The Bel-Air Custom Road Case: Create Your Perfect Case
A custom road case can be your best friend on any long journey, protecting your equipment from the typical bumps and bruises of transport. At Bel-Air Cases, we have more than 50 years of expertise packed into every custom case we build, and through the years, we’ve built cases for just about any type of equipment you can imagine.
Our custom cases are built to protect delicate and expensive items. Bel-Air cases are ideal for music equipment, lighting equipment, electronics, camera equipment and anything else you might need to transport for your next event or production.
We offer three types of cases, all of which can be fully customized. These include medium-duty and heavy-duty carrying cases, as well as shipping cases and trade show cases. The heavy-duty carrying cases, shipping cases and trade show cases are all built to withstand frequent shipment as cargo or freight. The shipping cases are the perfect option for anyone needing a versatile and durable road case, and here’s a look at what you can expect from a Bel-Air case.
1. Versatile & Durable Case Materials
Our custom shipping cases are built for the harsh realities of transport. Our cases are built to meet or exceed ATA standards and can even be built to match many MIL specs. Our heavy-duty shipping cases can handle hundreds of flights with ease, protecting your delicate and expensive equipment.
We use high-density polyethylene (HDPE) for the shells and quality aluminum for the valances for each equipment case we build. These materials were chosen for many reasons, and durability was definitely a huge factor. HDPE is not only highly impact-resistant but also able to handle temperature extremes and humidity as well as providing a high level of moisture resistance and chemical resistance.
2. Lightweight & Easy-To-Maneuver
When you conjure up an image of a custom road case, you might think about a heavy wooden case and while those are common and highly durable, there’s no getting around the fact that they weigh a ton, even when empty and that can greatly increase your transportation costs.
On the other hand, Bel-Air cases are extremely lightweight, which makes transport easier and much less expensive. We also can add wheels and handles to most shipping cases, which makes it even easier to navigate your bulky case through a crowded airport or a trade show floor, a concert venue or wherever you need to go.
3. Many Custom Options
One reason why traditional wood custom road cases were so popular is that they offer a high level of flexibility in design, but HDPE offers a similarly high level of design customization. We can create durable transport cases in virtually any size configuration you might need, but that’s just one of the facets we can customize.
We offer a myriad of color options. Our standard colors are black and silver, but we have several optional stock colors including red, yellow, orange, white, blue, green and olive. In some cases, with larger orders, we may be able to provide you with custom colors or color matching, and we also can design cases with molded-in logos or add custom decals or engraved plates.
Customizing the color or adding a logo or decal can be a great option if you plan to order several cases. This makes it easier to identify your case in a crowded setting, but also adds a professional touch to your cases and boosts your brand identity.
Additionally, we offer a huge selection of handles, latches, locks, wheels and case feet. If you don’t see quite what you want among our selection of hardware, we typically can find a source for whatever you need. With Bel-Air, it’s all about providing the customer with an ultimate level of customization and quality.
4. Quality Interior Foam
While the exterior of a custom road case needs to be able to handle the rigors of transport, we believe the interior should be equally protective. To often, though, when you purchase custom equipment cases with foam inside, the manufacturers hand off the case with a chunk of cheap pick-and-pluck foam. Not only is this foam of low quality, but it forces the customer to cut away at the foam to make cavities for their equipment.
At Bel-Air Cases, our cases always include a high-quality foam interior. We can provide you with a basic foam liner, but we also are experts at fabricating interior case designs. Whether you need die cuts to cushion and protect your equipment or you also need panel mounts, shock mounts, interior doors, interior windows or other custom interior design features, we can provide you with whatever you need.
Order Custom Cases Now
To get started on your custom road case order, simply head to the Contact Us tab and fill our quick contact form. You also can select the Request a Quote tab and provide us with some details about your case needs, and a member of our sales team will put together a free cost quote for our services. We are proud to be American-owned and operated, and all of our cases are produced at our manufacturing facility in Ontario, California.
Take Off Securely With A Bel-Air Custom Flight Case
By its very definition, a flight case should be capable of handling the jostling and bumping typical of any cargo hold. If you’re tired of arriving at your destination only to find that your expensive equipment was damaged during the journey, opting for Bel-Air custom flight cases can be the solution to this common problem.
Custom-Made Flight Cases: The Ultimate Level Of Protection
At Bel-Air Cases, we’ve been designing custom shipping cases and custom built flight cases for more than 50 years. During that time our custom equipment cases have served as cargo on a wide range of conveyances – including some of the toughest military vehicles, and the equipment inside remained unscathed from even the bumpiest rides.
While custom flight cases do come with a higher price tag than off-the-shelf shipping cases, we believe there are some compelling advantages of investing in custom cases, including the following:
Custom Cases Offer Enhanced Protection
Custom flight cases are designed specifically for your equipment, providing superior protection against impacts, vibrations, and other potential damage during transit. They often include shock-absorbing materials and tailored padding to ensure your gear remains safe.
Our Custom Flight Cases Have A Long Life
Some of our earliest carrying cases and transport cases, from way back in the 1960s, are still going strong! We use the highest quality materials for our cases, including high-density polyethylene (HDPE) for the shells as well as building out each case with high-quality custom foam inserts. A Bel-Air Case is meant to last for decades, and we like to think of each case as a lifetime companion for your equipment.
