the cheapest route. Sending them framed will increase their size, and there will likely be a different fee structure.

As an example, let’s take a medium-sized 18x24 poster weighing one pound that will be shipped from New York City to Chicago, and New York City to Canada. Let’s use a 38in. x 6in. x 6in packaging. This is a common-size tube provided by the major couriers.

New York City to Chicago

New York City, USA to Toronto, Canada

Send Your Posters Through Easyship

Shipping posters don't need to be a challenge if you know how to package them and find the best shipping rates. If you're an eCommerce merchant just launching your poster business or adding them to your inventory, Easyship can help you save up to 91% on shipping and provide transparent dynamic rates at checkout for your customers.

Our warehouse fulfillment partners offer packaging expertise, even for the most fragile and sensitive items if you are expanding your business. They can package your poster with the right packaging materials to protect your artwork against any form of damage during transit.

Sign up for a free Easyship account today to get started!

Shipping Posters FAQ

Can posters be shipped flat instead of rolled?

Yes, posters can be shipped flat, but this method is usually more expensive. Flat shipping requires rigid cardboard reinforcement to prevent bending and is best for limited editions or posters that cannot be rolled.

What size poster tube should I use for shipping?

Choose a tube slightly longer than the shortest side of the poster. Common sizes include 24", 36", and 38", with extra padding added to prevent movement during transit.

Is it safe to ship posters internationally?

Yes, posters ship well internationally when rolled in sturdy tubes. However, international shipments may incur customs duties, taxes, and longer transit times depending on the destination country.

How do I prevent posters from creasing during shipping?

Use acid-free tissue paper, roll posters loosely rather than tightly, eliminate empty space inside the tube with padding, and avoid poly mailers, which offer little structural protection.

Do shipping carriers charge extra for poster tubes?

Some carriers apply dimensional weight pricing to tubes, especially longer ones. While tubes are lightweight, their length can increase shipping costs compared to compact packages.

Should I remove the glass when shipping framed posters?

Yes, removing the glass is strongly recommended. Glass significantly increases the risk of damage, and shipping it separately reduces the chance of breakage and costly returns.

What is the cheapest carrier for shipping posters?

The cheapest carrier depends on size, weight, and destination. For domestic shipments, UPS Ground and USPS Ground Advantage are often the most affordable for rolled posters.

Can I ship posters in a poly mailer?

Poly mailers are not recommended for posters. They provide no rigidity and greatly increase the risk of bending, creasing, or edge damage during transit.

How much does it typically cost to ship a poster?

Domestic poster shipping usually ranges from $6–$15 for rolled posters, while flat or framed posters can cost significantly more due to size, weight, and packaging requirements.

Is insurance necessary when shipping posters?

Insurance is recommended for high-value or limited-edition posters. While standard carrier coverage may apply, additional insurance offers better protection against loss or damage.