Skip to content
FIRST Robotics Competition

Robot Transportation

For any questions related to robot transportation to FIRST Championship please email us.

General Robot Transportation Information

Teams shipping their robot to an event must build and use a crate in accordance with our Shipping Crate Construction guidelines

Batteries

  • There will be batteries available in the Spare Parts cases at Pit Admin on a first-come, first-served basis. These batteries will be available to all teams, not specifically for teams outside of North America. Teams are encouraged to bring their own robot batteries. Please see the Shipping Crate Construction above for detailed instructions about how to ship robot batteries in your crate. Remember to check the regulations for shipping other types of batteries, specifically the new regulations about Lithium Ion batteries.
  • Non-Spillable Battery Sign for Robot Crates

Teams may ship additional crates with tools, pit displays, and other event materials at their own expense. However, teams are responsible for abiding by all regulations, paperwork, drayage, and any other costs associated with this shipment. 

Carriers require prior notice for pickups, especially if your location does not have a loading dock. 
If you find that your robot crate has been damaged on the journey to your event, you must notify Pit Admin at your event on the first day of the event. 
 
PLEASE NOTE: Teams may not ship their crate directly to the venue. You must make other arrangements to get your robot to the event; please see other tabs for suggestions.

Teams Based Outside of the United States

Shipping has become increasingly difficult over the last few years as a result of the changes the world has been going through. With that said, we would like to encourage teams to hand carry their robots in if it is feasible for them. For teams who do need to ship their robots, we estimate that the time in transit will be a minimum of three weeks. Therefore, we ask that they ship them as soon as they are able in order to allow the carrier plenty of time to transport it.

IMPORTANT! All teams shipping to another country must designate a Customs Broker in their country 2-4 weeks in advance of any shipment to avoid possible customs clearance and/or shipping delays.

Items packed in the crate on Export MUST also be included upon Import back into your home country. The entire shipment is a Temporary Export. Please work with your Customs broker to ensure proper filing.

FIRST is not responsible for any items that are not declared or are confiscated by Customs.

Your team must properly declare the value of your robot. Please reference the Bill of Materials process below. Please direct any questions to frclogistics@firstinspires.org.

Helpful Shipping Tips

Helpful Tips for Shipping your Robot to an Event

  • Determine a ship-to address (Drayage Location) for the crate(s) pre-event. Remember do NOT ship your robot to the venue. Find a local Drayage Location near the venue or contact a local team willing to take in your shipment or contact the event’s Regional Director if you cannot find any storage solutions.
  • Contact a shipping carrier in your area and request a quote.
  • Establish a relationship with a Customs Broker in both the country you are shipping from and the country that you are shipping to (if you are shipping internationally) to help with the Export transaction and all paperwork.
  • Pack and ship your crate(s) to allow enough transit time. The crate(s) should arrive 2 to 5 days prior to Load-In.
  • Be sure to plan for the return of the crate(s) to your home location.

NEW! View additional tips for shipping robots internationally.

Suggested International Carriers

Suggested International Carriers

Please see below for a list of suggested international carriers:

Carrier

Contact Info

FedEx

https://www.fedex.com/en-us/home.html

R&L Carriers

https://rlglobal.com

United Pacific

Phone#: 718-528-8889

Expeditors

https://www.expeditors.com/contact

Robot Transportation for FIRST Championship

Information coming soon!

Hand-Carrying to FIRST Championship
Check back soon for updates and more information.
Shipping to FIRST Championship

Check back soon for updates and more information.

Hand-Carrying Home from FIRST Championship
Check back soon for updates and more information.
Shipping Home from FIRST Championship

Check back soon for updates and more information.