Info | TX BM Community Truck

Packing Your Things

ALL BINS SHOULD BE PACKED FULLY. Hundreds and hundreds of pounds will be stacked on top of your bins. Packing your bins tight and full will help protect them. All items must be boxed well, this includes bikes and oddly shaped items. No metal, wood, etc. should be sticking out of anything. Things will be packed on top of or next to others and we are unable to do so unless items are boxed properly, think TETRIS. Any item not packed properly will not be allowed on the truck and no refund will be provided. PVC, conduit, wood, etc. MUST be taped or ratchet strapped together securely so they will not fall out of the bundle, roll away, etc.

All items you are transporting must be labeled with our transport label (see the section on Labeling below) and have color-coded tape on it. Our volunteers will have extra tape and/or sign-up labels in case you run out. If you are bringing totes, use the 27 GAL Tough Brace Tote in Black with Yellow Lid. Emphasis on the diamond pattern lid! This allows us to stack totes on one another and saves space. No bins with wheels PLEASE. Lastly, try and avoid bins that are significantly bigger (9 cu. ft. and up) because unless you’re packing pillows, those bins are going to break some backs.

BIKES: All bicycles must be put in boxes. Unboxed bikes won’t be allowed on the truck unless it is a tricycle. IF YOU ARE BRINGING AN E-BIKE, the bike itself is allowed on the truck, but the battery must be removed and shipped via other means (like from other vehicles driving out or standard UPS).

If you have a very large or strangely shaped item, you must let us know ASAP. Email us at admin@txbmcommunitytruck.com.

Labelling

LABEL EVERYTHING. After paying for your reservation, you will be able to print your transport label. You will want to make copies of the label.

You will need to place a label and a piece of the right color tape on every side of the item(s) you are shipping. It’s always a good idea to bring extra labels and tape with you to the playa in case some of your labels fall off. We actually recommend sheet protectors so you’re less likely to have to fall off and become MOOP. Below is an example of how to properly label your totes:

All items must be boxed, labeled on every side, and zip-tied closed. Bins will not be provided.

Packing and labeling diagram showing how to properly pack and label your items

Recommended Supplies

• 27-gallon totes
• Velcro zip ties (less moopy, more reusable)
• Label sleeves
• Extra packing tape (you will need it)
• Color-coded tape according to your city and arrival:

Austin — Orange tape
Dallas — Green tape
Houston — Blue tape
If you are arriving during Build Week, get your city-colored tape + neon pink to indicate that you're arriving during build.

Permissible Items

Bring what you need to survive at Burning Man as long as it is not on the Prohibited Items list. Typical items are tents, yurts, camping chairs, ice chests, bikes (without the lithium ion battery), ac units, etc.

If you have something fragile, please email us at admin@txbmcommunitytruck.com

Prohibited Items

We reserve the right to open any and all items loaded on the truck. Your stuff is not the only thing on the truck. If you cause a fire, blow up the truck, or cause it to be searched due to illegal substances — no one's stuff will make it to playa. Any costs associated with stopping the truck due to a prohibited item will fall on the individual to whom it belongs.

The DOT defines nine primary classes of hazardous materials (HAZMAT). Fines per prohibited item found on the truck can range from $15,000 to $186,000 plus additional costs for truck delays. These fines and costs will fall on the participant who brings a prohibited item.

Do NOT bring any of these prohibited items:

Alcohols (e.g., rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer, perfumes, nail polish remover, high-proof spirits)
Anything damaged by extreme heat (i.e. un-canned or dry food, etc.)
Consumer electronics with lithium batteries (ex: power banks, cell phones, laptops, e-bike batteries, etc.)
Camping stoves, kerosene, propane
EXPLOSIVES, GAS, FUEL, COMPRESSED GAS
GENERATORS. Even if they're dry.
ILLEGAL ITEMS. This INCLUDES Cannabis, and any other substances. If it’s illegal anywhere in the US it can’t go on the truck. You don’t want to be the reason the truck gets pulled off the rail and searched with drug dogs do you?
LITHIUM BATTERIES. Please ship your e-bike batteries via ground.
Medical/recreational oxygen, scuba tanks
Paints, thinners, solvents, wood sealants, stains, varnishes
Refrigerant gases (e.g., dry ice, CO2)
Smoke detectors, fire extinguishers
WATER. Transporting large quantities of water is prohibited. Water is very heavy and there are weight limits that we cannot breach. Also, transporting water on the truck is economically inefficient. Please coordinate your own water outside of the community truck with your campmates, or use the Burner Express to purchase water that you can get on playa.

Questions about packing or prohibited items? Email admin@txbmcommunitytruck.com.