Shipping Desktop Internationally.

[JoshRe]

Hello,

I have just switched my major to Computer Science and I was recommended by friends in the program to bring a desktop. Firstly how should I pack the desktop, I have seen companies use packaging material which resembles expanding foam in a bag, but I also heard that simply putting foam in the case and packing it tightly will do the trick. Secondly I am shipping from California to Queens University in Ontario Canada, and would like a cost-effective yet, not crazy slow means of shipping, what would be recommended? (My computer at in a Mid ATX case, BenQ XL2720Z Monitor, and Razor Chroma keyboard and mouse for an idea on size)

 

Lastly I am also flying to and from school is it safe to check a desktop, monitor, and all the peripherals on a plane then a train, or would that be a death-sentence for my computer?

 

Any replies are welcome!

[Rex_G]

5 minutes ago, JoshRe said:

Hello,

I have just switched my major to Computer Science and I was recommended by friends in the program to bring a desktop. Firstly how should I pack the desktop, I have seen companies use packaging material which resembles expanding foam in a bag, but I also heard that simply putting foam in the case and packing it tightly will do the trick. Secondly I am shipping from California to Queens University in Ontario Canada, and would like a cost-effective yet, not crazy slow means of shipping, what would be recommended? (My computer at in a Mid ATX case, BenQ XL2720Z Monitor, and Razor Chroma keyboard and mouse for an idea on size)

  

Lastly I am also flying to and from school is it safe to check a desktop, monitor, and all the peripherals on a plane then a train, or would that be a death-sentence for my computer?

 

Any replies are welcome!

Remove GPU and CPU cooler, take those with you (please look up customs rules and regulation for that). Then you can pack your case in a hard shell bag and put enough cloths around it so it is secure and will absorb some bumps. Check that bag in with the airline (you might have to pay for overweight shipping) or ship the bag with some shipping company. 

Keyboard and mouse cam just go in your regular baggage just make sure there are cloths/padding around it. I wrapped my keyboard in towels. As far as monitor is concerned, will it be possible to buy one in Canada? Unless you have a box for it, it is risky.

[dizmo]

Make sure you have a decent box and really good tape (I recommend sheathing tape), just make sure you fill the inside of the box with packing peanuts and other materials. You can take out the GPU, but it's not necessary if you get those expanding foam inserts for inside the case. Make sure everything's wrapped, and you're good to go.

 

I can't say whether it's better to ship or take it with you, as airlines can charge an atrocious amount for added baggage; but so can shipping companies. Both will handle your package roughly. It's up to you to provide it safety, not them.

 

I've had many, many computers shipped across the US and into Canada, none of them have had the GPUs removed, they've all arrived intact.

 

10 minutes ago, James Evens said:

Unmount large Part like gpu and cpu cooler (law of the lever).

If you have a spinning hard drive take it as carry on luggage. But anyway make sure your drive is encrypted since you don't have any control over it.

Encrypting a drive does not secure it against inspection. If you refuse to open or provide the information for inspection upon request, it will be seized.

[kontradictions]

Depending on how much your case costs, it might be cheaper to take all of the parts out, sell the case, then buy a new one locally to reassemble. 

[JoshRe]

On 10/31/2018 at 1:33 PM, Rex_G said:

Remove GPU and CPU cooler, take those with you (please look up customs rules and regulation for that). Then you can pack your case in a hard shell bag and put enough cloths around it so it is secure and will absorb some bumps. Check that bag in with the airline (you might have to pay for overweight shipping) or ship the bag with some shipping company. 

Keyboard and mouse cam just go in your regular baggage just make sure there are cloths/padding around it. I wrapped my keyboard in towels. As far as monitor is concerned, will it be possible to buy one in Canada? Unless you have a box for it, it is risky.

Now that you point out all the steps I will most likely have to do to bring the computer up, you are right in regards to just purchasing another monitor up here.