A Perfect Fit
With an off-the-shelf case, there’s no guarantee that your equipment will fit well into the case, and this can lead to problems during transit. Custom flight cases are tailored to the exact dimensions of your equipment, ensuring a snug fit that minimizes movement and potential damage. This level of customization is not possible with standard, off-the-shelf cases.
A Well-Organized Interior
The interior of our custom cases can be designed with specific compartments, plastic dividers and interior doors to keep your equipment organized and easily accessible. This helps in quickly locating and using your gear without rummaging through a cluttered case.
As a side note, we never hand off a case to a client without creating a custom foam interior. Too many case manufacturers sell cases that simply contain a chunk of cheap diced foam, forcing the customer to create cavities for their equipment. This foam will not stand the test of time, nor will it protect your equipment properly. We use the highest quality case foam and design case interiors that cushion and protect every inch of your equipment.
Security Features
Many custom flight cases come with advanced security features such as lockable latches and combination locks, as well as GPS tracking and other options. These features provide peace of mind, knowing that your valuable equipment is safe from theft and unauthorized access.
Weather Resistance
The materials we use, especially the HDPE for the case shells, provide a high level of weather resistance. If your flight case is drenched on an airport tarmac, the equipment inside will stay nice and dry. Our cases also can protect your equipment from humidity, dust and extreme temperatures. Whether you need to take your cases to the South Pole or Death Valley, you can rest assured that the case will maintain its integrity.
Ease of Transport
We can add wheels and handles to just about any case, which makes it easy to move your cases wherever they need to go. For instance, our flight cases can be designed with ergonomic handles, wheels, and other transport-friendly features, making it easier to move heavy or bulky equipment. This convenience is especially valuable for frequent travelers and touring professionals.
Branding Opportunities
Because every flight case we make is built from scratch, this allows us an ultimate level of customization and that includes adding your brand to your case. We can design cases with molded-in-logos or add custom decals or engraved plates to any case. We also offer a wide selection of case colors including black, silver, white, green, olive, blue, red, yellow and orange.
Long-Term Savings
While the initial investment in a custom flight case may be higher, the long-term savings from reduced equipment damage, repairs, and replacements can make it a cost-effective choice. Protecting your gear with a durable, custom case helps avoid expensive mishaps.
Our Cases Are Versatile!
What can a Bel-Air Case hold? Just about anything you can imagine. Through the years, we’ve built cases to hold medical equipment, audio-visual equipment, lighting equipment, diagnostic equipment, military equipment, music equipment and so much more. Whether you are in a band and need a durable, dependable custom road casev or perhaps heading to a movie or photo shoot with a ton of expensive gear, our custom flight cases will protect your precious items.
Order Custom Flight Cases Today!
Whether you need just one flight case or a fleet of cases, the team at Bel-Air can design and build whatever you might need. To get started on a custom case order, simply head to the Contact Us tab on our homepage and fill out our contact form. A member of our sales team will be in touch as soon as possible to gather all the details needed to create your heavy duty shipping cases.
Custom Shipping Cases: Design Your Perfect Case
Transporting delicate or expensive equipment can be a perilous experience. Will your equipment arrive unscathed? It’s certainly not unusual to open your case and discover that items have been damaged. Unless, of course, you opt for a Bel-Air custom shipping case. Our made-to-order custom shipping cases are not only lightweight, attractive and fully customizable, they also shield your items from the harsh realities of travel.
Industries We Serve
At Bel-Air Cases, we design and manufacture custom shipping cases for a wide range of industries including the medical industry, entertainment industry, aerospace industry and the military.
Whether you need to transport or store diagnostic equipment, lighting equipment, audio-visual equipment, lighting, camera gear or anything expensive or fragile, opting for a custom shipping case from Bel-Air is the best way to ensure that your equipment stays safe in just about any condition. If you need an ATA shipping case, our designs and materials meet or exceed ATA case standards and can be built to MIL specs, as well.
Why Plastic? 10 Reasons We Use HDPE
At Bel-Air, we were the first company to produce vacuum-formed plastic carrying cases and shipping cases. Plastic might not seem like the material of choice for durable transport cases, but the plastic we use has many advantages over other materials.
The vacuum-formed shells of each custom shipping case are created using high-density polyethylene. HDPE is an ideal material for manufacturing durable and effective shipping cases. Here are 10 facts about HDPE that emphasize its suitability and benefits for creating custom shipping cases.
- High Impact Resistance: HDPE has a high strength-to-density ratio, which provides it with exceptional resistance to impacts. This makes it an excellent material for protecting sensitive equipment during transportation.
- Moisture Resistant: HDPE is naturally water-resistant, which means it doesn’t absorb water and can protect contents from moisture. This quality ensures that the cases are suitable for use in various environmental conditions.
- Chemical Resistance: HDPE is resistant to many chemicals, making it ideal for heavy duty shipping cases that might be exposed to corrosive substances or various industrial environments.
- Durability: HDPE is known for its high tensile strength and durability. It can withstand harsh treatment, such as being dropped or knocked around during transit, without deforming.
- Lightweight: Despite its strength and durability, HDPE is a relatively lightweight material, which helps reduce shipping costs and makes the cases easier to handle.
