Seems you are taking all the right steps. I would carefully read and engage your carrier with a full discussion of the specific insurance that will cover all your items. Having the carrier pack everything, while expensive, is the way to go. It is very important that the shipping manifest detail each item and that each item be valued at new prices (including taxes and shipping.) The latter needs to be done before the carriers truck moves anything. This all needs to be done before anything is packed. It is not unusual for the insurance to cost $5K to $10K as it should be a separate policy that is written just for your move and its goods. I went through a similar move about ten years ago and it took me two years to get a settlement from the carriers insurance company. I had to pay a lawyer about $3K. The insurance carrier, not the mover carrier, is the one to investigate. I paid $7K for my insurance policy. The covered damages were $109K. Remember insurance companies have a policy of delay, deny, deceive. It is what they are all about.
Moving VPI TNT, Wheaton Triplanar, Transfiguration
I'm moving my VPI TNT, Wheaton Triplanar, and Transfiguration Phoenix across country using a moving company (insured as 'high value item' for full replacement value). The moving company is going to crate the turntable, but I'm not sure whether to dismount the cartridge and/or tonearm. I would prefer not to have to start the setup from scratch when I arrive, as everything is set up well now. But, it's certainly not worth risking damaging anything in the move. I'm thinking the best thing may be to remove the tonearm either totally from the table, or along with the removeable armboard, and leave the cartridge attached to the tonearm, transporting those parts together, but separately from the table. I'm concerned that the bearings/other parts of the tonearm might be stressed if left on the table. I thought I would also take the platter off to prevent wear on the bearing. I thought I would remove the feet and rubber balls that support the table, and pad the table as carefully as I can. I have the original packaging cushions for the table but the box is in no shape to travel. I also have the original boxes for the tonearm, cartridge, and motor, with all the foam, etc. Any advice would be appreciated.
What do people do when transporting tables to shows? I wouldn't think they would completely disassemble/reassemble them, but I'm sure it's a more controlled environment.
What do people do when transporting tables to shows? I wouldn't think they would completely disassemble/reassemble them, but I'm sure it's a more controlled environment.