According to data collected by TAMA (Transported Asset Protection Association), within the 18 months on the turn of 2021 and 2022, the worth of stolen cargo went up to 171 millions of euros across the EMEA. This consists of over 2 000 cargo crimes on the teritory of Germany, 1 500 in the UK, 700 in the Netherlands, and 600 in France.*
Luxury goods are particularly at risk of theft and damage during transportation. The value of the cargo inside the truck can be incredibly high, starting from €200,000 and going up to even €1,000,000! For this reason, a special procedure for transporting luxury goods must be implemented to reduce all the risks.
Let’s go into the key aspects of luxury goods transport and examine practical advice for owners of companies and distributors in the sector.
1. Not just jewellery. Understanding luxury goods.
Luxury goods span across a wide range of industries. These includes high-end jewellery, designer clothing, electronics, fine art, antiques, premium wines, furniture, luxury vehicles and even valuable machinery and devices.
What sets these goods apart is their high monetary value. Therefore, extra care and professional handling are non-negotiable in the transportation process.
2. Choosing the appropriate vehicle for your custom load
When planning to transport luxury items, it’s vital to assess each item’s unique requirements.
For example, some goods such as pharmaceuticals, wines, and plants may need to be maintained within certain temperature or humidity ranges. After delivery, a temperature printout can be provided upon request as a proof that the temperature was maintained during the whole route.
For some shipments, it could be reasonable to select a specific delivery route, avoiding regions or neighborhoods with higher theft potential. A box truck with solid walls can provide enhanced safety. Furthermore, using a tail lift can ensure more secure loading and unloading of valuable cargo compared to manual handling. Addressing these questions beforehand helps prevent potential issues during transportation.
3. Proper packaging and loading.
Appropriate packaging of luxury items often involves custom solutions designed to offer the highest level of protection. Electronics, ceramics, and musical instruments, could be sensitive to vibration or shock. Remember, the use of bubble wrap, foam inserts, pallets, crates, or other protective materials can significantly minimize the risk of damage.
Likewise, careful loading and securing with transport straps to prevent shifts during transit is essential. For instance, when we transported a Bugatti car body, we used a wooden crate secured with straps. This method stabilized the cargo, ensuring a smooth transit. We used a specialized crane to load the crate onto the van.
4. The necessity of additional cargo insurance
Given the high value of these items, standard insurance coverage might not suffice. Ensure that your policy covers the full value of the goods and choose all-risk coverage for comprehensive protection.
With cargo values reaching up to €1 000 000, it’s smart to find a transportation company that offers additional cargo insurance. For instance, if the value of your load is €100,000, the cost for additional insurance would be €140. It’s just a fraction of what you might have lost due to theft.
5. Transport security – expect more than GPS tracking
When transporting high-value items, the vehicle should be equipped with strong security systems, including GPS tracking.
Make sure your transport partner has a dedicated Track&Trace Department which guarantees the safe delivery process 24/7. Real-time monitoring and transport update software provide peace of mind.
If your delivery cannot be done direct, request stopping only at guarded parking lots.
For additional security, ask for customs seals which will show that the cargo has not been tampered with. In addition, you can request photos confirming the safe loading and unloading of your cargo.
Finally, ensure that only reliable, highly trained staff handle the luxury items at all stages of transport. Your transportation partner should take full legal responsibility for the entire delivery process.
Summary
Handling luxury goods is not just about transport — it’s about offering a premium service that matches the value of the items in transit.
By following these tips, business owners can enhance their valuable goods transportation process, ensuring that each delivery is a reflection of the high standards their clientele expect.
Key Takeaways
- Specific goods require unique transport conditions and strict analyse of the potential routes risk
- Custom equipment of the truck and careful loading can reduce damage risk significantly
- Opting for additional, all-risk cargo insurance gives you a peace of mind
- Alongside GPS tracking, real-time monitoring, customs seals and photoraphic proof of safe handling are essential security measures.
If you are looking for a reliable transport partner who handle luxury goods transportation for years, on a daily basis, feel free to book your European transport within minutes at Quote&GO.