- UV Resistance: HDPE is resistant to ultraviolet (UV) rays, preventing the material from breaking down or degrading when exposed to sunlight over time. This is crucial for cases used frequently outdoors.
- Recyclable: HDPE is a recyclable material, making it an environmentally friendly choice for businesses concerned with sustainability. This feature can be particularly appealing to eco-conscious customers. Of course, keep in mind, that your Bel-Air shipping case is meant to last a lifetime, so it may never go near a recycling bin. Many of our original cases (from the 1960s) are still going strong today.
- Temperature Resistance: HDPE remains stable and functional in both very low and high temperatures, making it suitable for a wide range of climates and operational conditions.
- Ease of Fabrication: The material is easy to mold and fabricate into various shapes, which is ideal for manufacturing custom shipping cases that fit specific items or equipment snugly.
- Longevity: HDPE does not rot, mold, or mildew, which contributes to its longevity. Our shipping cases and trade show cases made from HDPE can be used repeatedly over many years without a decrease in performance.
Custom Cases – Inside & Out
We offer a wide range of custom features for our cases, but the most important option is probably our custom foam interiors. If you are paying for a custom shipping case, we believe this cost should include a custom foam interior. We don’t simply hand you a case with a cheap pick-and-pluck foam insert. This is a common type of low-quality foam and it simply doesn’t provide enough protection for your equipment.
Pick-and-pluck foam, also known as diced foam, is a common problem in our industry. It’s not only a cheap option but using this type of foam also forces the customer to pick away at the foam to create cavities to fit their items. This is hardly attractive, and, quite frankly, if you are paying a premium for custom shipping cases, you should expect custom foam inserts.
When it comes to plastic cases with foam, this interior can be as simple or as complicated as you might need. It could be a thick slab of quality foam with several die cuts designed to perfectly fit your equipment. You also could opt for a foam interior with windows, interior doors, plastic dividers and other helpful features. Not only does this protect your equipment, but it also creates an attractive display, which adds a truly professional look to your case.
Additional Shipping Case Options
The exterior size and configuration of your case can be customized, as well as the foam interior, but we offer many other custom features. Case hardware, such as handles, latches, locks, wheels and feet all can be customized, and we have a huge selection of hardware options.
We can personalize your custom shipping cases with molded-in logos or add decals or engraved plates to your case. We also can customize the case color. We offer black and silver as our standard colors, but we have several additional stock colors and often can provide custom colors or color matching for larger orders.
Order A Custom Bel-Air Case Now
Whether you need durable custom shipping cases that can handle flight after flight after flight or need custom carry cases or perhaps trade show shipping cases, we can provide whatever you might need. There’s no order minimum either, so if you need just one case or hundreds, the team at Bel-Air Cases is ready to provide you with a custom case that meets all of your specifications.
Bel-Air: The Ultimate Plastic Carrying Case
If you need a durable, lightweight plastic carrying case with a handle that can endure frequent transport, a Bel-Air plastic carrying case is the ideal choice. For more than 50 years, we’ve been creating custom cases that not only look great but also offer the ultimate level of protection for whatever you place inside your case.
100% Made-To-Order Cases
For many items, an off-the-shelf case might be a great choice. For instance, if you need to transport inexpensive items or something not particularly delicate, purchasing a ready-made case can be an affordable, practical option.
However, if you need to transport delicate or expensive equipment, opting for a custom plastic carrying case is the best option. At Bel-Air, every equipment case we make is made to order and we build it to cushion and protect whatever you intend to place inside the case. We like to think of our cases as a type of insurance, providing the highest possible level of protection for your equipment.
Throughout the years, we have designed transport cases for just about anything you could imagine. This includes lighting equipment, audio-visual equipment, camera equipment and gear, medical and diagnostic equipment and even military and aerospace gear. If you need an ATA case, our cases meet or exceed ATA standards and we can build cases to meet most MIL specifications.
The bottom line is that the transportation industry is tough on cases, that’s just a fact of life. And while your Bel-Air plastic carrying cases might suffer from a scratch or two, when you pop open the case, your equipment will still be in tip-top shape and ready to go.
Materials We Use
Bel-Air Cases was the first producer of vacuum-formed plastic carrying cases and shipping cases. Every case we make is vacuum-formed using high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with aluminum valances. We chose these two materials because they provide a high level of durability yet are still lightweight and manageable.
Throughout the case industry, you’ll find vacuum-formed cases like ours as well as roto-molded cases, injection molded cases, aluminum cases and fabricated wood cases. Any of these can be custom-made to fit your gear, but few have the advantages you’ll enjoy with a vacuum-formed HDPE case.
For instance, fabricated wood cases, which often are used as road cases, offer a high level of customization and can be made in virtually any size. However, these cases are extremely heavy, which makes maneuverability difficult and can seriously impact your shipping budget.
Roto-molded cases are extremely durable, but they also are quite heavy and there’s little room for customization. Injection-molded cases are lighter in weight, but are only available in certain sizes, again limiting your ability to customize.
Our vacuum-formed cases tend to be the best option for most types of equipment, but if we take a look at your items and determine that another type of case would be a better fit, we will let you know and help you find a good source for the type of case you need.
