[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|8%|0px|8%|false|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|0%||0%|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”|0%||0%|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
If you work with heavy media files like raw camera footage<\/a> or 4K video<\/a>, there will come a point in your career where you have to send a hard drive.<\/p>\n I know, it sucks, but it\u2019s one of the few ways to effectively move terabytes of data from point A to B (unless you use MASV<\/a>). So, with that in mind, get your bubble wrap and packing tape ready for this guide on how to ship hard drives<\/strong>. \ud83d\udce6<\/p>\n I\u2019ve compiled the input of several data recovery experts who have a fair amount of experience shipping and receiving hard drives and other physical storage.<\/p>\n In this how to ship hard drives guide, you\u2019ll learn:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”25px” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Table of Contents<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ text_font_size=”18px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”ship-drive” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ custom_margin=”||auto||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ text_font_size=”18px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n To be clear, I don\u2019t recommend shipping a hard drive<\/strong>.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a time-consuming process, prone to delays, and susceptible to damage. The best way to deliver file packages of unlimited size is to use MASV, the fast, easy, and secure way to send large files<\/a> anywhere in the world over the cloud (more on this later).<\/p>\n But, it\u2019s a fact of life for filmmakers and video professionals that, sometimes, you have to deliver files physically, either by handing a hard drive to a local courier, or shipping a hard drive internationally.<\/p>\n Some situations where shipping hard drives are required:<\/p>\n Whatever the reason, sometimes you may have to resort to shipping hard drives. So, let\u2019s break down the steps on how to ship hard drives.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” background_color=”#f2f4f9″ custom_padding=”3%|3%|3%|3%|true|true” custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \ud83d\udca1 Read More:<\/span><\/strong> How Somerville Media Stopped Shipping Hard Drives Entirely After MASV<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_cta title=”Fast Cloud Delivery of Large Files” button_url=”https:\/\/app.massive.io\/en\/signup” button_text=”Start Free” admin_label=”Call To Action” module_class=”starttrial” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h5″ header_font=”||||||||” header_font_size=”27px” header_line_height=”1.3em” background_color=”#202332″ background_color_gradient_start=”#3d72e7″ background_color_gradient_end=”#202332″ background_color_gradient_direction=”206deg” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_use_color_gradient=”on” button_bg_color_gradient_start=”#3d72e7″ button_bg_color_gradient_end=”#53a0fe” button_bg_color_gradient_direction=”293deg” button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”50px” button_use_icon=”off” button_custom_padding=”10px|42px|10px|42px|true|true” custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” link_option_url=”https:\/\/app.massive.io\/en\/signup” border_width_top=”10px” border_color_top=”#3d72e7″ border_color_left=”#3d72e7″ box_shadow_style=”preset2″ box_shadow_horizontal=”-13px” box_shadow_style_button=”preset1″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_custom_padding__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_custom_padding__hover=”|2em|||false|false” button_border_width__hover=”0px”]<\/p>\n Send file packages of unlimited size with MASV. Try today for free.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_cta][et_pb_text module_id=”step-one” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||1em||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/massive.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/external-hard-drives-LaCie.jpg” alt=”The LaCie Rugged SSD is often used when shipping hard drives” title_text=”external hard drives-LaCie” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ text_font_size=”18px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Step one on how to ship hard drives: get an external drive…but which one? My colleague put together a guide on the 5 best external hard drives for video pros<\/a>, so make sure to check that out!<\/p>\n This great Filmmaking Basics<\/em> video tells of the data transfer process used by the crew of Aquaman<\/em>, which involved shipping multiple copies of footage on multiple drives from Australia every day. That way, if most of the drives failed or were damaged en route, at least one drive would arrive intact.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_iGsVsSLqC4″ _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_video][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n While this process was ultimately successful (the movie was released in 2018) it\u2019s not a very efficient method of transferring files internationally. It’s also crazy expensive. So unless you have the financial backing of Warner Bros, I don’t recommend sending multiple identical drives.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” background_color=”#f2f4f9″ custom_padding=”3%|3%|3%|3%|true|true” custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \ud83d\udca1 Read More:<\/span><\/strong> Why You Shouldn\u2019t Download Large Files to an External Drive<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_cta title=”Stop Shipping Hard Drives” button_url=”https:\/\/app.massive.io\/en\/signup” button_text=”Try Today” admin_label=”Call To Action” module_class=”starttrial” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h5″ header_font=”||||||||” header_font_size=”27px” header_line_height=”1.3em” background_color=”#202332″ background_color_gradient_start=”#3d72e7″ background_color_gradient_end=”#202332″ background_color_gradient_direction=”206deg” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_use_color_gradient=”on” button_bg_color_gradient_start=”#3d72e7″ button_bg_color_gradient_end=”#53a0fe” button_bg_color_gradient_direction=”293deg” button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”50px” button_use_icon=”off” button_custom_padding=”10px|42px|10px|42px|true|true” custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” link_option_url=”https:\/\/app.massive.io\/en\/signup” border_width_top=”10px” border_color_top=”#3d72e7″ border_color_left=”#3d72e7″ box_shadow_style=”preset2″ box_shadow_horizontal=”-13px” box_shadow_style_button=”preset1″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_custom_padding__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_custom_padding__hover=”|2em|||false|false” button_border_width__hover=”0px”]<\/p>\n Send raw camera footage and 4K+ video with MASV.