Sending your skis by post is a great way to ensure your bindings stay firmly in place while enjoying the freedom of movement skiing provides. It can also be a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to have your ski gear delivered to you. All you need is a flat surface to ensure the boxes don’t fall over during transit and a little bit of patience to receive them in time for your next ski session.
Here, we will discuss the various steps you should follow to ensure this unique experience becomes as hassle-free and smooth as possible.
Table of Contents
Collect Requirements
The first thing to do before sending your skis by post is to collect all the necessary requirements. This includes deciding what kind of packaging you will use, the size of the box, and measuring the available shelf space in your garage or storage sheds. You will also need to think about the type and size of the items you are sending. Ski equipment can be quite heavy so you will need a sturdy shipping container or large crate to transport them in. Finally, make sure you read the instructions thoroughly and follow them carefully so there are no unpleasant surprises once the item(s) have arrived.
Decide On The Best Packaging Solution
The best way to pack your skis is dependent on a number of factors. Some of these factors include how much space you have and if you are sending multiple items. Whether you are a seasoned skier or a beginner, you will need equipment that is suitable for your level of experience. This way, you will not feel overwhelmed by any kind of technological hiccup when trying out new things. For recreational skiers, it is best to go for the simpler and more straightforward solutions since you are not carrying heavy loads and can focus on having fun instead of worrying about how to fix the equipment you have damaged (i.e., lost and/or broken poles and skis). For example, if you are a beginner and are just getting started, you may want to buy a smaller crate since you are only needing to pack a couple of pairs of skis at a time. This way, you can feel good about yourself and your new hobby without risking your safety or having to worry about proper storage space when you are done.
Choose A Freight Forwarder
Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to choose a freight forwarder. A freight forwarder is an organization that specializes in the shipping of goods, primarily large and heavy items. If you are looking for a stress-free and straightforward way to send your skis by post, hiring a reputable freight forwarder will undoubtedly make your experience much more pleasant. They will walk you through the entire process, from start to finish, and handle all the tedious details for you. This way, you can sit back and relax, knowing everything is taking care of. If you are looking for a one-stop-shop for all your shipping needs, consider this option since it will save you both time and money in the long run.
Create A Shipping List
After you have decided on the best way to ship your skis and the contract has been signed with the freight forwarder, it’s time to prepare a shipping list. In this list, you will include all the necessary information for the carrier to schedule and send the item(s) to you on time. Make sure you include the following information:
- Your first and last name
- Your address
- Your phone number
- The item(s) you are sending
- The name of the driver or company who will be shipping them
- (Where you will be meeting the driver or company)
- The best time to call and make arrangements (Be sure to notify them that you will be calling late on a Friday night)
- A brief description of what the item(s) are (i.e., skis and poles)
- (Any special instructions, such as ‘leave these at the door!’ or ‘pack them carefully!’)
Pack Your Skis Thoroughly
Once you have your shipping list ready, it’s time to start packing. Begin by placing all your equipment in a single layer, fitting as much as you can into the available space. Be careful not to overpack and make the box unstable. You also need to think about the type of cargo you are sending and whether or not there is a lot of room left over for anything else. For example, if you are sending your skis to your home in a separate package, it would not be advisable to pack your swimwear and board shorts along with your skis. This is because they are likely to be damaged due to excessive handling and the limited available space. Instead, you can either pack them separately or leave them at the door together with your skis. It is a good idea to pack things like these in sturdy plastic bags to prevent any damage during transit.
Next, wrap the skis in a layer of bubble wrap, padding, and duct tape. Make sure to cover the entire box with as much tape as you can so that the goods do not become damaged during transit. After this, you can either staple or tape the box shut so that it remains closed during transit. Finally, it’s time to give the box a nice, hard shake to remove all the excess tape and to ensure the contents do not move around inside during transit. If you are using staples, remove them at your earliest convenience so that you can reuse the box for other items.
Drop Off Your Goods At The Border
Once you have packed all your items and securely labeled the box with the required information, it’s time to drop it off at the border. The border is a term used when referring to the area between two countries where they come together to conduct trade. In most cases, the border is simply the point of entry and exit for both countries; however, in some instances, it can refer to the customs area where duties and taxes are paid upon entry into the country. In either case, it is imperative that you follow all the instructions given to you by the customs official.
In the U.S.-Canada border area, for example, large packages need to be declared and paid for. This includes packages over a certain size and value. You will be required to fill out a form which asks for basic information such as your name and address. In addition, you will have to provide a detailed explanation of what is inside the box. This is so that they know what you are sending and can correctly assess the appropriate duty. Some examples of what may be found in the box include –
- Sporting equipment, e.g., skis, snowboards, and golf clubs
- Sporting equipment that is used or collected from an organized sport, e.g., soccer balls, tennis racket frames, and darts
- Dedicated gym equipment, e.g., weight vests, weight bags, and tennis balls
- Toys and games
- Matching swimsuits and board shorts (if you are sending them separately)
- Kitchenware, e.g., cutting boards, dishware, and outdoor gear such as chairs and umbrellas
- Wedding attire
- Chandeliers
- Tropical plants
- Aeroplanes, helicopters, military vehicles, and dinosaurs
You can find a complete list of what is considered ‘essential’ and ‘non-essential’ goods as categorized by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston here – https://monetary.federalreserve.gov/publications/archive/twp/twp0306/twp0306.pdf.
Receive Your Order Carefully
Once you have delivered the package and it has been received by the recipient, it’s time to relax and enjoy your new outdoor equipment. However, if you are looking for a hassle-free and safe way to receive your order, you should do the following:
First, check the contents of the package by using the shipping papers as a reference. In addition, look for any damage that may have occurred during transit. If everything is in good condition, it’s time to unwrap your item(s). If there is lots of tape around the box, it is advisable to remove it carefully so as not to damage the contents inside. This is especially important if the contents are heavy items such as skis.