The Secrets to Successful Shipping of Movie Sets, Props, Studio Props, and Film Equipment.

What are the secrets to successfully shipping movie sets, props and film equipment?

Do you want to know how to do it successfully and without frustration and drama?

The secrets to successful shipping are relatively straightforward;

• Plan Ahead

Go ahead give yourself time, if you leave it too late you may have to expedite ship, expedited shipping gets expensive.

Ask yourself;

• How many items do I want to ship?
• What do they weight? What are their dimensions?
• Is it a regular service or time-sensitive shipment?
• What Class is it? Do you even know what a Freight Class is?
• Does it ship under an NMFC Code? Did you know NMFC 172524 is “Studio Props”?
• Do I have a loading dock or do I need a liftgate? Do I have a forklift?
• What hours can I send and receive? Do I have restrictions?
• What’s my budget?
• Does it ship to another country? Will I need a Customs BOL and Commercial Invoice?
• Do I want an exclusive use shipment or can my freight ship with other materials?
• Does it have to be fully insured? This is an extra cost item.

When you know these things ahead of time it makes selecting the mode and type of shipment easier for shipping Movie and TV Sets, Props, Studio Props, and Film Equipment.

Did you know that LTL shipments are shipped and rated based on weight, stack-ability, and volume by measurement? So, it pays to know what the cargo weights, what dimensions it has and whether you want to have other materials stacked on it.

Q         When does it have to ship?

A         Longer time shipment of cargo generally tends to be cheaper as there is not a premium to be paid for getting it there sooner.

Q         Does the NMFC Code make a difference?

A         Absolutely, using an NMFC code could allow you to ship a lighter more voluminous commodity at a cheaper Class Rate.

Q         How do I know the class I’m shipping if it doesn’t have an NMFC code or I don’t know the Class?

A         It’s just math. We can work that out for you. Or else see this useful link……………

Q         If we make our materials for shipment denser and take less space will our shipping rate be cheaper?

A         Generally yes. If you can make it stackable it should be cheaper still, although if higher than 48” that may not apply.

Q         Is a dedicated truck a more suitable solution than LTL?

A         It depends on the volume, class, and value you attach to the cargo. A dedicated trailer/truck will also potentially lower and LND potential during transit.

Q         Should I insure the goods?

A         Most times additional insurance is useful, especially for high-value cargo. General LTL freight is insured to a limited $ amount per Lb. of weight. Additional insurance fills that gap in coverage.

There are probably about a billion questions we could share and discuss but remember this as an easy and quick prompt;

• How much time do you have to ship it?
• How heavy is it?
• What does it weigh?
• What are the dimensions?
• What is the correct Class and NMFC Code?
• Do I need to ship it quickly or is your time, less important than cost?