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_cta][et_pb_text module_id=”step-two” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||1em||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ text_font_size=”18px” custom_margin=”||1.5em||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Step two is to prepare your files for delivery. This means loading up your hard drive with the correct folders and files. And trust me, it\u2019s not as simple as dragging files from your computer onto a drive and calling it a day.<\/p>\n When you ship a hard drive, chances are, you are handing it off to somebody else to continue your work. You need to make sure your folder structure is organized, with proper file naming conventions and a hierarchy of subfolders and nested files.<\/p>\n This structure will determine your team\u2019s proxy workflow<\/a> and how they link proxy files with original media.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” background_color=”#f2f4f9″ custom_padding=”3%|3%|3%|3%|true|true” custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \ud83c\udfaf Note: <\/span><\/strong>MASV maintains your folder structure. You can even upload entire folders without zipping to save on time.<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”step-three” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||1em||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ text_font_size=”18px” custom_margin=”||1.5em||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n This probably goes without saying, but I\u2019ll say it anyway: always keep a backup copy<\/strong> of any files shipped on a hard drive.<\/p>\n That\u2019s because any physical storage can take damage en route \u2014 either from the blunt-force trauma of a hard impact or through electrostatic charges generated in the environment around your package.<\/p>\n A damaged hard drive can lead to data failure, which leaves your clients or partners unhappy. You can use data recovery services but that means delays, extra work, and added expense.<\/p>\n And if your hard drive were to go missing en route without a backup copy? Well, you\u2019re basically screwed in that case.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” background_color=”#f2f4f9″ custom_padding=”3%|3%|3%|3%|true|true” custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n \ud83c\udfaf Note: <\/span><\/strong>All MASV transfers are stored in our secure cloud storage<\/a>, for free, for up to seven days. You can choose to keep files longer for an extra $0.10 per gigabyte. We also integrate with most major third-party cloud storage tools<\/a>. You can automatically backup files to your preferred cloud storage via MASV.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_cta title=”Media File Transfer with MASV” button_url=”https:\/\/app.massive.io\/en\/signup” button_text=”Get Started” admin_label=”Call To Action” module_class=”starttrial” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h5″ header_font=”||||||||” header_font_size=”27px” header_line_height=”1.3em” background_color=”#202332″ background_color_gradient_start=”#3d72e7″ background_color_gradient_end=”#202332″ background_color_gradient_direction=”206deg” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_use_color_gradient=”on” button_bg_color_gradient_start=”#3d72e7″ button_bg_color_gradient_end=”#53a0fe” button_bg_color_gradient_direction=”293deg” button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”50px” button_use_icon=”off” button_custom_padding=”10px|42px|10px|42px|true|true” custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” link_option_url=”https:\/\/app.massive.io\/en\/signup” border_width_top=”10px” border_color_top=”#3d72e7″ border_color_left=”#3d72e7″ box_shadow_style=”preset2″ box_shadow_horizontal=”-13px” box_shadow_style_button=”preset1″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_custom_padding__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_custom_padding__hover=”|2em|||false|false” button_border_width__hover=”0px”]<\/p>\n Send large videos, raw photos, DCPs, and other high-resolution media assets<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_cta][et_pb_text module_id=”step-four” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||1em||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/massive.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/ship-hard-drive_shipping-box.jpg” alt=”A cardboard box with foam lining for shipping hard drives” title_text=”ship hard drive_shipping box” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A specialized box for shipping hard drives by Emenac Packaging<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ text_font_size=”18px” custom_margin=”||1.5em||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n How to pack a hard drive for shipping will depend on the type of drive you selected in Step 1, but you should always err on the side of caution when shipping hard drives.<\/p>\n However, hard drive packaging is especially important when shipping HDDs with breakable parts.<\/p>\n This video from StorageReview<\/a> explains how to pack a typical 3.5-inch HDD:<\/p>\n Including any necessary power and interface cables in your package is also advisable.<\/p>\n Other experts advise packing HDDs<\/a>\u00a0in a static bag and then wrapping it in at least three to six inches of bubble wrap. Most data recovery experts advise against using popcorn foam, paper flakes, or other packaging materials that could cause electrostatic discharge.