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Collector Game Maps and Posters: How to Preserve and Ship Large Format Gaming Memorabilia

ppostman

2026-01-28

10 min read

A practical 2026 guide to packing, protecting, and shipping large-format game maps and posters across borders—tube, flat, crate, and humidity tips.

Stop worrying about warped corners and ruined art: how to pack and ship large-format game maps and posters the right way

Collectors and gift-givers face the same pain points: uncertain ETAs, damaged corners, humidity stains, confusing cross-border rules, and returns that turn a prized map into a refund. Inspired by the wave of new Arc Raiders maps arriving in 2026, this guide gives you an end-to-end, practical playbook for poster shipping, large format packaging, humidity protection, and international shipping tactics tailored to collectible game maps.

Top takeaways you can act on immediately

Roll vs. flat: Roll posters only when the print and collector tolerance allow—use archival tubes and interleaving. Flat shipping prevents curl but costs more.
Protect from humidity: Use Mylar sleeves, desiccants, and humidity-rated crates for high-value maps.
Cross-border clarity: Use accurate commercial invoices, HS descriptions, and prefer DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) for gifts to avoid recipient headaches.
Advanced protection: Add tamper seals, GPS trackers, and a humidity logger for premium or framed pieces.
Returns and customer experience: Ship with a return-ready kit and clear instructions to reduce damage on returns.

Why 2026 changes how collectors ship maps

Late 2025 and early 2026 saw two trends that affect how you should pack and ship collectible maps. First, carriers improved predictive ETAs and cross-border tracking APIs—use these for time-sensitive deliveries and to choose the best route. Second, collectors and studios (like those rolling out the new Arc Raiders maps) are pushing higher-quality, larger-format products: wider prints, heavier papers, canvas variants, and framed editions. That means the old “stick-it-in-a-tube” approach is often insufficient.

Decide the right shipping format: tube mailing, flat-box, or custom crate?

Choosing the format is the first—and most impactful—decision. Here’s a quick decision matrix based on collector value, print type, and size.

Tube mailing — Best for mid-value, flexible prints (thin posters, vinyl). Pros: cost-effective, lightweight. Cons: risk of edge crush, creasing, and curl on glossy or heavy papers.
Flat-box shipping — Best for heavy paper, limited editions, or prints with backing boards. Pros: prevents curl, more secure. Cons: higher dimensional weight costs and more packaging materials.
Custom crate or pallet — Best for framed art and museum-grade maps. Pros: maximum protection, climate control options. Cons: highest cost and lead time.

When to roll a poster (tube mailing) — and how to do it right

If the publisher or seller specifies that a map is designed for rolling (many Arc Raiders themed maps will be offered in multiple sizes), use this method only for flexible prints printed on medium-weight paper or vinyl. Don’t roll framed prints, heavy art paper, or prints with metallic inks.

Step-by-step: museum-grade tube mailing

Clean work surface and wash your hands or use cotton gloves.
Lay the map face-up, then place an acid-free interleaving sheet (unbuffered glassine or archival tissue) across the face to prevent abrasion and sticking.
Roll with the printed side out to minimize curl on later flattening. Keep a gentle, even tension—don’t fold.
Place the roll into a rigid, double-wall mailing tube that is slightly longer than the roll. Use a tube with plastic or metal end caps and consider reinforced end caps for high-risk transit.
Add cushioning at both ends with folded corrugated inserts or bubble-packed discs to prevent crushed edges.
Wrap the tube in a humidity barrier: a polyethylene sleeve, then pack the tube inside an outer cardboard box to protect against crushing during handling.
Affix a “Do Not Bend” and “Fragile — Do Not Crush” label; include orientation arrows.

Tube mailing tips specific to collectors

Use archival-grade tubes (acid-free interior) for limited editions.
For very valuable maps, include a humidity indicator card inside the tube.
For returns, supply a second tube or flat-pack option in the return kit.

