Moving cross-country: Ship mandolin via UPS or pack in trailer?

**cmateer** · Jul-19-2012, 8:03am

Hi All,

I am preparing for a cross-country move from Brooklyn, NY to Portland, OR. I am seeking advice on how best to get my mandolin to Portland.

Details: My mando is in a hard case. I have a great oversized box which I can cushion and pad well around the case, so I am not too worried about shock (since I will be cushioning the mand0 inside the case and outside the case in the box). I guess I am most concerned about temperature in a moving container...

Here are my options:

Option 1: I can pack my mandolin in the box along with all of our belongings in the "Pod" moving container. (Transit is over 10 days)

Option 2: I can ship it via UPS ground (Transit time 5 days)

Any help, advice, feedback to give me some peace of mind would VERY appreciated.

Thanks so much!

**jaycat** · Jul-19-2012, 8:10am

How are you getting your own self across the country? Can you carry the mando with you?

**cmateer** · Jul-19-2012, 8:15am

We're flying, but I can't take it as a carry-on (we're traveling with our newborn and all of his gear).

Do you think it would be OK if I checked it?

**jaycat** · Jul-19-2012, 8:16am

I've never flown with a mando, but there are a few threads on here discussing the topic, if you do a search.

**bfriedman** · Jul-19-2012, 8:17am

I vote for carry it with you.

**Tim2723** · Jul-19-2012, 8:46am

How did the instrument get from its point of origin to you? Pack it that way then do what you did when you received it.

**mtucker** · Jul-19-2012, 8:51am

Originally Posted by cmateer

Option 1: I can pack my mandolin in the box along with all of our belongings in the "Pod" moving container. (Transit is over 10 days)

Box it and check it at the airport. The cost is way less than UPS and beats stuffing it in a hot container for 10+ days.

**hank** · Jul-19-2012, 8:55am

Take both of your babies carry on. Check non essential baby gear. Pack spare diapers etc. in with your mandolin in it's case.

**JEStanek** · Jul-19-2012, 9:07am

Loosen the strings a few turns, pack it very well in the box and leave it in the Pod well packed. I don't see any difference between UPS and the Pod. Each one will get hot. If the glue was going to fail, it would likely fail within 5 or 10 days. If your newborn had to purchase a seat, they get their carryon alotment as well. You may be able to carry the mandolin on as well. Gate check the stroller. I wouldn't gate check the mandolin in only a case and I can't imagine the difficulty of navigating an airport with a large box with the mandolin well packed inside with a newborn and all that other stuff.

When is the move? If you have a few weeks, the heat wave may abate some by then (we're getting relief over the next few days here on the East Coast. If you ship it either way, leave it in the carboard box in the new home for a day before unpacking to allow the temperature to normalize.

Jamie

**fatt-dad** · Jul-19-2012, 9:22am

I'd have no problems leaving in the pod, UPS or USPS. I have insurance though.

From the standpoint of low cost and fast service. USPS priority for cross country will likely be the winner. UPS ground really takes a bit of time, watching that tracking number go from place to place. . .

f-d

**hank** · Jul-19-2012, 12:35pm

There hasn't been a worse summer to ground ship since the 30's Dust Bowl years. We've recently had temps as high as 108 F. here in N/W Arkansas. Your stuff could easily be exposed to those kind of temps as they travel through the center of the country and we all know how hot it gets above ambient in a closed vehicle.

**mandroid** · Jul-19-2012, 5:57pm

Door #3, given its so hot in from the N West Coast , maybe a 2 day shipment
will get it moving mostly at night and in the air.

**Markus** · Jul-19-2012, 6:07pm

I have flown with my daughter at 1, 2, 3, and 4. With mandolin in hard case each time.

Do you have a seat for your daughter?

**Mo Soar** · Jul-19-2012, 6:08pm

Shipping it via UPS is the only way you can actually insure it, so that'd be my pick. It can't be insured as plane cargo, and it can't be insured as pod cargo.

I've flown with my mando several times, but when I do, it's my only carry-on.

**jesserules** · Jul-19-2012, 6:57pm

Leave it with a friend, packed & addressed & ready to go, along with money to pay for overnighting it to you.

Call the friend when you get settled.

Have the friend drop it off for FedEx or UPS, whichever you prefer, to send you via overnight.

**SternART** · Jul-19-2012, 7:10pm

That is a good idea!

**Gregory Tidwell** · Jul-19-2012, 7:47pm

I have flown with mando or other instruments and two babies. They never say a thing. They just look at the cute kids and dismiss you from their minds. You should have no problem.

**hank** · Jul-19-2012, 7:47pm

I like that too Jesse, you do rule. I guess I hate shipping personally because insurance would be little comfort to me if I lost mine. I would always feel a great loss no matter what came next.