 

On 10/31/2018 at 1:46 PM, dizmo said:

Make sure you have a decent box and really good tape (I recommend sheathing tape), just make sure you fill the inside of the box with packing peanuts and other materials. You can take out the GPU, but it's not necessary if you get those expanding foam inserts for inside the case. Make sure everything's wrapped, and you're good to go.

 

I can't say whether it's better to ship or take it with you, as airlines can charge an atrocious amount for added baggage; but so can shipping companies. Both will handle your package roughly. It's up to you to provide it safety, not them.

 

I've had many, many computers shipped across the US and into Canada, none of them have had the GPUs removed, they've all arrived intact.

 

Encrypting a drive does not secure it against inspection. If you refuse to open or provide the information for inspection upon request, it will be seized.

Good to know that you have had computers shipped from the US to Canada. Fortunately right now the only thing they will find on my desktop is a steam library and some other games. Do you know if US Shipping companies if I get insurance on the package reimburse for any broken parts?

[dizmo]

2 hours ago, JoshRe said:

Good to know that you have had computers shipped from the US to Canada. Fortunately right now the only thing they will find on my desktop is a steam library and some other games. Do you know if US Shipping companies if I get insurance on the package reimburse for any broken parts?

I'm not sure, you'd want to check what their coverage is like. Generally if it's broken they'll want the entire package. If only a part or two is broken inside, they might consider that more of a packing error than damage during shipping. Eg; if the outer carton isn't damaged, it's your fault that you didn't properly package the item inside.

[Canada EH]

On 10/31/2018 at 11:46 AM, dizmo said:

sheathing tape

 

 

200 wraps of this tape

 

 

https://www.homedepot.com/p/ADO-Products-2-in-x-55-yds-Red-Sheathing-Tape-TS2R12/206008265?keyword=sheathing+tape&semanticToken=202100010+>++st%3A{sheathing+tape}%3Ast+cnn%3A{0%3A0}+oos%3A{0%3A1}+pt%3A{tape}%3Apt+dln%3A{500321}+qu%3A{tape}%3Aqu

[dizmo]

5 minutes ago, Canada EH said:

200 wraps of this tape

https://www.homedepot.com/p/ADO-Products-2-in-x-55-yds-Red-Sheathing-Tape-TS2R12/206008265?keyword=sheathing+tape&semanticToken=202100010+>++st%3A{sheathing+tape}%3Ast+cnn%3A{0%3A0}+oos%3A{0%3A1}+pt%3A{tape}%3Apt+dln%3A{500321}+qu%3A{tape}%3Aqu

I only use Cantech, but yes, that's the stuff. You'll have a hard time finding a better tape. Though the blue is stickier.

[Canada EH]

1 minute ago, dizmo said:

I only use Cantech, but yes, that's the stuff. You'll have a hard time finding a better tape. Though the blue is stickier.

That link was the first one in gooooo gooooober search. When I am in the aisle, I always buy that white sheathing.

[dizmo]

6 minutes ago, Canada EH said:

That link was the first one in gooooo gooooober search. When I am in the aisle, I always buy that white sheathing.

Haha, yeah. Here only blue passes code.

[JoshRe]

On 11/4/2018 at 11:54 AM, Canada EH said:

 

 

200 wraps of this tape

 

 

https://www.homedepot.com/p/ADO-Products-2-in-x-55-yds-Red-Sheathing-Tape-TS2R12/206008265?keyword=sheathing+tape&semanticToken=202100010+>++st%3A{sheathing+tape}%3Ast+cnn%3A{0%3A0}+oos%3A{0%3A1}+pt%3A{tape}%3Apt+dln%3A{500321}+qu%3A{tape}%3Aqu

 

On 11/4/2018 at 12:08 PM, dizmo said:

Haha, yeah. Here only blue passes code.

 

Thank you! Wish me luck, and hope the tempered glass is not a loss, Luckily I found the cases foam inserts and box. Let's hope this goes well.

[Canada EH]

Just cruise the alleys, there is always stuff you can find to pack in there.