Page 1: Arranging Deliveries
Page 2: Delivery FAQ
Page 3: Fuel Transportation, Storage and Distribution Requirements
General Delivery Questions
- Q: I need to have a delivery made on playa. What are my options?
A: There are a few options available to you depending on what type and size of delivery you need to receive.
- You can make arrangements to meet your delivery at the main Gate located at the front entrance of BRC. Since there isn’t reliable phone or Internet access in BRC you’ll need to make a specific plan with your service provider well before you leave for the playa. You will either need to transfer the delivery at the Gate and bring it in yourself or make sure the delivery driver has a ticket to allow them onto the event site. You will need to have your ticket stub with you whenever you are near the front Gate of the event.
- You can buy your delivery driver a ticket to Burning Man and make sure they have explicit instructions about where exactly in BRC they are making their delivery. (Any delivery driver at the Gate who does not know the details of their rendezvous point will be held at the Gate. It is critical to the safety of the event that we not have aimless delivery drivers cruising the playa and potentially placing heavy or hazardous loads in random, unattended places.)
- Your driver may buy a one-time use refundable delivery ticket at the Box Office of the event. Please note the driver themselves must pay for this ticket with their credit card – it cannot be paid for in cash or by the delivery recipient. The ticket is only refundable if returned within six (6) hours of the sale.
- Your service provider can apply to purchase an Outside Services Delivery Credential in order to better facilitate multiple deliveries. See below for more details.
- Q: I only need one delivery. Does the driver need to have a ticket in order to make the delivery inside the event?
A: Yes, everyone passing through the Gate needs to have their own ticket or credential. You may also want to consider meeting them at the Gate and bringing in your delivery yourself. (Remember not to exit the event before checking with the Gate Staff.)
- Q: I'm only receiving one delivery and my driver has a ticket. I need to receive my delivery before the event begins. Does the driver need an early arrival pass?
A: Yes! Anyone entering the event site prior to the opening of the event needs to have an early arrival pass. We cannot provide these passes for you – you will need to secure them directly through your theme camp or art project.
- Q: If I just bought a regular ticket, will I be allowed to leave and come back?
A: Yes, but you will be required to stop at the Gate on your way out and purchase an in/out pass for $20 (cash only). This is necessary EACH time you exit the city if you intend to return.
- Q: If I am receiving a delivery, will I still need to go to the Gate to escort it into BRC?
A: Yes. Deliveries must be escorted into the city to make sure they can find their destination AND there must be someone on-site to greet the delivery. Even if the driver has Outside Service Delivery credentials, if they don’t know where they’re going they will be held until a responsible party can be contacted.
- Q: My buddy is driving a truck up from Reno to drop off our tent but he’s not staying, does he have to buy a ticket just to drop off the tent?
A: Maybe. Not if you meet them at the Gate and transfer the delivery, but otherwise yes. It is up to participants to facilitate this process – Burning Man organizers cannot help coordinate this for you. When participants arrive at the Gate (with their ticket stubs), they should let the Gate staff know they are there to meet a delivery. Be aware that at busy times, this may take a while (and Gate staff may be occupied with other issues).
- Q: I need to make a delivery on playa before the event opens. How do I get an Early Arrival Pass?
A: If you are making a delivery on playa before the event opens you need an Early Arrival Pass. Early Arrival Passes are part of the Outside Services Delivery Credential (see below). If you are making deliveries outside of that program you will need to secure an Early Arrival Pass directly from the project you are making a delivery to.
- Q: Are delivery drivers also subject to the ticket terms and conditions?
A: Yes. Whether you have a ticket or a credential, by entering Black Rock City you are agreeing to the terms posted here: http://tickets2.burningman.com/termsofuse.php
(note: in addition, Outside Service Providers are also subject to the terms of their contract.)
Changes to Outside Services Program for 2018
- What is the Outside Services program? Why was it started and what purpose does it serve?We started the OSS program in 2012 to help groups receive access to and share resources, and be able to build in a timely fashion. Without a program and service gate in place, Outside Service providers had difficulty making deliveries and operating on site (such as installing, maintaining, and servicing power grids, for example). Burning Man personnel were also being pulled away from their intended roles to manage deliveries or troubleshoot service provider arrivals and direct them to their clients.
- Why are changes being made to the program this year?While many camps use the program as intended, for some it has become the backbone of their production, with camps being fully serviced by vendors. Over the years, we’ve seen huge growth in RV and trailer vending, and a corresponding increase in environmental compliance issues. We’ve also seen vendors expand their offerings from RVs, trailers and generators to convenience items like e-bikes, Segways and mutant vehicle rentals. This was not the intent of the OSS program and we are now taking steps to ensure the program is in alignment with Communal Effort, Civic Responsibility, Participation and Radical Self-reliance, four of the 10 Principles that are the cornerstone of our community and culture.
- How many camps use OSS? Is it just big camps or plug and play camps?More than 200 placed and unplaced camps used the OSS program in 2017. They ranged from very large camps to very small camps and includes Theme Camps, Mutant Vehicle camps, and artist support camps.