Flat-box shipping: when curl is unacceptable

Flat packaging is the go-to for heavy paper, giclée prints, canvas mounted maps, or any collector edition where surface sheen and flatness matter. It avoids the risk of permanent curl and is often required by galleries or resellers.

Step-by-step: secure flat shipping

Place the print in a Mylar or polypropylene archival sleeve to protect from fingerprints and moisture.
Use acid-free backing such as museum board or foam board. For single prints, choose 4–10 mm foam board or 2-ply corrugated plastic for shipping.
Corner protectors: add rigid corner guards (cardboard, plastic, or foam) to absorb impact.
Sandwich the protected print between two sheets of rigid corrugated cardboard or honeycomb board that extend at least 1" beyond the print edges.
Wrap the assembly in a moisture barrier (polyethylene) and seal with tape.
Place into a rated flat-mailer or custom box sized to hold the sandwich without lateral play. Fill voids with kraft paper or more foam to prevent shifting.
Label as “Do Not Bend” and choose a carrier option with signature on delivery.

Custom crates for framed and ultra-rare items

For framed Arc Raiders collector maps, canvas prints, or items with dimensional depth, a custom crate is often the only safe option—especially for international shipments.

Build or order a wooden crate with internal bracing and shock-absorbing foam. Use 2x4 framing for large sizes and plywood exterior.
Include a plastic or galvanized steel clamping frame inside to secure the piece; avoid direct contact between art and wood surfaces by using sealed polyethylene sheets.
Add shock indicators and a humidity logger. For climate-sensitive materials, use silica gel packets sized for the crate volume and include an RH (relative humidity) card.
Consider a double-box system: crate within an outer pallet or container to manage forklift and freight handling.

Humidity and climate protection—non-negotiable for collectors

Humidity is a silent killer of prints: cockling, mold, adhesive failure on laminates, and flaking inks. In 2026, with more long-haul transits and variable warehouse climates, humidity protection is essential.

Practical humidity protection checklist

Use sealed Mylar / polyester sleeves for direct contact protection.
Add desiccant packets sized to the package volume—silica gel is standard; color-indicating silica gel makes inspection easier.
Include a humidity indicator card (HIC) showing whether the interior RH is within safe bounds (<50% RH is typical for paper).
For crates, add vapor barriers and consider short-term climate-controlled shipping for very high-value items.
Avoid shipping during known regional monsoon or freeze-thaw periods where possible.

International shipping: paperwork, duties, and smooth delivery

Cross-border movement of collectibles introduces customs friction. Mistakes in documentation are the most common cause of delays. In 2026, more destination countries require electronic pre-clearance and detailed product descriptions.

Actionable international checklist

Commercial invoice: Describe item clearly (e.g., “Printed poster, high-quality art paper, 48 x 36 in”), include manufacturer, unit value, country of origin, and HS code if known. If unsure, consult your carrier or customs broker.
Choose Incoterms: Offer DDP for gifts to reduce surprise duties at delivery, or clearly communicate DDU terms so buyers understand potential fees.
Tariffs and VAT: Estimate duties and VAT up front for buyers. Many marketplaces now collect VAT at point of sale.
Insurance and value declaration: Keep insured value consistent with invoice value. High-value collector pieces should carry all-risk insurance and be marked as such on documents.
Restricted materials: Some countries restrict certain inks, varnishes, or adhesives—check destination regulations if your print uses non-standard materials.

Returns and resale: how to receive items safely

Handling returns poorly is a common pain point. A single mishandled return can destroy a collectible’s resale value.

Design a return-ready kit

Provide a printed return slip and clear step-by-step repackaging instructions.
Include a pre-paid return label where feasible—this increases return success and reduces disputes.
Offer both tube and flat return options depending on the return reason; include spare interleaving and corner guards for the buyer to reuse.
Ask returners to photograph the item and packaging before dispatch to speed claims.

Insurance, declared value, and dispute handling

Collectible maps have subjective value—protect them with the right insurance and documentation.

