Museum exhibits, elements of industrial structures, precious metals, exotic animals, and plants. These are just a few examples of products that fall within the category of “expensive goods”.

In air transportation, cargo is considered valuable when the price per kilogram is 1,000 USD or more. In deliveries by other means of transport, the classification of goods as “valuable” depends on their characteristics and how easily they can be resold.

Due to the wide variety of goods that can be considered “valuable,” there is no universal delivery scheme suitable for them all. Regardless of the type of these goods, there is one priority when organizing transportation for them – safety. This goal is achieved in 4 stages.

Step 1: Prepare the cargo.

The primary rule to follow when in preparing valuable goods for transportation is to ensure their security against damage and theft during transportation.

For one client in the chemical industry, the AsstrA corporate group organized the door-to-door delivery of catalysts in a barrel. The products were delivered from the municipality of Salendre, France, to the city of Kremenchug, Ukraine. The project was unique due to the expensive and hazardous characteristics of the cargo.

“The AsstrA team paid close attention to appropriately packaging, fastening, and labeling the cargo. The high costs of the catalysts made safety a top priority during every stage of transportation. Additionally, the company's experts ensured strict compliance with all legal requirements concerning the transport of hazardous substances. These requirements exist to protect the safety of everyone involved in the loading, transshipment, and unloading of the cargo – and of course the environment,” says Elena Mikhajlova, Sales Specialist at AsstrA.

Step 2: Choose the best route.

Expensive cargo is delivered on a pre-planned route. Travel time is calculated in advance, and the vehicle stops in accordance with the cargo delivery protocol.

“When organizing the of transportation of expensive goods, security is the main factor behind decisions about everything, and the route is not an exception. Extra fees to take toll roads and park in specially chosen places with round-the-clock security and monitoring are investments in the security of highly resellable goods,” continues Elena Mikhajlova.

Step 3: Select appropriate vehicles.

A vehicle is selected depending on the type of cargo transported. The catalysts were delivered by tent trucks from France to Ukraine.

Step 4: Organize insurance and a cargo escort.

Leading transport and logistics companies provide cargo escort services in cooperation with security companies as well as police and road patrol forces. Transport partners should have liability insurance, and it is recommended to take out additional insurance for expensive cargo.

To ensure security in Ukraine, the cargo was accompanied by a security escort.

“AsstrA customers can benefit from a full range of transport and logistics services supporting the international transport of high-value goods. The cargo is delivered in special vehicles suited to the relevant transportation regulations. For example, expensive and fragile equipment is securely fastened in the cargo area to avoid vibrations and the risk of tipping over.

During the journey, the AsstrA team monitors the location of the cargo and stays in constant communication with the driver. If necessary, a security escort is provided. For security reasons, information about transport orders for expensive goods are treated as strictly confidential. Protecting our clients’ interests is absolutely a top priority at AsstrA,” summarizes Nataliya Demchenko, Ukraine Regional Country Manager and Kiev Branch Manager at AsstrA.