Post office for me also. I got a roll of black plastic that I wrap mine with. If you are sending them pay attention to the length and girth. They will measure them and if its over a certain amount it will cost a lot more. I don't send staves over 70" and I've never had to pay extra. If you ship to Canada its very expensive. If you keep it in the lower 48, it isn't bad. For me it's usually around $15 for a stave.