Instrument logistics: instruments, backline and equipment safely on tour
Loading, storage and support vehicles are agreed before the tour. Instruments are part of the plan, not freight.
Request a tourTOUR LOUNGE transports instruments, backline and equipment on tour on the coach or in a support vehicle: cellos on the adjacent seat, harps and double basses in cases and rack systems, timpani and percussion in a trailer or van. Loading plan and storage are agreed before the tour.
Drivers and lead drivers know concert days, backstage access and loading zones. Loading happens when the ensemble is ready.
Last updated 16.09.2026
Your advantages with TOUR LOUNGE
Loading plan before the tour
For every large instrument it is settled where and how it travels: adjacent seat, case, rack system in the luggage bay or support vehicle.
Storage to match the line-up
Vehicle category and luggage bay are chosen by line-up and instruments, not the other way round.
Support vehicle when needed
Trailer, van or support vehicle for timpani, percussion, harps, double basses, backline and equipment.
Drivers who know concert days
Loading after the show when the ensemble is ready. Access to backstage entrances and loading zones is planned.
Instruments on the coach
Inside the coach we take care of valuable instruments: adjacent seats for cellos, custom cases and rack systems in the luggage bay, climate control for sensitive instruments.
For orchestras with large instrumentation we combine coach and support vehicle; for bands, coach plus trailer for the backline.
Our services
Instrument inventory
We record instruments, cases, dimensions and sensitivities before the tour and derive vehicle and loading plan from it.
Loading and securing
Rack systems, straps, blankets and partitions in the luggage bay; loading by a fixed plan, identical at every venue.
Support and special transport
Separate vehicles for large instruments, backline, costumes and equipment, aligned with load-in and load-out.
Borders and documents
Guidance on ATA carnets and customs questions for tours outside the EU, coordinated with your production management.
Frequently asked questions about instrument logistics
Who transports harps, timpani and double basses on an orchestra tour?
TOUR LOUNGE plans for every large instrument before the tour where and how it travels: in the coach luggage bay in cases and rack systems, on the adjacent seat or in a support vehicle. Loading and securing follow the same plan at every venue.
Do an orchestra's instruments and luggage fit in one coach?
That depends on line-up and instrumentation. Often a coach with a large luggage bay is enough; with a lot of percussion, harps or double basses a support vehicle or trailer is added. We record the instruments in advance and derive the vehicles from that.
How are sensitive instruments secured?
With cases, rack systems, straps, blankets and partitions in the luggage bay; sensitive instruments travel in the climate-controlled cabin. Loading by a fixed plan by briefed drivers.
Do you also transport backline and equipment for bands?
Yes. Backline, merch and equipment travel in the luggage bay, in a trailer or in a support vehicle, aligned with load-in and load-out. For pure freight without passengers we refer you to forwarding partners.
What about tours outside the EU?
Instruments and equipment may require an ATA carnet. We point this out and coordinate customs and document questions with your production management; the application lies with the promoter or ensemble.
Can instrument logistics be booked without a touring day?
Yes, as a support or special transport for a production, for example timpani and percussion between rehearsal venue and concert hall.
Related pages
Talk to us
We are happy to advise you on your upcoming tours and put together a tailored tour plan with suitable transport.
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