Transport Cases
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Transport Cases

Pelican transport cases are built to move sensitive equipment safely across any distance, from the back of a truck to an international cargo hold. Whether you need a carry-on sized case for field instruments or a pallet ready container for industrial gear, this collection covers the full Pelican transport lineup, including Protector, Air, and large format models like the 0500 and 0550.

Every case ships with Foamerica’s precision cut custom foam inserts , engineered to match your exact equipment. This ensures your gear stays securely in place from the moment you close the lid, without shifting like generic pluck foam. Browse 57 transport cases below, or contact our team for help selecting the right size and foam configuration.

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What Is a Transport Case?

A transport case is a rigid, protective container designed to move equipment safely between locations. Unlike basic storage cases, transport cases are engineered for repeated handling. They feature reinforced corners, pressure equalization valves, heavy duty latches, and integrated handles or wheels for mobility. Pelican transport cases meet military specifications (MIL-STD-810) and carry a lifetime guarantee, making them the standard for professionals who cannot afford equipment failure in transit.

Industries that rely on transport cases include film and broadcast (camera bodies, lenses, monitors), military and defense (communications equipment, optics, weapons systems), medical and scientific (portable lab instruments, diagnostic devices), industrial inspection (drones and LiDAR), and live event production (audio and lighting systems). Any equipment that moves between job sites and costs more to replace than to protect should be stored in a transport case.

How to Choose the Right Transport Case Size

Selecting the correct transport case starts with your equipment dimensions. Measure the length, width, and height of your largest item, then add at least 1 inch on each side for foam cushioning. The table below covers the most popular Pelican transport models in this collection, from carry-on to pallet ready.

Popular Pelican Transport Case Models

Pelican 1510

Interior Dimensions: 19.75 x 11.00 x 7.60 inches
Wheels: Yes
Best For: Carry-on travel, field kits, portable instruments

Pelican 1560

Interior Dimensions: 20.37 x 15.43 x 9.00 inches
Wheels: Yes
Best For: Medium camera setups, test equipment, tactical gear

Pelican 1610

Interior Dimensions: 21.78 x 16.69 x 10.62 inches
Wheels: Yes
Best For: Large camera rigs, medical devices, multi item kits

Pelican 1620

Interior Dimensions: 21.48 x 16.42 x 12.54 inches
Wheels: Yes
Best For: Deep equipment, server components, tall instruments

Pelican 1670

Interior Dimensions: 31.30 x 20.52 x 11.56 inches
Wheels: Yes
Best For: Oversize gear, multiple rifles, long instruments

Pelican 1770

Interior Dimensions: 44.00 x 16.75 x 9.75 inches
Wheels: Yes
Best For: Long guns, tripod systems, boom equipment

Pelican 0500

Interior Dimensions: 34.95 x 18.45 x 25.30 inches
Wheels: Yes
Best For: Large industrial equipment, bulk transport

Pelican 0550

Interior Dimensions: 47.57 x 24.07 x 25.30 inches
Wheels: Yes
Best For: Pallet ready, heavy industrial, military deployment

Pelican 1615TRVL

Interior Dimensions: 29.59 x 17.67 x 9.62 inches
Wheels: Yes
Best For: Checked luggage travel, multi day gear kits

Transport Case vs Shipping Case vs Carry-On Case

These terms overlap but serve different purposes. A transport case is the broad category that includes any protective case used to move equipment. A shipping case is a type of transport case designed for unattended freight handling such as air cargo or truck shipping. Pelican models like the 0500 and 0550 qualify as true shipping cases due to their reinforced structure and large capacity.

A carry-on case is designed to meet airline cabin size limits. The Pelican 1510 is the most common example and fits in overhead bins on most domestic and international flights.

If your case will travel with you, choose a carry-on model. If it will be checked or shipped, choose a larger and more rugged transport case.

Custom Foam Inserts for Transport Cases

A transport case is only as good as the foam inside it. Generic pluck-and-pull foam leaves gaps, allows shifting during transit, and wears out quickly. Foamerica designs and cuts custom foam inserts to match the exact contours of your equipment. Each insert is CNC-routed from closed-cell polyethylene or polyurethane foam, creating a snug cradle that absorbs shock, prevents movement, and makes packing repeatable every time.

