Relocating - how to transport all tanks

[Cave Diver]

Apart from throwing them all in my car and driving across country, are there any other alternatives?

Are you planning on taking your car? If so, putting the larger ones (doubles) in the car and then putting singles each in separate boxes with a bunch of other, lighter stuff may be the way to go.

 

[whaylonsmithers]

What Jax says.
Can you get a massive cardboard box like they ship pumpkins and melons in? Those boxes are perfectly pallet-sized. Throw one down on the pallet, put the tanks in and pack some stuff around them so they can't move. Maybe ratchet-strap through the bottom of the box in a way that won't get smooshed by the fork-drivers.

 

[2TH DIVR]

When I moved from MA to FL I used a co. that drops the trailer at your house and you load it.
Everything went in there, 14 tanks full. They even allowed me to put my truck inside.
I have a rolling steel cart that I strapped the tanks to, which was strapped to the wall.

 

[AZ-DivePro]

I'd have to say that your moving company should not be aware of what is in each box! This is for your piece of mind so there is less a risk of anything going missing. Then the problem with shipping tanks becomes weight and liability. Once the tanks are drained there is no liability risk any higher than with a block of lead. (less in fact because of issues with lead) Pack each tank in a box with bubble wrap so it can't move around in the box. Because each tank is packed separately the weight issue is minimized. In most cases you are paying your mover by weight and as long as you know there is no hazard there is no issue for later legal consideration. For a smooth move you should pack each box and number it. Your master list should have each boxes contents and if you can organize so consecutive numbers go in the same rooms of your new place. Your mover should sign to account for each box on pickup and upon delivery you should account for each. Any missing boxes the mover should acknowledge in writing. Itemize by box number as missing and then from your master list you disclose what was in them for insurance. Also any damages should be itemized with pictures and the mover should acknowledge. Even well respected national moving companies have many negative reports against them the difference is how they handle disputes and if you are prepared and documented even those subpar companies will have no choice but to pass it on to there insurance company for resolution and your prep will be the factor in how well you make out. Extra insurance within reason isn't such a bad idea.(it's per pound) Your packing in most cases will be the factor in damaged boxed items. Furniture nearly always get damaged in moves just how much and to what degree vary.

 

[Wandersome]

Talk to your dive shop. They ship tanks. They may have a preferred shipper who can send them at a better price than you can get...l just a thought. As for the shipper... They are being Lazy, all they have to do is check/investigate and they are unwilling to do so. I would tell the guy that and ask for his supervisors name and call up the chain.

 

[ams511]

IMHO moving companies are paid to move stuff not pack it. i.e it is best that the movers do not know what is the box. When I moved I packed all boxes, sealed them, placed my number on them (i.e. no labels like kitchen, bedroom), and then let them move. So for me drain them, pack them, and let them move them.

Sometimes when you move for a new job the company pays for an "executive" move where the moving company is paid to pack the items. Also if something is damaged the insurance company may not pay if the items were packed by the customer and not the moving company.