Best Carrier for Shipping Instruments?

Subject: Best Carrier for Shipping Instruments?
From: TIA
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 09:50 AM

Next week, I need to ship several instruments overseas for a gig. Should they all go together in a single box or crate (which is bigger and heavier, but perhaps sturdier) or individually boxed (which also involves the risk of them getting separated enroute)? They are fully insured, so I don't care about the carrier's coverage, but we do want them playable on arrival, so I am very worried about the carrier's level of care. And, of course, we aren't getting rich on these gigs, so lowest cost would be nice (but not at the risk of ruined horns).

Anybody got any experience and advice for a travelling rookie?

Subject: RE: Best Carrier for Shipping Instruments?
From: GUEST,Mr Tightbudget
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 10:36 AM

wouldn't it be more cost-effective to just hire similar instruments in the country where you'll be playing ?

Subject: RE: Best Carrier for Shipping Instruments?
From: TIA
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 10:55 AM

Yes it would! We tried that last year, and we were SOL. Could not rent or borrow anything remotely usable - even with the help of a local who is thoroughly plugged into the music scene. But you're thinking is absolutely correct. Thanks.

Subject: RE: Best Carrier for Shipping Instruments?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 11:05 AM

There is no best carrier, there is only best packing. Joking apart, for brass instruments and the like wrap them securely in plastic, put them in an appropriate box with spacers underneath them put the lid on, drill a couple of holes either end, and pump in expanding foam till it comes out the other hole. You'll have to break them out, but they'll be intact on arrival. Anything else requires a decent shipping case made to measure. Unless it's transatlantic then I'd send them by truck, less handling more door to door.
Giok

Subject: RE: Best Carrier for Shipping Instruments?
From: skipy
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 11:26 AM

If it's banjos, there's a container ship just off Branscome beach, try that.
Skipy

Subject: RE: Best Carrier for Shipping Instruments?
From: TIA
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 01:14 PM

'tis trans-Carribean. I will pack just as you suggest. Thank you.

Subject: RE: Best Carrier for Shipping Instruments?
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 23 Feb 07 - 04:35 AM

Fed-Ex seem pretty good, when I sold one of my banjos last year, they picked it up on a thursday in Bradford [ Yorkshire ] and delivered it in New York safe and sound on saturday.

eric

Subject: RE: Best Carrier for Shipping Instruments?
From: TIA
Date: 23 Feb 07 - 09:19 AM

Thanks Eric. I've been asking around various places, and FedEx seems to be the consensus. Certainly not the cheapest, but I do want them to get there, and get there playable.