Medium-Duty Vs. Heavy-Duty Cases
We offer two different types of custom carrying cases – a medium-duty case and a heavy duty carrying case. Medium-duty cases are ideal for items that won’t be transported as luggage or freight. For instance, these cases often are used as sales kits, demo kits and OEM kits.
If you need a lightweight plastic carrying case that can handle frequent trips in the cargo hold of a train, plane or perhaps a rocket ship, our heavy-duty plastic carrying case is the best option. We build these cases using the same heavy-duty materials we use for our shipping cases, but we form the case on our carrying case molds. The result is an amazing, durable case that’s also easy to transport.
Custom Foam Inserts
While the durability of the case exterior is vital, our custom foam interiors provide a second layer of protection. We use the highest quality foam in the case industry and every interior is crafted specifically to cushion your equipment. Too often, a case maker will present you with a case filled with cheap pick-and-pluck foam. This foam not only breaks down quickly, but it’s just a chunk of foam without any custom cavities for your equipment.
If you are paying for a custom plastic carrying case, we believe that case should include 100% customized foam. We are experts at fabricating interior foam and can add any features you need. Our design team can provide you with a simple foam liner or include a foam design with plastic dividers, interior walls, die cuts, panel mounts, shock mounts and more.
Customize Colors, Handles, Locks & More
If you’ve been searching the web for a high-quality “plastic carrying case with handle,” you’ve come to the right place. Generally, most carrying cases do include a handle, but at Bel-Air, we offer a huge selection of handles, including a telescoping handle that can be a perfect addition to a case with wheels.
Additionally, you can customize the case wheels as well as the hinges, locks and latches. We also can provide you with a variety of color options. Our standard case colors are silver and black, but we do offer several additional stock colors including blue, green, olive, red, orange, yellow and white.
We also can build cases with molded-in logos or add custom engraved plates or decals. Imagine a fleet of carrying cases and shipping cases featuring your company logo in a distinctive color. This level of customization adds a truly professional touch and it can be a great option for sales kits and OEM cases.
Order Plastic Carrying Cases Today
Whether you need just one plastic carrying case with a handle or you need dozens of cases, we can build cases that meet all of your specifications. We also can build custom shipping cases and custom trade show cases with wheels. To get started on a case project, just click on the Contact Us tab on our homepage and fill out our quick contact form.
The Custom Carry Case: Enhance The Sales Experience
In today’s competitive market, the sales experience doesn’t just start with a handshake or a presentation; it begins the moment your product catches a client’s eye. For businesses that rely on physical demonstrations or high-value sales kits, the first impression is crucial. A Bel-Air custom carry case can be the ideal choice for stylish, protective sales kits, demo kits or as an OEM case.
Make A Smart First Impression
Imagine presenting a product to a potential client. Before they see what’s inside, the first thing they notice is the case it comes in. A custom-designed carry case tailored to your brand’s aesthetic and functional requirements speaks volumes about the value you place on your products and, by extension, your clients. It sets the tone for the interaction and primes the client for a premium experience.
The act of unveiling a product from its case can significantly enhance the overall sales experience. A custom carry case designed with an eye for detail can turn the unboxing into a memorable event, adding a layer of anticipation and excitement to the sales process. This carefully curated experience can leave a lasting impression on clients, making them more likely to remember your product and brand.
With a Bel-Air custom carrying case, we can create a design that meets all of your needs. Here’s a quick look at what we can customize:
The Exterior
At Bel-Air Cases, we have no off-the-shelf cases. All of our carrying cases, shipping cases and trade show cases are made to order. We have more than 100 different case dimension options for our carrying cases, and we will build each case around your specifications.
We build each case using high-density polyethylene (HDPE). This durable material is impact-resistant, water and moisture-resistant and even resistant to many chemicals and solvents.
Add a Touch of Color
When you order a carry case from Bel-Air, you have the option of selecting our standard colors – black or silver, or you can opt for one of our optional stock colors. These include white, yellow, orange, red, olive, green and blue.
With a minimum purchase order, we may be available to provide a custom color or color matching. This can be a great option to consider if you are ordering many sales kits or OEM cases, as a unique color adds a professional touch to your carry case. We also can add custom decals, engraved plates or even a molded-in logo to your case design.
Additional Features
Need a carry case with wheels? Need a secure locking system or a combination lock? We’ve got you covered. We offer a wide range of hardware options including multiple styles of wheels, handles, feet, latches and hinges. For instance, maybe you need a carry case with wheels and a telescoping handle, for ease of use. No matter what type of components you need, we likely have it at our plant, or we can source it out for you.
The Interior
Every Bel-Air case includes a high-quality custom foam interior, and this truly sets us apart from other manufacturers. It’s common throughout the case industry for manufacturers to hand off a custom carry case or shipping cases with a chunk of cheap diced foam rather than a custom foam interior.
This type of foam, also known as “pick and pluck” foam breaks down easily and the customer has to cut away at the foam to create cavities for their equipment. Not only is this unattractive, but it’s also just not as protective. A hard case with foam provides the ultimate level of protection for your expensive items.
We believe that if you are paying for a custom carry case, this should include custom case foam. This is especially important for cases meant for use as sales kits or demo kits or OEM cases, where the interior must display the items inside as attractively as possible.
