Case first, box second
The hard case does the structural work and the carton does the abrasion work. Neither substitutes for the other; a case shipped bare collects gouges, and a caseless guitar in cardboard collects cracks.
Instrument cartons
The guitar shipping box, measured and priced
Described as an acoustic in a hard case inside a guitar shipping box, the calculator sized the carton at 44.1 × 18.9 × 8.7 in and 22 lb packed, then returned five live prices for Newark, NJ 07102 to Atlanta, GA 30303 on 2026-07-27. UPS Ground led at $43.77. Figures below are finished checkout totals, including what SMKlog keeps.
Carton sized by the estimatorFive services pricedQuote day 2026-07-27
The carton is half the job
A cased guitar floating in a padded box survives nearly anything a sort facility offers. The steps below get you there.
The packed guitar carton, quoted 2026-07-27
| Carrier | Service | Price | Quoted transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPS | Ground | $43.77 | 3-4 business days |
| FedEx | Ground Economy | $53.22 | 4-5 business days |
| FedEx | Ground | $64.86 | 3-4 business days |
| UPS | Ground Saver | $65.23 | 4 business days |
| UPS | 3 Day Select | $70.43 | 3-4 business days |
USPS returned nothing for this box on the run, so the table is UPS and FedEx only; when a carrier sits out a live quote we print what came back rather than a guess. Note the unusual ordering, with UPS Ground far below UPS Ground Saver, another argument for reading the whole list instead of assuming the usual hierarchy.
Packing order that saves headstocks
- Drop each string roughly a whole tone, enough to relax the neck without leaving the bridge loose.
- Wedge soft padding between the headstock and the case lining; that gap is where break number one happens.
- Fill every hollow in the case until the instrument refuses to shift, the space under the neck heel included.
- Set the case on a padding bed in the carton and pack all six faces so it floats without touching cardboard.
- Tape the seams in both directions and write the destination address on the box itself as a backup.
Sourcing is easy: music shops break down guitar cartons every delivery day, and most hand one over for the asking. Ask for double-wall board for anything heavier than a parlor instrument, and reject cartons with crushed corners.
Decisions that change the outcome
Electrics ride smaller
A solid-body electric packs several inches shorter and lighter than a dreadnought, which pulls the quote down a band. A bass stretches the carton the other direction.
Protection for the good ones
Checkout lets you attach shipping protection at the instrument’s true replacement price. For vintage or custom builds, take it, and add a signature requirement on top.
Guitar box questions
What size is a guitar shipping box?
Our quoted carton ran 44.1 × 18.9 × 8.7 in for a cased acoustic. Solid-body electrics fit shorter boxes, and basses need several inches more length.
Where do I find a guitar box?
Guitar dealers and repair shops receive them constantly and rarely charge for the empties. Shipping-supply houses sell new double-wall versions when you want fresh board under a valuable instrument.
How much did the packed box cost to send?
$43.77 with UPS Ground on 2026-07-27, Newark to Atlanta, rising to $70.43 for UPS 3 Day Select. Your lane and packed weight will move those numbers.
Does the guitar need to come out of tune?
Slack the strings partway, roughly a tone down. Full tension invites headstock cracks in cold trucks, while fully limp strings let parts wander instead.