Peter asked:

But -- do you use one or two straps
per hive (you didn't really say).

1 strap, around bottom, up sides, over the top is sufficient, especially
with the ratchets straps.  Be sure to center the straps (front to back).
Otherwise, the strap acts like a pivot, and the hive bodies may twist
around because of the force applied either to the front or back of the boxes.

Most of the ratchets straps can hold a ton or more weight, more than enough
to bind the boxes together, including bottom boards and covers.

Jerry