<\/p>\n One of the best ways of shipping a hard drive without requiring a lot of extra packaging is to enclose the drive in a hard case or hard drive shipping container.<\/p>\n Digital cinema packages (DCPs)<\/a> sent to cinemas and film festivals are typically delivered within CRU drive enclosures, which are extremely tough DX115 hard drive cases originally designed for military use.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” background_color=”#f2f4f9″ custom_padding=”3%|3%|3%|3%|true|true” custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \ud83d\udca1 Read More:<\/span><\/strong> How SimpleDCP Simplified DCP Delivery With MASV<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_cta title=”Fast, Reliable Large File Delivery” button_url=”https:\/\/app.massive.io\/en\/signup” button_text=”Start Free” admin_label=”Call To Action” module_class=”starttrial” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h5″ header_font=”||||||||” header_font_size=”27px” header_line_height=”1.3em” background_color=”#202332″ background_color_gradient_start=”#3d72e7″ background_color_gradient_end=”#202332″ background_color_gradient_direction=”206deg” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_use_color_gradient=”on” button_bg_color_gradient_start=”#3d72e7″ button_bg_color_gradient_end=”#53a0fe” button_bg_color_gradient_direction=”293deg” button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”50px” button_use_icon=”off” button_custom_padding=”10px|42px|10px|42px|true|true” custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” link_option_url=”https:\/\/app.massive.io\/en\/signup” border_width_top=”10px” border_color_top=”#3d72e7″ border_color_left=”#3d72e7″ box_shadow_style=”preset2″ box_shadow_horizontal=”-13px” box_shadow_style_button=”preset1″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_custom_padding__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_custom_padding__hover=”|2em|||false|false” button_border_width__hover=”0px”]<\/p>\n Deliver large files on time, every time.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_cta][et_pb_text module_id=”step-five” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||1em||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ text_font_size=”18px” custom_margin=”||1.5em||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Use a courier you can trust when sending valuable IP across the country (or the world). Some experts say they only use UPS or FedEx<\/a> when shipping hard drives internationally, but DHL is another courier that gets mentioned fairly often.<\/p>\n Some other best practices when it\u2019s time to choose a courier include:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” background_color=”#f2f4f9″ custom_padding=”3%|3%|3%|3%|true|true” custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \ud83d\udca1 Read More:<\/span><\/strong> How Shipping a Hard Drive Can Impact Your Turnaround Time<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”step-six” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||1em||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ text_font_size=”18px” custom_margin=”||1.5em||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Lastly, once your hard drive shipping box is on a truck\/plane, you\u2019re not off the hook. You need to keep track of the package and act quickly if there\u2019s a delay or issue at Customs. It happens more than you think, especially with electronic items.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_cta title=”Share Files With Your Remote Team” button_url=”https:\/\/app.massive.io\/en\/signup” button_text=”Get Started with MASV” admin_label=”Call To Action” module_class=”starttrial” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h5″ header_font=”||||||||” header_font_size=”27px” header_line_height=”1.3em” background_color=”#202332″ background_color_gradient_start=”#3d72e7″ background_color_gradient_end=”#202332″ background_color_gradient_direction=”206deg” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_use_color_gradient=”on” button_bg_color_gradient_start=”#3d72e7″ button_bg_color_gradient_end=”#53a0fe” button_bg_color_gradient_direction=”293deg” button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”50px” button_use_icon=”off” button_custom_padding=”10px|42px|10px|42px|true|true” custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” link_option_url=”https:\/\/app.massive.io\/en\/signup” border_width_top=”10px” border_color_top=”#3d72e7″ border_color_left=”#3d72e7″ box_shadow_style=”preset2″ box_shadow_horizontal=”-13px” box_shadow_style_button=”preset1″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_custom_padding__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_custom_padding__hover=”|2em|||false|false” button_border_width__hover=”0px”]<\/p>\n Send large files to clients and collaborators anywhere in the world.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_cta][et_pb_text module_id=”alternative” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||1em||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ text_font_size=”18px” custom_margin=”||1.5em||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n As a recap on how to ship hard drives:<\/p>\n Shipping hard drives isn’t the easiest method to share large files but I get it; sometimes, there\u2019s no other choice.<\/p>\n But for every other occasion, you should consider using MASV, a hard drive alternative<\/a>.<\/p>\n MASV is faster, safer, and way less annoying than shipping hard drives.<\/strong> It\u2019s the swift, reliable way for filmmakers and video pros\u00a0to transfer large media files anywhere in the world over the cloud.<\/p>\n With MASV you can:<\/p>\n\n
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Should I Ship a Hard Drive?<\/h2>\n
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Step 1: Choosing a Hard Drive<\/h2>\n
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Step 2: Preparing Files for Delivery<\/h2>\n
Step 3: Creating Backups<\/h2>\n
Step 4: Hard Drive Packaging<\/h2>\n
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Step 5: Shipping Method<\/h2>\n
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Step 6: Tracking Delivery<\/h2>\n
An Alternative to Shipping Drives (Save Time and Money)<\/h2>\n
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