Buy all-risk transit insurance and list the serial or edition number on the policy for limited editions.
Retain high-resolution images (front, back, edges) and ship condition report—this helps in claims and resale.
If a parcel is damaged, document damage immediately and file a carrier claim with photos, packing materials, and invoices.

Advanced strategies collectors and sellers should use in 2026

Leverage the latest shipping tech and services to reduce risk and improve buyer confidence.

Real-time telemetry: Add small IoT temperature & humidity loggers and GPS trackers to crates for high-value shipments. These devices can provide evidence if environmental conditions caused damage en route. See work on precision packaging and on-device sensors for practical device choices.
Predictive carrier selection: Use carrier APIs that present real-time ETA and failure likelihood based on seasonality and route—choose the carrier with the best on-time performance for the specific corridor (advanced logistics playbooks are helpful here).
Carbon and climate-conscious packaging: Use recyclable honeycomb boards and certified sustainable crates; offer carbon-offset shipping for high-value collectors who prioritize sustainability.
Batching and LTL optimization: For multiple map sales, consolidate shipments into LTL or palletized freight with custom crating to reduce per-unit cost.

Troubleshooting common problems

Problem: Poster arrived curled and with soft edges

Likely cause: rolled too tightly or insufficient end protection. Fix: For the future, ship flat for this print type, or use a longer tube and add end-cap cushioning and a secondary flat-box outer layer.

Problem: Mold or discoloration on arrival

Likely cause: high humidity exposure. Fix: Claim with carrier if HIC indicates exposure. For prevention, include desiccants, sealed sleeves, and avoid shipping through humid hubs during summer months.

Problem: Customs delay or tax surprise for recipient

Likely cause: missing or vague commercial invoice. Fix: Provide a corrected invoice and consider DDP for future shipments. Educate buyers about potential duties and VAT during checkout.

Real-world example: shipping an Arc Raiders “Grand” map (48 x 72 in)

Scenario: A fan orders a limited-edition Arc Raiders map printed on 330gsm art paper, varnished, unframed, to be shipped internationally as a gift.

Seller packs with face-out rolling on a tube only if the buyer opts to accept rolled format; otherwise, seller chooses flat-pack due to varnish sensitivity.
For flat-pack: print goes into Mylar sleeve, onto 6 mm foam board, corner guards added, sandwiched in two honeycomb boards; sealed with polyethylene and placed in a custom flat box with an outer cardboard wrap.
Seller files an electronic commercial invoice, lists the item as “Printed poster, varnished art paper, 48 x 72 in,” indicates country of origin, and offers DDP to avoid surprises for the recipient.
Ship via carrier with signature required and all-risk insurance. Add a humidity indicator card and a small temperature/RH data logger in the box for premium protection.

Checklist: materials and suppliers

Archival interleaving (glassine), Mylar sleeves
Double-wall mailing tubes with reinforced end caps
Foam board, honeycomb board, corner protectors
Desiccant packs and humidity indicator cards
Tamper-evident seals and small GPS/humidity loggers for crates
Carrier with predictable international transit and signature-on-delivery option

Final considerations and best-practice summary

Collectors and sellers of large-format game maps must balance cost, risk, and presentation. In 2026, with higher-quality prints and improved carrier data, take a deliberate approach: match packaging to the print type, protect against humidity and shock, and clear customs before the item reaches the recipient. For gifts and high-value pieces, invest in flat shipping, climate protection, insurance, and tracking—this saves time and reputation.

Tip: For cross-border gifts, offer DDP and include a care card inside the package describing how to unroll, flatten, and frame the map—small touches reduce returns and increase collector satisfaction.

Call to action

Ready to ship your Arc Raiders map—or want a packing checklist you can download and print? Get our free collector’s packing checklist and step-by-step photo guide tailored for game maps and posters. Protect your collection and ship with confidence: compare carrier options, or talk to one of our logistics experts today.

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