Please review, understand and agree to the following before you buy any space on DC Container & Logistics. Collectively this information and these agreements have meant accurate space estimates between orders and loading, reasonable load and unload times, that nothing goes on the containers or vehicles that would risk them getting stopped, or items being unnecessarily damaged beyond the normal wear and tear of transit.
Please note that DC Container & Logistics is an entirely volunteer run effort and requires the understanding and cooperation of the communities we serve. Given the unique nature of our program, the unusual places and extreme environments we transport materials, we cannot guarantee perfect delivery nor are we able to get insurance for what we transport.
Specifically this means:
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We are not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged items.
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We reserve the right to open any bin or item to ensure there isn’t anything that could result in containers or vehicles being stopped or risks of damage to any other items.
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We may verify volume estimates for items being loaded to ensure there is enough space for every ordered item.
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If your items cause our containers or trucks to be stopped for any reason, or if your items cause any undue damage (beyond normal wear and tear or jostling) to other items, containers or vehicles, you will be responsible for impacts and costs.
For these reasons, and because of the amazing cooperation of our communities, in 10+ years we have an exceptional track record of on time delivery and have never run out of space on any transport mission.
IN ORDER FOR YOUR BINS / BIKES / ITEMS TO BE ACCEPTED AT THE DC CONTAINER & LOGISTICS LOAD-IN, YOU MUST:
USE YOUR FULL, REAL NAME ON YOUR RESERVATION AND ITEMS. YOU
You can put your Playa name on your items but please make of your bin reservation (not a Playa name). You do not need to print out a copy of the receipt, as check-in will be handled electronically. If you purchased extra space from another burner, please make sure you know the name the order was purchased under.
WE WILL REQUIRE EVERYONE TO SIGN A LIABILITY WAIVER AND PROVIDE VALID IDENTIFICATION UPON CHECKING IN
The person showing up to Load-in must match the ID you present, which must match the name on your order. If you purchased extra space from someone else, please bring a copy of the agreement you made with them (an email is fine).
USE THE STANDARD BLACK & YELLOW BINS (where possible)
Lowes and Home Depot sells these ubiquitous Burner bins. Bins will be stacked, walked on, and jostled! NO cardboard or brittle plastic containers! If your items do not fit in these bins, purchase cubic space for those items, and make sure they are packed securely. If you have large or odd-shaped packages that cannot stack, please contact us in advance.
HOW TO CALCULATE CUBIC FEET FOR NON-BIN ITEMS
For everything that doesn't go into bins, we charge by cubic foot, rounded up.
Cubic Feet = ( Length (in) x Width (in) x Height (in) ) / 1,728
1 Cubic Foot = 1,728 Cubic Inches
Example:
Your 2,500W Generator (with NO GAS, of course)
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(L) 18.5" x (W) 14" x (H) 17.7" = 4,584.3 cu in
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4,584.3 cu in / 1,728 (cu in per cu ft) = 2.65 cu ft
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2.65 rounded up = 3 cu ft. x $16 = $48
To optimize space (and cost) efficiency you are welcome to bundle odd shaped items together, put items inside of other items, etc. but we recommend that you keep the bundle to a size and weight that you could handle yourself or with a friend who will be with you. Usually about a bins worth.
Here's a cubic foot calculator for your accuracy and convenience. We will be verifying volumes.
NOTE: For very large items, such as yurts, refrigerators, etc. or a collection of items that could be bundled into a single, large cubic volume, please contact is about doing a bulk order. We may be able to allocate dedicated space for you more efficiently and offer a discount.
SECURE AND CLOSE YOUR BINS/OTHER STUFF.
We recommend velcro zip ties or similar securing materials. Regular zip ties create MOOP, so they are not recommended. Items cannot be guaranteed to be secured during transit. Items cannot be marked fragile (or feel free to mark them, but expect it to be ignored, we will not be looking for your markings if we have to move items around). Carpets must be rolled and bound. PVC piping or conduit must be taped together in groups so they do not roll and scatter.
LABEL YOUR ITEMS WELL
Label all four sides of your items and bins, not just the lids, which may not always be visible.
