2004 Container Guide
Preface
In the spirit of Burning Man this year, the Boston Burningtruck is going to be more organized than previous years. Hopefully this new approach will make it easier for everyone involved.

We really want to emphasize that this is not a service provided to you! The container project is a collective effort that is made possible by everyone doing a share of the work.

This year, as a last resort, we will be blacklisting people who don't play nicely. We really don't want to have to do this, so it is best to avoid the following:

  • Dropping things off at the Boston or Playa load-in and leaving without helping in the loading of the container.
  • Dropping garbage off at the container site.
  • Not labeling items clearly.
  • Not reloading items you unloaded that were in your way when unloading on the Playa.
  • Using the container as storage during the week. Come get all of your stuff early in the week so you can play with it.
  • Abandoning items at the Boston loading/unloading area.

Blacklisting means that you are banned from using the container next year.

Container Information
  • 53' container and chassis.
  • Outside Dimensions: 53' 0"(l) x 8'6"(w) x 9' 6 1/2"(h)
    Inside Dimensions 52' 6 1/2 " x 8' 3" x 8' 11"
    Door: 8' 2"(w) x 8'11"(h)
  • Volume: 3863 Cubic Feet of space.
  • Weight Limit: 57,600lb
Volunteers
This year we will have volunteers with defined roles to help keep the loading and unloading process moving along. We need you to volunteer! There are three roles that you may take on:
  • Pack-masters to guide the load-in here in Boston and out on the Playa. The pack-master has the vision of how the load will fit together and leads the loading effort. We will need 2-3 for each load-in.
  • Share Enforcers to monitor share usage,labeling, and packing methods. We will need 1-2 for each load-in.
  • Helpers to aid those who have not packed their things properly. Help people break down bikes, secure boxes, etc. We will need 2-3 for each load-in.
  • Supply Runners to make a run or two to home depot for shelf construction supplies.(Boston loading only).
Volunteers need to be available during the entire loading process. Please email wagnertruck@chaoshacker.org if you would like to volunteer. We need your help in all directions!
Loading and Unloading
Loading the container is work. Since this is a collective effort, it is everybody's responsibility to help load and unload the container in Boston and on the playa. We ask that you consider this when planning your arrival and departure times.

Boston, Pre-playa loading

Container loading will take place Sunday, the 15th. Saturday will be devoted to the construction of the shelf rails. Sunday load-in will begin at 10am and will go until everything is in the container. Everything to be loaded must arrive by 1pm Sunday afternoon. Bring some beer, drinks or food to help fuel the loading. Hungry, sober packers don't work very hard. The share enforcers will be looking over your stuff for labels, hazardous materials, and making sure that it does not take more that the volume of space you signed on for(100 cubic feet per share).

BRC Unloading

Container unloading will begin when the container arrives on the Playa, early afternoon, Saturday, August 28th. If you find the container is locked and no one is around, please come by the camp Automatic Subconscious for the key. There may be people camping with the container - these people will have a key as well. We plan on keeping the container locked when no one is around.

Post Burn Load-in

Reloading on the playa is the most difficult part of the process! This load in begins on Sunday, September 5th, and we expect you there to help. We will need a full crew of loaders and pack masters for load in Sunday afternoon and Monday. DO NOT just drop your things off at the container. If you drop unlabeled items off, they will not be loaded. If you drop off labeled items off and don't help in the loading process, you will be black listed and your items may not make it back in the container. You have been warned. Container loading will end Monday evening for a Tuesday morning pickup.

Container Unload in Boston

The container will be unloaded Saturday, September 18th. Come help unload and get your stuff immediately. There will not be any storage at the loading area, so please arrange to have someone pick your things up and help unload. Abandoned items will be thrown out or re-purposed and you will be blacklisted. There should be a container unloading party at Redtail that Saturday evening after unloading.

Packing
All loose items must be contained in a box or crate. Please use strong, durable, and reusable packing containers since things will be stacked on top of your boxes. You will also want to use the same boxes to return your things home in. Cardboard is not a durable, reusable, or strong shipping container in most cases, and will be crushed and rendered unusable for the return trip. Things like toolboxes, plywood, or strong items that can be packed in and around(like a golf cart and road cases), do not need to be boxed. Carpets must be rolled and bound tightly. Loose or bagged(trash, shopping, or other thin plastic type) items are not acceptable! Army bags, backpacks are OK - keep in mind that they may be crushed.

Your goods must be packed in accordance to these guidelines in both directions or they will not be loaded in!

If you are looking for good reusable packing material, look into Tupperware boxes, plastic crates or large stand up trash cans with wheels.

Bikes
We recommend that you pack your bike in a wood crate or similar durable container. This is not a requirement though. If you don't crate your bike, keep in mind that it will get scratched and possibly be damaged during the trip. We will not be held responsible in any case. If you do not crate your bike you are required to do the following: remove the front wheel, tie it to the frame. Tie the back wheel to the frame so it does not spin. Spin the handlebars around so they lay flat with the frame(you might have to loosen the headpiece to do this). Tie the handlebars to the frames so they don't move around. Compact bike, yes, but it is not protected from the rigors of shifting gear and other savage bikes. Wraping the bike in a blanket or sheet adds a layer of protection. Another option is to stop by your local bike shop and ask if you can have bike a frame shipping box. They usually have these left when they receive bikes from the manufacturer. If you do not prepare your bicycle as described above, it will not be put on the truck. Do this preparation before the loading day since we will not be able to help you or offer tools to do this.

If you are motivated and care about your masterful piece of art bike, then protect it. Build a crate and load your bike in. I'll bet you can stuff some extra supplies and tools in that crate if you do it right - even if you only bought a bike share.

Labeling
Everything must be labeled in both directions. The label must have your name, camp information (if applicable), and when you will be unloading your things on the playa(so we can order the load in a bit). If is not labeled, it will not be packed in the container. Labels and Tags must be durable so they don't peel and and come off. We recommend tags that tie on or marking directly on the item with a sharpie or paint pen. Unlabeled items will not be loaded into the container.
What NOT to pack
  • Water - get it in Reno!
  • NO Combustible Materials - no cans of gasoline, explosives, fireworks, etc. Get your fuel and propane in Reno.
  • A good general rule is not to pack anything that could effect the supplies, art, health, etc of others.
  • Guns. People. Animals.
  • No Garbage
  • Anything that could get us trouble.

Take this seriously. This container will be on rail and in the sun for 10-12 days - without any ventilation. Any slow leak or evaporation of combustible materials/solvents could turn the box into a firebomb. Don't do this. I'll be checking gas cans/tanks. If a container is full, it will not go on until you empty and dry it out.

Drop off/Loading in Boston
NOT At Tua Nua. The new loading/unloading location is in Chelsea.

Loading and Unloading will take place at a warehouse in Chelsea. The address is:

155 6Th Street
Chelsea, MA
02150

This is a large warehouse complex. Look for Building #5 and drive toward the large parking lot in the back. You should see a large 53' shipping container. Any problems, give me a call at 617-686-2569. Please don't call me for directions, use map quest, etc. to get you close.

Directions Hint: Once you go over the railroad crossing you will see a blue warehouse. Take a left at the warehouse and take the next right into the complex. You will see building #5.

Note: If you take the Tobin bridge, there is a 4.00 toll heading back in.


Think when you pack!

see you on the 14th of August-

  • wagner

http://burningtruck.chaoshacker.org