How to Ship Golf Balls: Packing, Box Sizes, and Weight Guide

Shipping golf balls is straightforward once you know the basics, but there are a few things that trip people up — mainly weight. Golf balls are dense, and it is easy to pack a box that turns out to be heavier than you expected. This guide covers everything from box selection to taping technique, with specific weight calculations so you know what to expect before you hit the UPS counter.

How should you ship golf balls? Pack golf balls in a sturdy cardboard box with minimal empty space, using packing paper or newspaper to fill gaps. Golf balls are heavy — use box sizes appropriate for the quantity to avoid exceeding carrier weight limits. When selling to SellMyGolfBalls.com, we provide a free prepaid UPS shipping label so you never pay for shipping.

Weight Calculations: Know Before You Pack

The most important thing to understand about shipping golf balls is that they are heavier than they look. Here are the numbers:

• 1 golf ball: approximately 1.62 ounces (45.93 grams) — this is the USGA maximum weight
• 1 dozen (12 balls): approximately 1.2 pounds
• 50 balls: approximately 5 pounds
• 100 balls: approximately 10 pounds
• 200 balls: approximately 20 pounds
• 350 balls (5-gallon bucket): approximately 35 pounds
• 500 balls: approximately 50 pounds

These weights are for the balls alone — add 1-3 pounds for the box and any packing material. Most shipping carriers have a standard weight limit of 50 pounds per package (UPS Ground) or 70 pounds (UPS and FedEx with surcharge). Going over 50 pounds triggers overweight surcharges at most carriers, so it is best to keep each box under 500 balls.

Box Size Recommendations

Choosing the right box prevents the two most common shipping problems: boxes that are too heavy for their construction (bottom blows out) and boxes that are too large (balls shift and damage the box from the inside).

Small Batch (50-100 balls, ~5-10 lbs)

A standard shoe box or small moving box works well. Look for a box approximately 12" × 10" × 6". A USPS Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate box also works for this quantity, though it is not the most cost-effective option unless you are paying for the label yourself.

Medium Batch (100-300 balls, ~10-30 lbs)

A medium moving box (18" × 14" × 12") is ideal for this range. This is the sweet spot for most sellers — large enough to hold a meaningful quantity, small enough to handle comfortably, and within standard weight limits.

Large Batch (300-500 balls, ~30-50 lbs)

Use a large moving box (18" × 18" × 16") or a heavy-duty box designed for dense contents. Double-box if possible — place the loaded inner box inside a slightly larger outer box with crumpled paper or bubble wrap between them. At 40-50 pounds, single-wall cardboard is at its structural limit, and the last thing you want is a box failing in transit.

Extra-Large Quantities (500+ balls)

Split into multiple boxes. Two 250-ball boxes are much easier to handle, less likely to fail structurally, and avoid overweight surcharges. There is no advantage to shipping one massive box — the shipping cost is based on weight regardless, and you reduce risk by splitting.

Step-by-Step Packing Method

1. Reinforce the bottom of the box. Apply 2-3 strips of packing tape across the bottom seam and up the sides. The bottom bears the full weight and is the most common failure point. Use real packing tape — not masking tape, not duct tape, not scotch tape. Packing tape is reinforced with filament or fiber and is designed for this purpose.
2. Add a bottom layer of cushioning (optional). A layer of crumpled newspaper or a folded towel on the bottom reduces impact on the lowest balls. This is optional — golf balls are durable — but it helps protect the box from the inside.
3. Pour or place the balls in the box. No special arrangement needed. Golf balls are self-cushioning — they distribute weight evenly and protect each other. Just pour them in.
4. Fill gaps at the top. Crumpled newspaper, packing paper, or plastic bags on top prevent the balls from shifting when the box is tilted. You do not need to fill the entire top — just enough to stop movement.
5. Close and tape the top. Fold the flaps and apply 2-3 strips of packing tape across the top seam. Add a strip of tape along each side seam for extra security.
6. Tape the edges. Run a strip of tape along each vertical edge (the four corners of the box). This reinforces the points where the box is most likely to tear or split from the weight.
7. Attach the shipping label. Place the label on the top of the box (not the bottom, not the side). Covering the label with a strip of clear packing tape protects it from moisture and scuffing during transit.

Where to Get Free Boxes

You do not need to buy boxes. Here are the best sources for free, sturdy boxes:

• Liquor stores: Wine and liquor boxes are made from heavy-duty cardboard because they need to hold heavy glass bottles. They are the perfect size and strength for golf balls. Most liquor stores will give you as many as you want — just ask.
• Grocery stores: Banana boxes and apple boxes are heavy-duty and free. Ask the produce department — they break down dozens of boxes per day.
• Amazon deliveries: Reuse the boxes from your own deliveries. Amazon boxes are high-quality corrugated cardboard. Just remove or cover old shipping labels.
• Home Depot / Lowe's: These stores receive merchandise in sturdy boxes and often have a stack available near the loading dock.
• Office supply stores: Paper boxes (the ones reams of copy paper come in) hold approximately 150 golf balls and are very sturdy for their size.
• Neighborhood groups: Post on Nextdoor or your local Facebook group asking for moving boxes. People who just moved are desperate to get rid of them.

UPS Drop-Off vs. Pickup

When you are shipping with a prepaid label (which we provide for qualifying quantities), you have two main options:

Drop-Off

Take the box to any UPS Store, UPS Access Point, or UPS Customer Center. This is the fastest option — you hand over the box, get a receipt, and you are done. Most drop-off locations are open during business hours with some evening availability.

Pickup

Schedule a UPS pickup at your home or office through the UPS website. The driver will come to your door and collect the package. This is the better option if your box is heavy (30+ pounds) or if you have multiple boxes. Pickup is free when using a prepaid label.

Multiple Box Shipments

If you are splitting a large quantity across multiple boxes, you can ship them all at once. Each box gets its own shipping label. Drop them all off together or schedule a single pickup for all boxes. The labels can be generated at the same time and there is no requirement that boxes be the same size or weight.

Taping Tips for Heavy Boxes

A few additional taping tips specifically for heavy shipments:

• The H-tape method: After taping the center seam on top and bottom, run one strip of tape perpendicular to the seam on each side, forming an H shape. This dramatically increases the box's resistance to opening under stress.
• Avoid using wet or old boxes. Cardboard that has been exposed to moisture loses significant structural strength. If a box feels soft or pliable, do not use it for golf balls.
• Do not over-stuff. If the box flaps do not close flat because of too many balls, remove some. Forced closures put pressure on the tape and increase failure risk.

For the complete selling process from start to finish, visit our how it works page.