Learn How to Ship High-Value Items Efficiently and Cost-Effectively
It goes without saying that high-value items require extra safeguards and precautions to ensure they are shipped efficiently without breaking the bank. So what exactly classifies as a high-value item? Here is a list with some of the most commonly shipped high-value items:
- Precious metals
- Semi-precious stones
- Jewelry
- Coins
- Collectables
- Nuts
- Documents
- Life science/pharmaceutical inventory
With more touchpoints across supply chains and increasing demand for luxury goods, theft has also grown as a result. Of the most troubling criminal activity includes thieves falsely posing as drivers. This makes the vetting process that much more important when deciding on a third party logistic company. Transport companies like East Coast Transport mitigate risk by developing long-lasting partnerships and vetting drivers to make sure their credentials are quality and up to speed.
How to Package, Wrap and Secure Delicate Items for Shipping
The goal is to make sure your items won’t shift around no matter how much movement takes place. Depending on the size, shape, and quantity you’re shipping, you should always make sure you have the right size box. If the box is too big you risk having your items shift around and break, but if it’s too small, you risk not having enough filler to absorb any movement. Once you have the right size box, you’ll need the proper filler to keep your items from moving around. This can be anything from bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and crumpled craft paper, to airbags, foam enclosures, or corrugated inserts.
How to Ship Expensive Items with Insurance
Unfortunately, accidents do happen. Even if you are shipping sentimental items that are irreplaceable, it’s smart to always have insurance to repair for any monetary losses that can occur. We recommend keeping these questions in mind as you consider your options:
- How much is your shipment worth?
- What does your shipment exposure look like? Are there any high-theft areas along the supply chain?
- What is the coverage amount of your insurance plan? Can you afford the difference in the event of an accident?
Even if you get partial insurance, you don’t want to be out more money than you can afford if something does go wrong.
How does Shipping Full Truckload Differ From Less Than Truckload Options?
When you’re shipping a full truckload, there’s a less likely chance that theft or damage can occur with multiple stops. In this case, you have far more control over what the shipment process looks like, which can help you minimize risk.
What does Bonded Shipping Mean?
When goods go in and out of a country they are subject to customs cost, taxes, and duties. Bonded shipping gives protection to those goods and recipients if proper payment is not made upon export. It allows a third party, licensed, freight carrier to transport goods through ports without having to pay the duty or obtain customs release during a border crossing. This streamlines the import/export shipping process since items do not have to sit and wait with U.S. customs upon arrival, which can save you time and money.
What is Bond-Free in Shipping
Bond-free pertains to goods that do not require payment upon arrival or are shipped domestically and therefore do not have to go through customs.
How can East Coast Transport Help you Ship High-Value Items?
Transporting high-value freight can be complex, requiring a shipping company that’s knowledgeable about vetting and selecting the best possible drivers and equipment. As a third-party logistics company, East Coast Transport is a one-stop resource for procuring the carrier, assisting with insurance, and planning the optimal route that’s not only time but cost-efficient. Using a security protection network (East Coast Transport uses Transportation Intermediaries Association-TIA) you can be sure that we know how best to mitigate cargo theft by understanding high-risk areas along a shipping route. Additionally, we go beyond industry standards with our Safety Measurement Index, which allows for a higher level of protection and safety for all parties. Reach out today for a custom quote on your high-value cargo at 800-857-7877 or info@eastcoattransportllc.com.