tiphareth51 Loc: Somewhere near North Pole, Alaska

My entire photograpy inventory needs to be moved. Cameras, lenses and flashes, are packed in SKB 3i-2011-7dz cases. This is the case with the removable Think Tank zippered case within it. It is an airline approved case for carry on but limited to 1 per passenger. I have 4 cases packed.
Does anyone have advise on how to ship these? My concern is theft in-transit, and damage. It is a long haul
cross country move.
All my gear is insured but the hassle of having to deal with a claim is not something I wish to experience.
Getting here was only 2 cases. One as carry on, 1 checked but now my equipment inventory has doubled. Does anyone have experience with this situation? How did you handle it?
Any suggestions anyone may have would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!!

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Moving company...
UPS...
Do it yourself (rent a small truck)...

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

You're moving across country?

Surely you have furniture and other valuables to be moved. Include your camera stuff. You already have it packed.

BB4A

Alaska to anywhere by road can be tricky to impossible. Are you (a) heading down to the lower 48 for good, or will you (b) be schlepping the gear down, and then back again?

If your answer is (a), then I suggest a bonded courier service is probably your best option. Particularly as (depending upon whereabouts in Alaska you live) your standard parcel services are probably restricted to air or sea freight.

If your answer is (b), then I suggest challenging yourself with these two questions:
1. Do I really need to take everything?
2. If not, should I rent or buy some/most items I will need, where I will use them?

Over the last 3 decades, I’ve found myself attending sports events and multiple other commissions on at least 2 continents, yearly. Whether it be top end World Championships sporting equipment or professional photo gear, I’ve personally found it more cost effective to stash “mini-hubs” of the larger / heavier essentials in each continent that I regularly visit (I’m SO lucky to have so many friends willing to look after a mini-hub for me).

Turns out, air freighting expensive (insurance costs added in!) equipment around the World is a fools game… cheaper and safer to pare down to essentials and buy a mini-hub set in each continent, near where it’s needed. I’m comfortable financially… but I don’t have the resources of the Ferrari F1 Team. Once I’ve shipped a $10K lens back & forth a couple of times, loss & damage risk, insurance, and freight costs mean I would have saved money renting or buying it & using it where I need it.

We are all special and unique… just like everyone else. You will probably have different challenges than me, but if your “box of bits” to ship costs less than around $20K, you may find it’s only worth courier delivery & insurance if you are a “one and done” trip.

tiphareth51 Loc: Somewhere near North Pole, Alaska

B is most applicable. Already schlepped one way, now returning. Everything has been pared down as much as possible. I have gained significantly more equipment here. My concern is lost or damage but that is a risk either way. Thank you for your advise!

GEngel-usmc Loc: Spencerport NY - I miss Lakeland, FL

[quote=tiphareth51]My entire photograpy inventory needs to be moved. Cameras, lenses and flashes, are packed in SKB 3i-2011-7dz cases. This is the case with the removable Think Tank zippered case within it. It is an airline approved case for carry on but limited to 1 per passenger. I have 4 cases packed.
Does anyone have advise on how to ship these? My concern is theft in-transit, and damage.
————————-
We used PODS for our move from FL to NY. They Lock and Secure your packed POD during shipment. Pick up and deliver to your driveway on special transport. They hold in secure facilities until you schedule delivery. Unpack at your leisure. Different sized PODS available. Call for prices and availability. Surprisingly inexpensive. Worked for us.

tiphareth51 Loc: Somewhere near North Pole, Alaska

Thank you. I will look into that. Is there a company you recommend?

GEngel-usmc Loc: Spencerport NY - I miss Lakeland, FL

www.PODS.com. Check for ‘moving and storage’, and where you will have them store. I chose ‘PODS facility’ until I got to my new home and it was ready for all my furniture, ie; painted, heat, electric, water turned on, internet, phone etc. ready. Then I had my POD delivered, and took my time unpacking my POD, one room at a time. They usually give you 2 weeks of packing time and 2 weeks of unpacking time, before picking up the empty POD in your driveways. $ Estimates on their website after filling in info. Then call for time and final $ estimates. Labor is on your part both sides. Good luck! 👍☺️

tiphareth51 Loc: Somewhere near North Pole, Alaska

Thank you. I will check it out.

Bill_de Loc: US

"Somewhere near North Pole,"

Base on your location, see if you can borrow a sled and a few reindeer!

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DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

After all, it's the slack season.

tiphareth51 Loc: Somewhere near North Pole, Alaska

Actually it's a sled and some moose...unless your dog mushing, then it's dogs.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

I ship my stuff UPS and insure it for twice the value of the equipment. Expensive but piece of mind is more important.

BBurns Loc: South Bay, California

I know exactly where you are. I'm guessing you are coming back of Greely or Eielson.
I handled shipping logistics to & from Ft. Greely in 2003 to down below.
Photograph every item and record its serial number for insurance purposes.
Band the cases and ship them to your destination via Fedex or UPS.
At the time we used Fedex exclusively with no problems.
Yes, it may be expensive but your gear will arrive intact.
One less thing you need to worry about.

You can coordinate delivery times to accommodate the recipient.
Definitely require a signature so it is not left unattended on a porch.

Good Luck

tiphareth51 Loc: Somewhere near North Pole, Alaska

BBurns, that sounds like sound advise. UPS is preferred over Fed Ex so I will go talk to them. I have 3 SKB cases so it will be costly. What lind of 'band' are you referring to? Thank you.