Our team can create any type of foam interior you might need. This could be as simple as a foam lining or a complex interior with die cuts, windows, plastic dividers, panel mounts, shock mounts and more.
Medium-Duty Vs. Heavy-Duty Carry Cases
We offer two “levels” of carrying cases. Our medium-duty carrying cases are ideal as sales kits, demo kits and as OEM cases. While protective, these medium-duty cases are not meant to be shipped frequently. If you do need a carry case that can withstand many journeys, a heavy-duty carrying case will be a better option.
Our heavy-duty cases are constructed using the same materials and components we use for our heavy-duty shipping cases. However, we form the cases on our tooling for carrying cases. This provides a high level of protection yet still allows you to maneuver the case easily in tight quarters.
Why Bel Air?
Our ability to customize any case to meet your unique specifications is one of our key strengths, but we also boast an exceptional level of experience. Bel-Air Cases was the original innovator and manufacturer of vacuum-formed plastic shipping cases and carry cases. For more than 50 years, we have set the standard for case manufacturing.
Through the years, we’ve designed cases for just about every imaginable product and industry. If you need ATA cases, our heavy-duty cases meet or exceed those standards. We also can design cases that meet military and aerospace specifications.
Whether you need just one custom carry case or perhaps a fleet of carrying cases, just click on the Request a Quote tab on our homepage and fill out our contact form. A member of our team will be in touch to gather information about your case needs and to provide you with a free custom cost quote.
Padded Equipment Cases: Why Custom Foam Is Crucial
Think about it – you wouldn’t wrap a diamond ring in a simple napkin and hope it survives a tumble down a flight of stairs, would you? Likewise, when it comes to securing your precious equipment during transport, the regular old pick-and-pluck foam in your case just won’t cut it. Enter the game-changer – Bel-Air padded equipment cases.
At Bel-Air Cases, all of our custom equipment cases include custom foam inserts. Unlike many manufacturers, which simply hand of cases with cheap diced foam, we create custom interiors that cushion and surround your equipment perfectly.
Quality custom case foam plays a crucial role in the protection and presentation of equipment, especially when compared to the standard, one-size-fits-all pick and pluck foam. Here are five compelling reasons why opting for quality custom foam inserts in equipment cases is the best choice:
- Tailored Protection
Custom foam inserts are designed to fit the exact dimensions of your equipment. This precision ensures that each piece of equipment is snugly secured, minimizing movement and the risk of damage during transport. Unlike pick-and-pluck foam, which can leave gaps and loose fits, custom foam offers a made-to-measure solution that significantly enhances protection.
- Enhanced Durability
High-quality custom foam inserts are made from materials that are engineered to withstand repeated use without degrading. These materials can absorb shocks and impact more effectively than the cheaper alternatives used in pick-and-pluck foam. Over time, custom foam maintains its shape and protective qualities, ensuring your equipment is consistently protected from wear and tear.
- Professional Appearance – Enhance Your Brand Image
First impressions matter and opening a case to reveal neatly arranged equipment in custom-cut foam can significantly elevate your brand’s professional image. Custom foam inserts can be designed not only to protect but also to present your equipment in the most appealing way possible. This is in stark contrast to pick-and-pluck foam, which can look makeshift and unprofessional, potentially undermining your brand’s reputation.
- Long-Term Cost Efficiency
While custom foam inserts might represent a higher initial investment compared to cheap diced foam, they offer superior protection, reducing the risk of equipment damage and the associated repair or replacement costs. Over time, the durability of custom foam means less frequent replacements, making it a more cost-effective solution in the long run.
- Versatility and Adaptability
Custom foam inserts can be designed with versatility in mind, accommodating various types of equipment within a single case if necessary. This adaptability extends to the incorporation of features such as cutouts for cables and accessories, ensuring that all components of your setup are accounted for and protected. Pick and pluck foam, with its limited customization options, cannot offer the same level of adaptability and may not adequately protect all elements of your equipment.
Our Equipment Case Options
When it comes to selecting equipment cases, we have three main case categories – carrying cases, shipping cases and trade show cases. If you need a lightweight case for sales kits, demo kits or items that won’t be transported as luggage or freight, a medium-duty carry case can be the perfect option.
If you want the flexibility and convenience of carry case but need a durable option suitable for shipping or as cargo, we recommend the heavy-duty carrying cases, which are built using the same materials as our heavy-duty shipping cases but formed on the tooling we use for carrying cases.
Our trade show cases with wheels are a fantastic option for storing oddly-sized graphics and other materials needed for conventions and trade shows. These are heavy-duty and easily can withstand the rigors of transport.
For heavier items or delicate items that need to be shipped frequently as freight or luggage, our custom shipping cases are the perfect fit. Built to meet or exceed ATA standards, these durable padded equipment cases can handle hundreds of trips via plane, train, automobile, boat or rocket ship (we design cases suitable for aerospace and military clients, and these tough cases can handle all types of environmental extremes).
But, let’s get back to that foam. At Bel-Air, our design team can provide you with any type of case foam you might need and we usually can construct foam sets for around the price you’d expect to pay for cases filled with foam slabs or diced foam. We can create custom die cuts to cushion each piece of your equipment perfectly as well as add features such as interior doors and walls, plastic dividers, windows, shock mounts and panel mounts.