- What are the types of equipment and services provided by OSS to camps?What are the types of equipment and services provided by OSS to camps? Some of the types of equipment and services provided by OSS-approved vendors include:
- RVs and trailers
- Domes and yurts
- Electrical generators
- Fuel delivery
- Heavy equipment
- Portable kitchens
- Portable showers
- Portable buildings
- Porta-potties
- Water delivery
- Septic pumping
- Storage delivery (pieces for art, Theme Camps)
- Details for 2018 include:
- No new Service Providers. If you did not directly contract with BRC in 2017, you will not be able to provide services to Black Rock City in 2018.
- Per our usual policy, Service Providers not in good standing in 2017 will not be allowed to participate in the OSS program in 2018 (these entities have already been notified).
- We will be limiting what each Service Provider can bring out so there will be no increase in assets on playa in 2018.
- We have contacted each Service Provider and let them know the quantities of assets they are allowed to bring out.
- We’ve contacted the approved Service Providers for 2018 and the updated list is posted on our website.
- Service Providers’ prices for clients should not significantly increase as a result of these OSS program changes. Outside Services will investigate complaints about service providers who have imposed large price hikes. Those vendors found to have done so risk being excluded from participating in the OSS program in future years.
- What, specifically, has happened that makes these changes necessary?The OSS program has grown from 23 Service Providers in 2012 to 59 Service Providers in 2017 — an increase of 257%. Over the years, we’ve seen huge growth in RV and trailer vending and a corresponding increase in environmental compliance issues. We’ve also seen Service Providers expand their offerings from RVs, trailers and generators to convenience items like e-bikes, Segways and Mutant Vehicle rentals. This was not the intent of the OSS program and we are now taking steps to ensure the program is in alignment with Communal Effort, Civic Responsibility, Participation and Radical Self-reliance, four of the 10 Principles that are the cornerstone of our community and culture.
- What are camps supposed to do if they can’t get the equipment they need via the OSS program?We believe camps will have ample time to reserve the resources they need or look for alternatives if they can’t. Consider rethinking your camp operations, doing more with less and getting back to basics. Bigger is not necessarily better and we will be encouraging participants this year to “celebrate the small” and explore BRC’s back streets. We encourage all theme camp organizers and leads to take part in the second annual Theme Camp Symposium — either in person or via the planned live streaming of the event. It will be an excellent opportunity to learn best practices and connect with other camp leads. The 2018 Theme Camp Symposium date will be announced soon via the Placement Newsletter.
We want to encourage camps to identify opportunities to share resources with their neighbors. If you’re filling out a camp questionnaire for placement, you can indicate whether you’re willing to share contact information with neighbors to share resources. We’ve seen wonderful examples of neighborliness and communal effort from camps sharing resources like heavy equipment and power. If you aren’t coming to Burning Man this year, there are many peer-to-peer platforms and networks where you can share infrastructure, RVs, and other equipment for use by our community.
- Isn’t this just going to result in vendors raising their prices so only the richest camps can afford to use the program?Service Providers’ prices for clients should not increase as a result of these OSS program changes. Outside Services will investigate complaints about service providers who have imposed large price hikes. Those vendors found to have done so risk being excluded from participating in the OSS program in future years.
- How will we know that the vendors we’re working with are part of the OSS program?Burning Man has published a list of approved providers on the Burning Man website.
Outside Services Delivery Credential Questions
- Q: What is the Outside Services Delivery Credential?
A: Outside Services Delivery Credential is intended for transportation providers that have been contracted to bring in supplies, typically consisting of multiple deliveries for Art Projects and Theme Camp support materials. The Outside Services Delivery Credential is available to established businesses that can furnish proof of a business license, insurance, and a Special Recreation Permit with the BLM. The Outside Services Delivery Credential is not intended for individuals and private parties.
The Outside Services Delivery Credential is designed to provide transportation businesses with a streamlined, convenient way to access Black Rock City multiple times and support the on-site projects with which they are engaged.
- Q: Are Outside Services Delivery Credentials required?
A: Yes and No. Delivery drivers making just one or two deliveries may do so with a regular participant ticket and any additional needed in/out passes ($20 per person/per exit, purchased at the Gate at time of departure), or a one-time use refundable Delivery ticket. The refundable Delivery tickets are only available at the Box Office of the event and cost $990. Only the driver may buy the ticket (not the delivery recipient), and credit card is the only form of payment accepted. If the ticket is returned within six (6) hours of purchase a refund for the full price is issued. Larger scale operations, those requiring early entry prior to the opening of the event, and those needing access to the separate delivery Gate will need to apply for an Outside Services Delivery Credential.
- Q: What are the benefits of the Outside Services Delivery Credential?
A: There are numerous benefits to our Outside Services Delivery Credential, and its features have been put together with operational ease and our community’s 10 Principles in mind. The include (but are certainly not limited to):
- Early arrival privilege (approved dates, before main gate opens to public): Prevents delivery bottleneck during peak times and allows deliveries to be in place prior to the start of the event;
- Access to separate delivery gate: eliminates getting caught in congestion at the front Gate, no waiting in the Exodus line at the end of the event. Allows for expedited entry and exit from the event site;
- Delivery access identification: Delivery vehicles get clearly tagged & can be quickly identified and registered crew are given easy to identify wristbands, facilitating entry and exit from the delivery Gate.
