How to Pack & Ship a Canoe

Canoes are not small items in the eyes of major shipping and expediting companies. A canoe is considered an oversize item for common shipping agents like UPS and FedEx. To get a canoe shipped and packed you need to find alternate shipping services that specialize in large items. Packing the canoe is done with several layers of plastic sheets and bubble wrap.

Things You'll Need

  • Large quantity of bubble wrap
  • Plastic sheeting
  • Utility knife
  • Wrapping tape and duct tape
  • Shipping company labels
  • Large permanent marker
  • Packing Styrofoam
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Instructions

    • 1

      Call the shipping agent to schedule a pick-up time for the canoe being shipped. Get a copy of the companies rules for packing the canoe. This will typically include using a set quantity of bubble wrap, protective Styrofoam and plastic sheeting. Request that the shipping labels and stickers be sent to you from the company.

    • 2

      Pack the inside of the canoe with Styrofoam. Place it under the seats, between the hull sides and between the thwarts -the metal ridges connecting the canoe sides. Use Styrofoam for its light weight yet firm structure to keep the canoe hull from being dented or damaged during transport.

    • 3

      Unroll the bubble wrap and lay it out on the ground. Set the canoe on the bubble wrap and have an assistant help you begin to roll the bubble wrap around the canoe. Make three to four full wraps with the bubble wrap. Cut off the end of the wrap roll and duct tape the tape together.

    • 4

      Roll out the plastic sheeting. Place the canoe on top of the plastic sheeting and wrap three to four full wraps around the bubble wrap and canoe. Cut off the end and tape the sheeting together.

    • 5

      Wrap several rounds of duct tape around the canoe. Make strips and add a full wrap in the front, middle and end to secure the bubble wrap and plastic further.

    • 6

      Attach the shipping label stickers to the side of the canoe, or where the company requests the sticker be placed. Mark the canoe/plastic with the marker with your name, address and contact information. Mark the canoe FRAGILE.

    • 7

      Arrange the pickup with the company truck and be there when the driver arrives. Get the invoices for shipping and any insurance forms from the driver.