Our insurance carrier, Heritage Insurance Services, Inc., has just sent around a great list of things to keep in mind when shipping an instrument.
Canada
. Do not depend on another person or entity to insure your instrument in shipment unless you are satisfied with quality of their insurance.
(2) Packing, packing, and more packing. While non-delivery and disappearance of a shipped package occasionally occurs, the primary loss caused during shipment is damage to the instrument. Improper or inadequate packing is the cause of many, if not most, of the losses we see. If the instrument is entering a war zone (being shipped), then it needs special protection to survive. 3) Use Expedited or overnight shipment, but not ground shipment. Expedited or overnight shipments produce significantly less loss activity than ground shipment. Packages should always be sent using the shortest delivery time available, and they should not be shipped on a Friday, or in such a way as to be warehoused over the weekend. (4) Control Delivery and Shipment – Arrangements should be made so that the package is received personally by the recipient, or their agent, and that they will be available at time of delivery. Require that the package be signed for by the recipient. Mark your address and the recipients on the carton directly, as well as on the shipping slip. (5) Documentation of Shipment – Retain copies of shipment receipts and sales receipts (if any). Take digital photos of the instrument prior to shipment to show condition and/or authenticity.