- In/out privileges for registered vehicles: Alleviates need to purchase an in/out pass each time you need to exit;
- Contract: Provides a clear understanding of the scope of benefits, associated costs, and expectations of behavior with regard to both physical presence on playa as well as online conduct with respect to representing any affiliation with Burning Man or BRC.
- Q: How do I buy an Outside Services Delivery Credential for a provider I have already contracted with to make a delivery to me on playa?
A: You don’t – the Outside Services Delivery Credential is not sold to individuals. Your Provider will need to contact us directly to apply for the credential. Frequently, Providers service numerous projects on playa and are able distribute the cost of the credential accordingly.
- Q: What should I know about the agreement/contract required to obtain an Outside Services Delivery Credential?
A: The Outside Services Delivery Credential is not for everyone and the OSS program is CLOSED to new providers in 2018. Please read through this list of requirements and restrictions:
- License and insurance: you will be required to provide proof of your business license and insurance. If you do not have either of these things you do not qualify for this program.
- BLM permit: you must obtain a Special Recreation Permit directly from the BLM’s Winnemucca District Office and provide us proof that this permit has been secured in advance of our accepting your application.
- Legally binding: the contract you sign is a legally binding agreement we have with you, this web site is for information use only, and does not represent the agreement.
- Restrictions on commercial activity: consistent with Burning Man’s principles of Decommodification and Radical Self-Reliance, Provider’s services shall be limited to transportation, equipment and infrastructure support. Provider may not sell outfitting or travel package services for the Event. Thus, while Provider may lease, install and maintain equipment for a customer’s camp, Provider is prohibited from selling catering, cleanup, turn-key accommodations or other varieties of concierge services to customers;
- Burning Man Logos & Trademarks: Provider may not exploit or otherwise associate itself with the name “Burning Man” or any of Burning Man’s logos, trademarks, images or other intellectual property except as explicitly provided in the Agreement. For example, Provider may not claim that it is an “approved Burning Man vendor” or make any statements associating itself with Burning Man or the Event. Provider may not create web sites that sell packages destined to Burning Man or use “Burning Man” or any of Burning Man’s logos, trademarked images or other intellectual property. Burning Man holds co-copyright over every image taken onsite, and written permission must be received from Black Rock City, LLC before any such image may be used publicly.
- No advertising: Providers may not display their logos or brands at the event – no on-site advertisement of any kind is permitted.
- No on-site sales: Provider may not proactively sell any goods or services inside the Event perimeter.
- Q: How can I purchase an Outside Service Delivery Credential?
A: In order to be considered for an Outside Service Delivery Credential in 2018, you must have already participated in the program. NO NEW OSS PROVIDERS ARE BEING ACCEPTED AT THIS TIME.
- Q: What is the deadline for applying for an Outside Service Delivery Credential?
A: The 2018 application is closed to new providers. Returning Providers will still be required to re-apply.
- Q: If I have an Outside Service Delivery Credential during which hours can I deliver goods through the delivery gate?
A: Outside Service deliveries may be made through the delivery gate between 6am – 6pm.
- Q: I need more workers, not extra trucks, do I have options to add additional credentials?
A: NO. You’ll need to indicate the total number of working crew in the initial application. If we sense that you are requesting extra crew credentials as a means of providing entry to non-workers your application may be denied.
- Q: If I buy an Outside Service Delivery Credential, does that mean I can drive during the event?
A: No. Black Rock City is designed for pedestrians and bicycles, and as such vehicular passage is strictly limited to specific streets, purposes, and maximum speeds. Black Rock City’s driving rules are strictly enforced, even for Outside Service Delivery Credential holders. If you have a service call during the event, you may respond in your properly credentialed service truck but you may not drive on the Esplanade or other pedestrian-only areas. If you violate these driving rules your driving privileges may be revoked.
- Q: Can I set up a booth or otherwise advertise my or my company's services or wares?
A: No. This is directly at odds with Burning Man’s principle of Decommodification. While in Black Rock City you must conduct yourself and your business in a manner that is in alignment with Burning Man’s 10 Principles. You may not display your company logo or solicit business once inside Black Rock City. If your company truck or trailer is already branded with your company logo, we don’t expect you to permanently remove it but rather to explore ways it can be temporarily covered or obscured. Be advised that flagrant advertisement or violation the terms of the Outside Service contract (which requires business to operate within the parameters of our Decommodification principle) may result in expulsion from the event or revocation of privileges.
- Q: Do I need a Permit from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)?
A: YES! All outside service providers applying for delivery credentials must first obtain a Special Recreation Permit directly from the BLM’s Winnemucca District Office. You are responsible for obtaining any required permits directly with the BLM – Burning Man cannot facilitate this for you.
- Q: I have more questions that aren't answered in this FAQ or feedback on the process. Who can I contact?
A: You can email outsideservices@burningman.org