Please make sure your labels include the following:
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First and Last Name or Playa Name (Example: Ian Fisk / Fetch)
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Camp Info and Location (Example: IAMU, 5;15 and D)
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Phone Number or Email (Example: 202-123-1234)
Labels MUST BE legible. Print multiple copies of your label! Tape it on all four sides of your bins/items. If you MUST, handwrite your info and cover with clear tape. Please avoid using a "permanent" marker on a piece of duct tape... writing on duct tape is the last resort, it almost always rubs off! DECORATE YOUR BINS. SPRAY PAINT THEM! PUT STICKERS ON THEM! MAKE THEM UNIQUE SO YOU CAN FIND THEM IN A SEA OF BINS!
BIKES
Bikes are different heading to Playa in 2022. You can purchase a regular, assembled bike transport (which costs more), or you can box your bike and pay for our new reduced cost option. You can find more information about this in the Bike Shipping section of the Burning Man 2022 page.
You are responsible for ensuring your bike is loaded onto the container. DO NOT just drop off your bike and expect someone else to load it. Make sure a volunteer agrees to help you with your bike before you leave. We are not responsible if your bike does not get loaded.
ASSEMBLED BIKES
As in years past, turn your handle bars, remove bike petals and velcro or zip tie them to your bike, or put them in your bins. We are not responsible for lost pedals! If you absolutely cannot do this on your own, we will have tools and volunteers on site to assist. Feel free to bring a blanket to put over your bike as you load it into the Container.
BOXED BIKES
For those willing to take off wheels, the seat, pedals and get your bike into a bike box (usually available for free at bike shops), much like a bike arrives packaged from the factory, we are offering a nicely discounted option.
E-BIKES
E-bikes are heavy and harder to make smaller by removing parts. We will transport e-bikes but you must purchase cubic feet for the usable space e-bikes make unavailable for other things going in the Container. This means around 20 cubic feet (x$16 = $320 this year) for an average sized e-bike). Please feel free to bring a blanket or other protective materials that occupy the negative space your e-bike occupies.
LOADING YOUR ITEMS
We need everyone to load their own items onto the containers, trailers or vehicles. Volunteers will help direct loading and placement to help optimize and balance the loading.
PLEASE NOTE / TIPS:
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Please understand that items get moved around for the best fit.
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If you forget something on the way back, and it has your e-mail address and no phone number, we may not be able to contact you in time to get your stuff.
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The containers will be on a train and in the sun for WEEKS. They will get VERY hot during the cross-country trek. Any leaks or evaporation of combustible material could cause an explosion, destroying everyone's stuff. A lot of people would really dislike you.
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Do not pack anything perishable or anything that you might need should there be any delay in the containers arriving on the playa (e.g., prescription medications). You may want to keep your goggles, dust mask, and head lamp with you and not in your bins so that you can find your bins in a dark truck.
CONTAINER RULES -- NO JOKE, NO EXCEPTIONS!
Bottom line, do not pack anything that could delay or compromise the successful delivery of containers, vehicles or anyone's items.
NO PERISHABLES, CONTRABAND, DRUGS, FLAMMABLES, COMBUSTIBLES, AEROSOLS, or GAS:
DO NOT PACK drugs, guns, fireworks, illegal contraband, life forms. Your mistakes will jeopardize the entire container! If we catch you with anything suspicious, we will not ship your items!
DO NOT PACK gas, explosives, lithium or other batteries you can't take on airplanes, pressurized canisters or illegal substances of any kind.
NO GENERATORS unless they are brand new or have been completely dried out. We will check gas cans/tanks. They won’t go unless they are empty and dry.
AS A REMINDER:
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We are not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged items.
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We reserve the right to open any bin or item to ensure there isn’t anything that could result in containers or vehicles being stopped or risks of damage to any other items.
-
We may verify volume estimates for items being loaded to ensure there is enough space for every ordered item.
-
If your items cause our containers or trucks to be stopped for any reason, or if your items cause any undue damage (beyond normal wear and tear or jostling) to other items, containers or vehicles, you will be responsible for impacts and costs.