Bel-Air Cases: Setting The Standard For 50+ Years
Don’t settle for the cheap, one-and-done foam that tempts with a lower sticker price but stops short of long-term protection. It may save you a few bucks now, but when it comes to the safety of sophisticated gear, cutting corners can lead to a world of regret. Real peace of mind comes with the assurance of custom shipping cases, equipped with high-grade, dense foam designed to stand the test of time and turbulence.
At Bel-Air Cases, we’ve been designing custom padded equipment cases for more than 50 years for clients throughout a myriad of industries. If you need quality equipment cases, head to our homepage and click on the Request a Quote tab and a member of our sales team will be in touch with you as soon as possible to gather information and provide you with a cost quote.
ATA Shipping Cases: Durable, Reliable Custom Cases
If you need cases that can handle hundreds of trips in the cargo hold of planes, trains, container ships and other forms of transportation, ATA shipping cases are your best bet. At Bel-Air Cases, we design custom shipping cases and carrying cases that meet ATA standards, protecting your expensive gear no matter what the transportation industry throws at it.
Facts About The ATA
The Air Transport Association (ATA) was formed in 1936. Its creation was a response to the growing need for an organization that could represent the interests of the emerging airline industry in the United States, particularly in matters of government regulation and policy. Now known as Airlines for America (A4A), this organization has played a significant role in the airline industry. Here’s a brief look at the history of the ATA.
Role in World War II: During World War II, ATA played a crucial role in coordinating the civil air industry’s contributions to the war effort. This included logistics, transporting troops and materials, and supporting the military’s use of civil aviation resources.
Post-War Expansion & Regulation: After the war, the airline industry experienced rapid growth and expansion. ATA was instrumental in navigating the regulatory landscape, advocating for policies that would benefit the industry while ensuring safety and standardization.
Deregulation & Industry Changes: A significant shift occurred in 1978 with the Airline Deregulation Act, which led to increased competition and changes in how airlines operated. ATA was actively involved in these transitions, helping its members adapt to the new competitive environment.
Safety & Security Initiatives: Throughout its history, ATA has been a strong advocate for safety and security in the airline industry. This includes developing and promoting industry standards, training, and protocols to enhance the safety of air travel.
Environmental Efforts: In more recent years, ATA has focused on environmental issues, advocating for sustainable practices and technologies in the airline industry. This includes efforts to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency.
Rebranding to Airlines for America (A4A): In 2011, ATA rebranded itself as Airlines for America (A4A). The rebranding reflected a renewed focus on advocating for the American airline industry in a global context, addressing issues like taxation, regulation, and infrastructure.
Current Role: Today, A4A continues to represent the interests of major U.S. airlines. It plays a key role in policy advocacy, industry standards, and public representation of the airline industry.
ATA Shipping Cases – What Is ATA Spec 300?
You may have heard or seen case manufacturers discuss ATA Spec 300 on their websites. The ATA (Air Transport Association) specification 300 is a widely recognized standard in the airline industry for shipping cases, containers, and luggage. Here’s some detailed information about ATA Specification 300 and its relevance to shipping cases and luggage:
- Purpose: ATA Spec 300 provides guidelines for the design, materials, and performance of containers and packaging used for airline transport. The aim is to ensure that these containers can withstand the rigors of air travel, including handling, loading, and unloading processes. Our heavy-duty shipping cases are built to handle any challenge the airline industry can throw at them.
- Durability Standards: The specification sets high durability standards for cases and containers. They must be able to withstand repeated use, typically for a minimum of 100 round trips. This includes being able to endure harsh treatment such as impacts, drops, and exposure to extreme temperatures and weather conditions.
- Material and Construction: ATA Spec 300 specifies the types of materials and construction methods that should be used for air transport containers and ATA cases. This often includes the use of high-strength, lightweight materials like reinforced plastics, aluminum, and high-grade plywood.
- Performance Testing: Shipping cases and containers that claim to meet ATA Spec 300 must pass rigorous performance testing. These tests simulate the conditions the cases will face during transit, including drop tests, impact tests, and tests for water and dust resistance.
- Security Features: The specification also includes guidelines for security features, such as locks and seals, to prevent unauthorized access and ensure the safety of the contents during transport. We have a variety of locks and latches, including TSA-approved locks that we can add to your custom equipment cases.
- Customization for Sensitive Equipment: Many ATA-compliant cases are designed to transport sensitive equipment, such as musical instruments, electronic devices, and medical equipment. They often feature custom foam inserts or other protective measures tailored to the specific items being transported.
- Industry Usage: While the ATA 300 specification is particularly relevant to the airline industry, it is also a benchmark for other industries that require high standards of protection and durability in shipping cases, transport cases, custom road cases, and trade show shipping cases.
Our ATA Shipping Cases
The design and production teams at Bel-Air Cases have been crafting durable custom shipping cases for more than 50 years, and we set the industry standard for vacuum-formed custom cases.
We can build your cases to meet ATA standards as well as many MIL specs. In fact, our clients often include the military and the aerospace industry. This means we can design cases that can handle jaunts through the desert on a military vehicle or perhaps even a trip outside the solar system, not to mention the cargo hold of a 747.
