Questions and Answers

Jewelry and valuables, exclusive fashion items, top sports equipment, cosmetics, perfumes, electronic devices, pharmaceuticals, but also certain automotive parts or industrial equipment – the list of goods that can be classified as “high value cargo” is quite comprehensive. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) defines a valuable cargo as one whose value per kilogram exceeds $ 1,000 (USD). Nonetheless, there are often situations where different transport service providers have their own different internal policies on what a valuable shipment is. In addition to the total price of the goods being transported, the amount of customs duty to be paid also needs to be taken into account. The sender’s request to have his cargo delivered on time, with complete security and minimal risk of loss or theft, can be particularly challenging in cases of high value cargo, when the stakes increase exponentially. Experienced experts in the transport of valuables therefore choose vehicles equipped with security equipment, such as 24/7 tracking solutions, alarm systems, panic buttons in the cabin, additional locking systems, as well as electronic anti-theft devices, such as immobilizers. The business of carriers entrusted with such a cargo must comply with the GDP (Good Distribution Practice) guidelines and TAPA (The Transported Asset Protection Association) certification. Furthermore, as the data of the TAPA Association show that incidents related to theft of cargo from vehicles are on the rise, and that unsecured parking lots have been identified as the most likely hotspots for cargo crime. For this reason, it is essential to use a network of carefully supervised parking locations, which is regularly monitored and constantly revised. According to TAPA statistics this need is particularly illustrated by the fact that as many as 50% of all incidents in the EMEA region in 2020 occurred due to the lack of safe parking. In addition, it is important that staff, especially drivers, but also other team members, are properly trained and prepared, as well as that they regularly undergo training by authorized persons (auditors) of organizations preventing cargo theft. Companies that specialize in providing services in the valuable cargo sector have in their portfolio additional options such as a personal cargo escort, accelerated customs procedures, extended insurance package and the like. As speed is extremely important in transporting valuable goods, air transport is becoming an increasingly attractive solution. This is especially noticeable in the case of gold, which is in growing demand globally (not only as investment categories, but also as raw materials in healthcare, telecommunications, etc.). Airlines, in cooperation with logistics companies, must first focus on mapping “high value routes” to identify and avoid risky areas, and then implement a number of security procedures (from picking up the shipment, through the airport and warehouse, to the final destination). Last but not least, it is very important that the company to which you entrust your valuable cargo closely monitors all changes in international law, so that it can adequately respond to them. Choosing the right freight forwarder, who will analyze the customer’s needs as well as cargo characteristics, create optimal delivery routes and ensure compliance with all safety measures during transport, transhipment and storage, will help your valuable goods reach their destination without fail. Contact your cargo-partner transport experts for more information! Best regards, cargo-partner | transport + iLogistics