THE PERSONAL TOUCH: OBC SERVICES With ongoing supply chain disruptions and market challenges, shippers must carefully consider the most effective ways to ship high-value products. On-board courier (OBC), a specialized airfreight service, is one option for safe, secure shipping of certain high-value products. What sets OBC apart is the hands-on approach. A courier accompanies the shipment from its origin, boards a plane, clears customs, and personally delivers the high-value product to the recipient at final destination. Constant, personal monitoring reduces the risk of theft, loss, and misrouting, and it offers the possibility of expediting processes, such as customs clearance. Moreover, this personalized service ensures the special attention and care high-value goods require. While there are many advantages to OBC, there are also some disadvantages including: • A higher cost due to the personal attention the shipment receives. specific destinations may add complexity to the OBC process. Several high-value cargo types are well suited to the advantages of OBC services. These include: • Pharmaceuticals and medical supplies • High price-tag items such as luxury watches and jewelry, which benefit from the added security and personal handling • Time-critical parts to keep a manufacturing line up and running • Valuable art and antiques that require careful handling and protection benefit from OBC personalized attention • Confidential documents, whether financial records or legal documents, are well served by OBC, which offers secure and timely delivery of these sensitive documents. • The OBC service does not accommodate large- volume shipments. • Regulatory restrictions for
ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR SHIPPING HIGH-VALUE ITEMS Shipping high-value items
requires special care and attention to ensure their safe arrival. By following these guidelines, shippers can significantly reduce the risk of damage or loss when transporting high-value items. 1. Use proper packaging.
• Invest in quality materials such as sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and cushioning to protect the item from shock and vibration. For extremely valuable or fragile items, consider custom-built crates. • Mark the package as “Fragile” or “High Value” to alert handlers. 2. Get adequate insurance coverage. • Ensure the shipment is insured for its full value. • Get familiar with the insurance policy’s terms and conditions, including coverage limits and exclusions. • For extremely valuable items, explore additional coverage options such as all-risk insurance. 3. Choose the right carrier. • Choose a reputable carrier with a proven track record of handling high-value items safely. • Look for carriers that offer specialized services for high-value goods, such as white-glove delivery or secure transport. • Understand the carrier’s liability limits and any additional coverage options. 4. Implement tracking and security measures. • Use real-time tracking services to monitor the shipment’s progress. • Require a signature upon delivery to ensure the package is received by the intended recipient. • Inquire about the carrier’s security measures, such as GPS tracking and secure facilities. 5. Ensure accurate documentation. • Provide a detailed description of the item, including its value and contents. • Keep copies of purchase receipts, appraisals, or other documentation to support the declared value. • For international shipments, ensure all required customs paperwork is completed correctly. 6. Communicate clearly. • Provide the carrier with clear and detailed instructions for handling the shipment. • Include emergency contact information in case issues arise. • Stay in touch with the carrier throughout the shipping process.
–Andrew Rossell, VP Operations, ASF Global Logistics
August 2024 • Inbound Logistics 13
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