Guide to Packing and Shipping Vinyl Records

While this generation of millennials seems to embrace only the latest technologies, they’re actually purists at heart, which is why vinyl records are making a comeback.

In recent years, vinyl has kept surging in popularity. In 2024, over 43.6 million LPs/EPs were sold in the U.S., marking an 18th consecutive year of growth. Meanwhile, record-lovers cataloged 105.7 million items on Discogs in 2024 alone, pushing its total collection past 750 million listings. eBay’s vinyl market is booming too: sales of used and new records increased significantly (about 30% from 2019 to 2023), and a current search for “Vinyl Records” on eBay returns nearly 9.8 million active listings.

If you happen to be an online record seller, you know that after receiving your orders, you’ll have to get down to the real work - securely packing your shipments according to vinyl record sizes and mailing them to their recipients. But how do you do this while ensuring your records’ safety?

How to Ship Vinyl Records

When you understand how to efficiently and safely ship your records, it significantly reduces the chances of having the records damaged or lost in transit. Here are some tips you should consider:

• Choose the Right Shipping Box: When you’re shipping vinyl records, it’s important to pack it properly to avoid wasting space and paying for a larger box. Smart packing can save you from additional costs that could’ve been avoided.
• Arrange Drop Offs and Pickups: To ensure easy pickups and drop-offs, it’s most convenient to go for a courier that has a door-to-door pickup and drop off service. Easyship can help you compare these services to help you make the best decision and ensure your peace of mind. 
• Get Them Insured: These records can be very valuable, especially rare releases or first editions. To be safe, you should take out insurance for your shipment. Over 1.5 billion shipments were damaged by major couriers in 2024, according to Contimod. While many couriers offer insurance as part of their shipping services, Easyship also offers insurance up to $10,000, and boasts the fastest claims processing with an average turnaround time of 48 hours.
• Track Your Order: The fact that the record has shipped does not mean that your work is done. If possible, track your order until you are sure it has been delivered to your customers

You should also take note that you can opt for custom-made boxes for your precious cargo. To a large extent, the use of custom-made boxes will protect your records from damage.

Which Couriers Can Ship Vinyls?

When it comes to shipping these records, you’ll find that there are plenty of courier services available. We’ve tracked down a few of the most popular:

USPS

USPS Media Mail is an affordable and convenient mailing service that is mostly used for shipping records around the world. The downside is that this is one of the longest courier delivery times.

FedEx

This courier is capable of shipping your highly valuable records to your customers, and it offers insurance, which is why we consider this one of the best ways to ship records.

UPS

UPS has a good track record for local and international deliveries, and the courier’s services include insurance, tracking, and the timely arrival of orders. The only downside is that it is usually the most expensive option.

How Much Does it Cost to Ship Vinyls?

The cost of shipping vinyls depends on how many you’re shipping at once. Here are the rates for a 6 lbs parcel (approximately 4 vinyls) being shipped from New York City to Chicago.

Here are the overall cheapest, fastest, and best value options across these courier services:

When it comes to shipping vinyl records, the cost can vary significantly based on multiple variables. Understanding what drives your vinyl record shipping cost helps you choose the most cost-effective and reliable method — especially for eCommerce sellers or collectors looking to protect valuable records.

Key Factors That Affect Vinyl Shipping Costs

Here are the main factors that determine the cost to ship vinyl records:

• Shipping Carrier: USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL all offer different pricing structures. USPS Media Mail is often the most affordable option for domestic shipments.
• Shipping Zone/Distance: The farther the package travels, the higher the cost — especially for international shipments.
• Packaging Materials: Mailers, corner protectors, padding (like bubble wrap or foam inserts), and record jackets can add $1–$3 per unit.
• Parcel Weight & Dimensions: A single vinyl record weighs around 0.2–0.4 lbs, but padding and packaging can bump this up. Larger shipments are more cost-efficient per unit.
• Insurance: If you're shipping rare or valuable vinyl, insuring your package increases the cost but provides peace of mind.
• Order Volume: Bulk shipping rates or using a shipping platform like Easyship can reduce your average cost per unit.

Pro Tip: Use a Shipping Rate Calculator

Using a real-time shipping rate calculator (like Easyship’s Shipping Rate Calculator) helps you compare multiple couriers and services to find the cheapest way to ship vinyl records, especially if you're sending them internationally.

How Do You Safely Pack Vinyl Records?

Before you ship your records, they should be properly packed in order to improve the chances of these records reaching their destinations in good condition. Here are ways to safely pack your records:

• Remove vinyl from its jacket
• Carefully dust using a cleaning machine or your normal vinyl brush
• Put the records into protective plastic sleeves
• Place the sleeves in new cardboard record mailers
• Insert package stiffeners or fillers, including bubble wrap and cardboard
• Fold and tape the record mailer shut
• Attach shipping labels

When shipping vinyls, make sure to write the inscription “FRAGILE” on the sides of the boxes. This further improves the chances of the boxes being handled with care. You can also take a photo of the front and back of your package using your phone. You never know if you might need it - it could come in handy for disputes or insurance claims.

How Easyship Can Help

Considering the increasing popularity of these discs, it’s important that you have a reliable way to ship vinyl records to your customers. Easyship is here to connect you with a range of courier services that can offer solutions for shipping records. Sign up for a free account today.

Shipping Vinyls FAQ

How much does a vinyl record weigh for shipping?

A vinyl record can weigh anywhere from 1.41 oz to 5.29 oz, depending on its size and thickness.

Can vinyl records be shipped with Media Mail?

Yes. USPS Media Mail is one of the cheapest ways to ship records domestically, though it is slower than Priority Mail or courier options.

Does USPS have boxes for vinyl records?

Yes. USPS offers LP-sized boxes designed for shipping 12-inch records.

Should I remove the record from its jacket before shipping?

Yes. Always remove the vinyl from its cardboard jacket to prevent seam splits. Place it in a protective inner sleeve.

Can I use a bubble mailer instead of a record mailer or box?

Only for very short trips with stiffeners, and usually for 1 record. For valuable or multiple records, always use rigid mailers or boxes.

How many vinyl records can I safely ship in one box?

It depends on thickness and padding. Strong record boxes can hold 25–50 LPs, but avoid overstuffing to prevent pressure damage.

What sizes of mailers or boxes do I need for different records?

• 12″ LPs → 12.5″ × 12.5″ mailers or boxes
• 10″ records → smaller boxes, or pad within LP mailers
• 7″ singles → 7.5″ mailers or boxes with filler

Can records get damaged by heat or humidity in transit?

Yes. Records can warp or sleeves split. Avoid shipping during extreme heat, and use rigid, well-padded packaging. Faster delivery reduces risk.

What’s the cheapest way to ship vinyl records safely?

Use USPS Media Mail (if eligible), buy mailers in bulk, pack snugly to avoid wasted space, and compare rates with shipping calculators.

How do I ship vinyl records internationally?

Use sturdy packaging, fill out customs forms accurately, and factor in duties or taxes. Choose a courier with reliable tracking and insurance.