Each of our cases is custom-built with your equipment in mind, and each case includes a custom foam interior. Unlike some case manufacturers, we’d never build a case and then hand it off to a client with a chunk of cheap diced foam inside. Instead, we build custom foam that cushions and protects every inch of your equipment.
Equipment cases with foam are essential to truly protect your gear. We are experts at crafting foam interiors, so whether you need a simple foam liner or you need custom die-cuts, shock mounts, panel mounts, interior doors, plastic dividers and more. Our high-quality case foam not only protects your equipment but can display it to its best advantage.
We also can customize the color and look of your plastic shipping cases, custom carrying cases or trade show cases. We can add custom decals, engraved plates and molded-in logos to any case. We offer two standard colors – silver and black, as well as many stock colors, including white, red, blue, green, olive, yellow and orange. With a specific minimum order, we also may be able to provide you with a custom color or color-matching services.
Order ATA Shipping Cases Now
At Bel-Air, we’ve been designing custom cases since 1967, and we can create custom ATA shipping cases that meet all of your specifications. To receive a free cost quote for your made-to-order case project, just click on the Request A Quote tab on our homepage and fill out our contact form. A member of our sales team will be in touch shortly to discuss your project.
The Bel-Air Hard Plastic Carrying Case: 100% Custom Cases
Off-the-shelf cases are fine for some uses, but a custom hard plastic carrying case is the best option for expensive gear, sales kits, OEM cases and more.Read More
The Bel-Air Custom Carrying Case: 50+ Years of Innovation
In the half-century since its inception, the Bel-Air custom carrying case has become synonymous with unparalleled protection, innovation, and bespoke design. Born from a vision to revolutionize the way we transport and safeguard our most valuable items, Bel-Air has meticulously crafted a legacy that blends cutting-edge technology with unmatched craftsmanship.
9 Reasons To Buy Custom Carrying Cases
While off-the-shelf cases have a somewhat lower price tag, opting for a 100% custom equipment case can be the best option for some and here are just a few compelling reasons to consider a custom carry case or custom shipping cases.
- Tailored Fit: Custom cases are designed to fit the exact dimensions of your equipment, ensuring a snug and secure fit. This minimizes movement and potential damage during transportation.
- Enhanced Protection: With custom foam inserts and specific design features, custom cases offer superior protection against impacts, vibrations, and environmental factors like dust and moisture.
- Optimized for Specific Needs: You can design the case to meet specific requirements, such as meeting ATA standards or perhaps MIL specs. If you need an ATA case or a case that meets military or aerospace requirements, we have the experience to handle the requests with ease.
- Professional Appearance: Any custom carry case can be designed with a professional look, including brand colors, molded-in logos, and specific aesthetics that align with your company or personal style, such as custom decals or engraved plates. We make branding custom cases easy!
- Efficient Organization: A custom case foam interior can be designed to hold multiple items securely in an organized manner, which is particularly useful for complex equipment setups. Every custom carrying case you order includes a custom foam interior that cushions every inch of your equipment, and no matter how complex an interior you need, our design team is equal to the task.
- Adaptability for Unique Items: If you have equipment with unusual shapes or delicate components, customized carrying cases can accommodate these unique characteristics much better than standard cases.
- Long-Term Durability: Custom cases are often built with higher quality materials and construction standards, which can lead to a longer lifespan compared to some mass-produced cases. Bel-Air cases are meant to last a lifetime and many of the cases from our early days are still going strong.
- Cost-Effective in the Long Run: While initially more expensive, the enhanced protection and durability of a custom case can save money by preventing damage to valuable equipment.
- Convenience Features: You can include additional features like wheels for easy transportation, custom handles, or specific types of locks and latches for security and ease of access.
Your Case Options
We offer two types of carrying cases – medium-duty cases and heavy-duty cases. Medium-duty carrying cases are ideal for sales kits and demo kits, as well as for equipment weighing less than 40 pounds. These cases also are popular as OEM cases, and, remember, we can add a molded-in logo, custom decals or engraved plates to your cases for a completely professional look.
Medium-duty cases are not meant to be shipped frequently as either luggage or cargo, so if you do want a carrying case that can handle frequent transport, we suggest that you opt for one of our heavy-duty carrying cases. For these cases, we form these cases on the tooling for our carrying cases, but we use the same materials and components that are utilized for our heavy-duty shipping cases.
In some circumstances, we might recommend that you opt for our heavy-duty shipping transport cases instead of a carrying case. These cases are ideal for larger and heavier items that need frequent transport. For many size configurations, we can add wheels and handles, to make it as easy as possible for you to move a case from place to place.
Of course, in addition to adding custom wheels and handles, we also can add locks and latches, including TSA-approved locks. And, as stated earlier, we can customize the color of the case, add decals and logos, and completely customize the interior foam.
We never just hand customers a case filled with cheap diced foam. We believe that a custom foam interior is essential to protect your equipment and if you are paying for a custom case, this should include a custom foam interior.
Celebrating 50+ Years Of Excellence
Back in the late 1960s, the world of plastics was just taking off and Bel-Air Cases was at the forefront of this new booming industry. Back in those days, life was drastically different. For instance, to get the word out about our custom carrying cases and shipping cases, we had to advertise the old-fashioned way – in newspapers and magazines, which might have looked something like this illustration to the right.
