Shipping equipment safely and cost-effectively for film and broadcast work

Gear

ZephyrCan I fly my Alexa or RED on a Zephyr?389

Master SeriesIs a used Master Series rig worth buying as a first big rig?191

BFDHow do I power my BFD receiver from my camera or sled?186

VoltCan I retrofit a Volt onto my existing sled or gimbal?168

ArtemisHow do I power my camera and accessories from an Artemis sled?166

MDRWhere can I mount my Preston MDR on my rig?143

ModulusIs there a Modulus option for HD wireless video?141

G-70Will my G-70 fit my vest, gimbal or sled?126

FI+ZCan I control iris and zoom wirelessly, not just focus?60

HU3Where can I get my HU3 repaired, refurbished or repainted?60

CineLiveHow do I pack and case my CineLive rig for transport?54

G-70XHow does the G-70X compare to Pro Titan, Xarm and other arms?46

Trinity 2Is Trinity 2 SUP 3.0 firmware safe to install or buggy?46

Ultra VestWhich vest should I choose for my body size, comfort and operator type?39

2005Legal / Business Practices forum

21 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.

Insurance coverage through the shipping company should be limited to the deductible amount rather than the full value, as claiming high-value shipments can trigger inspections and suspicion.
Declaring very high insurance values may prompt carriers to open and inspect cases.
A specialized cargo company experienced with media industry equipment provides reliable shipping for valuable gear like cameras and technocranes.
FedEx Ground offers significantly lower rates than express services for cross-country equipment shipping when timing allows 4-5 days for delivery.
FedEx Ground allows online management of shipping labels and tracking through standard business accounts, with convenient drop-off locations.
In Canada, FedEx is more reliable than many domestic carriers; Air Canada Cargo and Loomis have documented issues, and UPS can be difficult to retrieve shipments from if missed.
Equipment insurance policies should be verified to cover items while in transit via shipping carrier.

Recommendations are based on experiences from 2005 and may not reflect current carrier practices.
FedEx Ground speed (4-5 days cross-country) may be unsuitable for time-sensitive deliveries.
The advice about limiting declared value to the deductible reflects a specific risk management philosophy that may not align with all insurance policies.
Canadian recommendations are specific to that market and may not apply to other regions.
No systematic comparison of all available carriers was provided.