Custom foam is especially critical for transport cases because the contents face multi directional forces, vibration, drops, stacking pressure, and deceleration. With a precision-cut insert, force is distributed evenly across the full surface of your equipment rather than concentrated at contact points. This is why military, medical, and broadcast professionals specify custom foam over stock options.

Pelican Transport Case Features

Every Pelican transport case in this collection includes the features that define the platform: a watertight O-ring seal (IP67 rated), an automatic pressure equalization valve for altitude changes during air transport, stainless steel hardware, double-throw latches, and a structural resin shell that resists impact, UV exposure, and chemical contact. Wheeled models use stainless steel bearing wheels and a retractable extension handle. All Pelican cases carry a lifetime guarantee of excellence, if it breaks, Pelican replaces it.

Why Buy Transport Cases from Foamerica

Foamerica is a Pelican-authorized dealer with in-house custom foam engineering. When you order a transport case from Foamerica, you get the case and the foam designed as a single system, not a case from one vendor and a foam insert from another. Our team works directly with you to design inserts that match your equipment, your packing workflow, and your protection requirements. For teams ordering multiple cases or outfitting a fleet, we offer volume configurations and consistent foam specs across every unit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a transport case?

A transport case is a rigid protective container designed to safely move equipment between locations. Pelican transport cases meet military specifications (MIL-STD-810) and feature watertight seals, pressure equalization valves, reinforced corners, and heavy-duty latches. They are used across defense, film, medical, industrial, and scientific industries to protect high-value gear during ground transport, air travel, and freight shipping.

What transport case sizes does Foamerica carry?

Foamerica carries 57 Pelican transport cases ranging from carry-on sized (Pelican 1510 at 19.75" x 11.00" x 7.60") to pallet-ready large format (Pelican 0550 at 47.57" x 24.07" x 25.30"). The collection includes popular mid-range models like the 1560, 1610, 1620, and 1670, as well as the 1615TRVL designed for checked luggage travel. All models are available with custom foam inserts

Which Pelican transport case fits in an airplane overhead bin?

The Pelican 1510 is the standard carry-on transport case, with exterior dimensions that fit in overhead bins on most domestic and international airlines. Its interior measures 19.75" x 11.00" x 7.60", providing enough space for cameras, laptops, instruments, and other field equipment. Always verify carry-on limits with your specific airline before traveling.

Can I get custom foam inserts for my transport case?

Yes. Every Pelican transport case from Foamerica can be fitted with precision-cut custom foam inserts. Our team CNC-routes closed-cell polyethylene or polyurethane foam to match the exact dimensions of your equipment, creating a snug protective cradle that eliminates shifting during transit. Custom foam is available for individual cases or in bulk for fleet deployments.

Are Pelican transport cases waterproof?

Yes. All Pelican transport cases feature a watertight O-ring seal rated to IP67, meaning they are completely dustproof and can withstand immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. They also include an automatic pressure equalization valve that balances internal pressure during altitude changes in air transport without allowing water or dust ingress.

Do Pelican transport cases have wheels?

Most Pelican transport cases in this collection include built-in stainless steel bearing wheels and a retractable extension handle for easy mobility. Wheeled models include the 1510, 1560, 1610, 1620, 1670, 1770, 0500, 0550, and 1615TRVL. The wheel systems are designed for heavy loads and rough surfaces including airport terminals, warehouse floors, and field terrain.

What is the difference between a transport case and a shipping case?

A transport case is the broader category covering any rigid protective case built for moving equipment. A shipping case specifically refers to a transport case rated for unattended freight handling — air cargo, truck freight, or rail. Pelican models like the 0500 and 0550 qualify as true shipping cases due to their reinforced stacking structure, large volume, and design for pallet-based logistics.

What is Foamerica's shipping and return policy for transport cases?

Foamerica ships Pelican transport cases throughout the United States. Cases with custom foam inserts are made to order and typically ship within 5-7 business days. For return eligibility, shipping timelines on specific models, or questions about bulk orders, contact the Foamerica team directly through the website contact page.