We set the industry standard in the early days, and we continue to set the standard in the new millennium. Every custom plastic case we build is meant to last a lifetime, protecting your equipment through countless treks by plane, train, ship, tank or whatever method of transport you need.
Bel-Air has been a trailblazer in the case industry for more than 50 years, and we are proud to continue leading the charge as makers of high-quality, durable cases that last for decades. To get started on a custom carrying case project, click on the Request a Quote tab on our homepage and fill out our quick contact form.
Bel-Air Cargo Cases: The World’s Toughest Shipping Cases
While travel might provide food for the soul, there’s no getting around the fact that transporting expensive equipment can be fraught with peril. Whether you are transporting gear via train, plane or ship, you need cargo cases that can handle the extremes of travel and Bel Air Cases can design shipping cases that meet all of your case needs.
5 Reasons Why You Need Custom Cargo Cases
While you can find many companies that produce off-the-shelf cargo cases, this is not the best option for many types of equipment. Custom cargo cases offer several advantages over off-the-shelf cases, especially for clients with specific needs or high-value items. Here are five reasons why a custom cargo case can be the perfect solution to your case needs.
1. Tailored Protection
Custom plastic cases with foam inserts built to the customer’s exact specifications ensure that the contents fit snugly, minimizing movement and potential damage during transit. This precision fit offers superior protection compared to generic, off-the-shelf cases where items might shift or be subjected to impacts.
2. Optimized Space Utilization
Custom plastic cases can be designed to maximize the use of space, accommodating the unique shapes and sizes of the items being shipped. This can lead to more efficient packing, reduced shipping costs, and the ability to fit more items securely in a given space.
Our custom instrument cases and cargo cases include custom foam inserts. Unlike many case manufacturers, we never hand off a case with cheap pick-and-pluck foam. Instead, we can create a hard plastic case with foam inside that gently cushions and protects every piece of your equipment perfectly, adding an extra layer of protection to an already highly durable case.
3. Branding and Professionalism
Custom cases can be designed with the client’s branding, colors, and logos. This not only enhances the professional image of the company but also makes the cases easily identifiable, reducing the chances of mix-ups or losses during shipping.
At Bel-Air Cases, we offer a plethora of custom features. We can design heavy duty cases with molded-in logos, custom decals or engraved plates. In addition to our standard colors of black and silver, we have additional stock colors, including red, green, olive, blue, orange, yellow and white. We also can customize the wheels, handles, locks and latches.
4. Durability and Longevity
Custom cargo case manufacturers often use high-quality materials tailored to the specific needs of the client. Whether the client requires waterproofing, UV resistance, or other special features, custom cases can be built to last, offering better long-term value than many off-the-shelf alternatives.
5. Special Features and Add-Ons
Custom cases can be equipped with special features that off-the-shelf cases might not offer. This can include things like humidity control, shock indicators, reinforced corners, multiple locking mechanisms, or even built-in tracking devices. Such features can be crucial for shipping sensitive or high-value items.
Bel-Air Cargo Cases: Built To ATA Standards
If you need an ATA case or perhaps a case that meets MIL specs, we can design whatever you might need. Through the years, we’ve built custom shipping cases and cargo cases for many military and aerospace clients, and they require cases that can handle all types of extremes. Whether you need a case for your next trip to Mars or a case that can handle a bumpy road in the deepest rainforest or on the coldest tundra, we’ve got you covered.
Bel-Air Cases: 50+ Years Of Quality & Innovation
Back in the late 60s when we were just getting started, hard plastic shipping cases weren’t something commonly used by travelers. In fact, we were the first company to produce professional-quality, vacuum-formed shipping cases, trade show cases and carrying cases.
In those days, if you needed a durable cargo case, your options tended to be heavy and bulky, such as fabricated wood road cases or bulky metal cases. Using thermoform plastics, specifically high-density polyethylene (HDPE), we were able to create an even more durable case that was also extremely lightweight. This not only makes it easier to maneuver a case around a crowded airport or train station, but it also reduces shipping and transport costs.
HDPE also has many other advantages over other case materials. In addition to its light weight, HDPE is water-resistant and moisture-resistant, and resistant to many solvents. This plastic is also one of the most durable types of plastics and even absorbs vibrations, which can damage delicate equipment. HDPE also can handle temperature extremes with ease.
While some companies might include a limited lifetime guarantee or warranty on their cases, we’ve never needed to do that. We simply stand by our cases throughout their lifetime. If a case component breaks, we will fix it. We usually can repair most case defects free of charge.
We know that the transportation industry is tough on cargo, so while we cannot guarantee that your custom cases will never be damaged, we can assure you that we will always repair the damages for as long as you own the case. So, whether you have a shipping case from 1968, 1988 or 2022, we will be happy to fix any issues.
Order Cargo Cases Today!
Whether you need just one custom equipment case or a fleet of cargo cases, the team at Bel-Air Cases can provide you with exactly what you need. To get started with a custom shipping case order, simply click on the Request A Quote tab on our homepage, fill out our quick contact form and a member of our team will be in touch to provide you with a free quote for our services.