Transporting gear...

M

maooley

Member
I recently started doing video work for an agency and we have our first "flying" gig. We have a lot of gear to get from Louisvlle, KY to Long Beach, CA and I was wondering what is the best way to get it there?

Of course, our HVX200 is what i'm the most worried about, but it would be nice to make it out there without ANY casualties. We do have a nice Pelican case that can fit most of the highly sensitive equipment (camera, hard drives, microphones, etc.) This case, BTW, is far too large for carry on but could probably be checked (yikes!).

I'm wondering what is the best way to transport. What is the most common method in the industry (besides renting once i arrive)? We had discussed shipping it out there via UPS so we can insure it and then picking it up when I get out there. I'm a little leary of this.... I just want my gear intact!

Anwyay... if anyone has suggestions, please speak.

Thanks,

-O
 
Another option would be to rent the camera(s) here in LA -- there are lots of places that have them. Depending on how long the shoot is, it might be cheaper to rent than ship & insure.
 
No....I don't have the option to rent. I have to take it with. No budget for renting. Thanks for your reply though.

-O
 
Just chiming in that I am interested as well (DC to Phoenix). My gut is saying UPS but I am reluctant to put my faith solely in them as well...
 
I've got a pelican case that holds the hvx, 2 batteries, charger, 2 lacie d2 hard drives, 2 lacie porsche bus powered drives, a g4 powerbook, and a few odds and ends. I check it. This has been my process for the last 3 years (different cameras over the years). Never had it get lost. Travelling about 80- 120 days a year. The pelican cases are basically indestructible. The only problem we ever had was from a security guy who didn't put a Bolex back in right and bent a piece of it.
Of course, My partner and I have production insurance in case it ever doesn't arrive. But we've never needed it, (fingers crossed).

-tim
 
I'm with Tim on this one. i typically travel (fly) with eleven to thirteen pelicans and a hard tripod case. Been doing it this way for a long time with no problems other than minor little hic-cups.
Jim
 
Pelican makes a case that is FAA and TSA approved for your carry on (I believe it is the 1400). I am using it to take my dvx100b four batteries, a charger, my iPod, 30 tapes and my wireless mic to Africa for two weeks. I am checking my smoothshooter in hopes that it makes it there in one piece. I would highly suggest not checking your camera or hard drives. They aren't made to take the beating I have seen some luggage take coming off of planes before...
 
I wouldn't ship the camera, or check it. Get a carry bag for it and carry it on. You didn't define what you meant by "alot of gear", but I'd suggest shipping it with Southwest Airlines Air Cargo (or other carrier) .

I've done this over the years , it's realatively affordable and quick. I'm working on a show currently , where we ship a pallet of gear to our location.

As for checking a camera as baggage on an airline- I won't do it. Pelican cases will hold up, but that's not my concern, theft is. On two of our last three shoots, the TSA only returned one of the two locks that our soundman had placed on his Pelican case. Three shoots ago, his laptop was lifted from a locked case.

I always carry my camera on, whether a Betacam or HVX.
 
I carry my HVX on in a 16x9 (petrol) bag. I pack my laptop, batteries, p2store, etc. in my Ogio Ty Video backpack and carry it on as well. I check my tripod, which I pack in a hard golf case. It's a real pain in the ass to carry all that stuff around, but there's nothing like knowing it's not being abused/stolen/misplaced.

I would never, EVER, check my camera or any other equipment of value.
 
Fedex Ground ship ahead of time to allow package to be there, I'd advise not to get the insurance its a waste of money.

Do not ship via air because of atmospheric radiation.

Pelican 1650's are great for tripod setups and cameras or monitors, make sure when you ship to put the Pelican into a box.

If you can break down your equipment into a carry on Petrol Bag that would be best.
 
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