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.
