If you’re shipping high-value goods, you may lose sleep at night over the risks, such as theft, damage and loss. Ensuring the safety of your goods during transportation can be stressful, but even more so when your cargo is of higher value.
Your valuable shipments must get to their destination safely, but what else can you do to minimise the risks (that you’re not already doing)?
We want to share five practical strategies that protect your high-value goods and give you a little more peace of mind while they’re on the road.
1. Choose a Reliable Freight Partner
It may seem like a simple thing, but choosing the right freight partner can be difficult when faced with multiple options that all seem more or less the same. But the right partner will ensure your goods are handled with care and reach the recipient securely.
Look for these aspects when choosing a freight partner for shipping high-value goods:
Proven Experience
Do your due diligence to check whether they have a track record of successful high-value deliveries. You wouldn’t want to trust your precious cargo with a freight partner who hasn’t proven their skill and experience.
Specialist In Your Goods
Look for a company that provides dedicated solutions for high-value or sensitive goods, rather than simply general transportation. That way, you get exactly what you need for your specific needs.
Secure Methods of Transport
Check to see if they use secure methods that go beyond the basics, such as GPS-enabled vehicles, tamper-proof equipment and specially vetted carriers.
At Millennium Cargo, we specialise in shipping high-value goods, and we know how important it is to have the right expertise and security measures ready and in place.
2. Invest in Comprehensive Insurance Coverage
Your standard cargo insurance may not provide sufficient protection when shipping high-value goods. This is because higher value cargo means higher risk, and general protection just won’t cut it. Instead, choose tailored insurance coverage that can keep you and your investments safe.
Why choose comprehensive insurance for high-value goods?
You’ll get cover for the essentials, as well as specialist areas such as
- Theft Protection
- Damage Coverage
- Loss Reimbursement
When choosing your specialist insurance, ensure that your policy will cover the total value of the goods you’re shipping, not just the partial cost. It’s important to understand what exclusions are included in your policy, too, so check for scenarios or items that would not be covered, as these can be easily overlooked.
Lastly, get familiar with the claims process, such as knowing which types of documentation will be needed at the time of claiming so you don’t lose out because of a small administrative issue. But with the right insurance behind you, you can be sure your business is protected even in the worst case scenarios.
3. Use Secure Packaging and Handling
One of the most important things to get right in the shipping of high-value goods is your packaging and handling. One of the simplest ways to reduce the risk of damage to your goods during transport is to package them securely and safely.
This protects your cargo from physical damage such as dents, breaks and loss. It can also act as a theft deterrent.
When securing packaging, best practices include:
Tamper-Evident Sealing
Seals let you know whether a package has been opened during transport, which can act as a deterrent for thieves, but also informs you of any issues during shipping.
Custom Packaging
If your packaging is tailor-made to fit your goods, this can better protect fragile or odd-shaped items, keeping them secure during transit.
Damage-Resistant
Using more durable materials for packaging can help your goods survive the shipping process without damage.
At Millennium Cargo, we can offer expert advice on training your staff with packaging and ensuring accurate labelling to prevent mishandling.
4. Track Shipments in Real Time
In the digital age, tracking technology gives you an essential window into your cargo’s journey when shipping high-value goods. You can monitor your shipment minute by minute and address any issues quickly.
When selecting your tracking systems, consider the following:
- Alerts: You can get notifications when there are route changes, delays or disruptions so you can stay ahead of any problems further down the line.
- Advanced Reporting: Get detailed data on your transportation performance and delivery times.
- GPS Monitoring: Keep your finger on the pulse and know where your high-value shipment is at every moment.
5. Plan Secure Routes and Delivery Timing
When shipping your high-value goods, planning the best routes is critical. The correct route can minimise the chances of delays, accidents and thefts. The wrong route could be the difference between experiencing all of those issues or getting your goods to their destination safely and on time.
Planning a secure route involves:
Avoiding high-risk areas…
Keep your goods out of regions that are liable to unstable weather conditions or high crime rates.
Minimising transit time…
The less time your high-value goods are in transit, the lower the chance of issues arising.
Smart scheduling…
Choosing off-peak hours allows your deliveries to avoid peak traffic, for a more efficient delivery overall.
At Millennium Cargo, we use data-driven insights to plan the safest and most efficient routes, so combining your tracking technology with your route planning process can make shipping high-value goods simpler and safer.
Want To Avoid Risks While Shipping High-Value Goods?
Shipping high-value goods doesn’t need to be a stressful operation. Take proactive measures, including choosing a reliable partner, securing insurance, using proper packaging, tracking shipments and planning routes carefully.
Putting these measures in place can significantly reduce your risks and give you peace of mind for your cargo and clients alike. Protect your high-value shipments with expert logistics solutions. Contact Millennium Cargo today to learn how we can help safeguard your goods every step of the way.