discover the importance of adequate packaging for high-value products in transit

Packaging for High-Value Products: Expert Insights for Distributors and Retailers

One of the challenging logistics applications is packing and shipping high-value items. These range from the smallest – such as luxury wristwatches – to the largest – engines and specialized parts for industrial machinery. In this article, the Logistic Packaging experts share a few insights on the best strategy for packaging for high-value products.

Challenges to the “No Expenses Sparred” Approach

First of all, as packaging and logistics specialists, we noted a shift in the luxury and high-value products sector when it comes to operational expenses. The “money is no object” approach is being replaced by careful cost/benefit ratio analyses.

Yes, damage in transit is catastrophic for a shipment of valuable products. But distributors and retailers still need to have a profit margin. And in a world of uncertainty and troubling economic forecasts, even the biggest spenders become prudent.

Thus, there is a demand to keep costs under control even for these very expensive products. Here is a list of decisions that ensure cost optimization, without the slightest compromise to the products’ safety in transit:

1. Use Only High Quality Packaging for High-Value Products

Sturdy returnable packaging, such as attached lid containers and foldable pallet containers offer adequate protection to various types of products, even during rough journeys in the trailer.

They are more expensive than other packaging materials, but you cannot afford to save money on cheap and unreliable packages when you need to ship high-value items. For many of these products, even slight damages to its individual packaging results in a significant drop in the resale value.

For extra protection, you do not need bulky accessories, which will significantly increase the volume of the shipment – and the transportation costs. We recommend custom solutions designed to protect even the most sensitive products from mechanical shocks, scratching and denting:

2. Opt for Customized Packaging that Fit the Products

In case of oversized or very heavy items, the best packaging for high-value products is the one made to size for it. Damage in transit can occur when the products do not fit properly into the packages. They are either moving loosely or are crammed too tightly inside the containers.

In this situation, work with a professional packaging producer to design customized packaging materials for the products. The Logistic Packaging specialists can help you with a wide range of such packages:

3. Track the Shipment from Start to End of the Journey

When you are shipping highly valuable items, you must know where they are at every step in the journey. The most effective ways of achieving this are:

  • Adding RFID chips to each container and packing unit
  • Ensuring that the vehicles used for delivery are monitored by GPS
  • Insisting that every handler of the product provides ID verification when taking charge of and handing over the items.

Additionally, you can attach seals and other anti-tampering accessories to the container lids, allowing the recipient to check the integrity of the shipment.

4. Work with a Reputable Transportation Company

A transportation company is as reliable as its drivers. Make sure that you perform background checks on the company and ask for references before hiring them. The fact is that no packaging for high-value products can protect them from a dishonest truck driver.

Building long-term relationships with vendors and suppliers is the best option for your company if you often handle valuable goods. The trust and confidence you have in a reputable transportation company are worth more than any financial savings.

 5. Make Sure Each Shipment Is Adequately Insured

Last, but not least, purchase the most extensive insurance policy for valuable goods in transit. Despite the best precautions, accidents of various kinds may happen. And you do not want to be left with a huge hole in your budget after you’ve completely written off the entire shipment of high-value items.

Logistic Packaging can help you select the adequate packaging for high-value products. We can also assist you with expert advice on logistics and supply chain to optimize costs and operations. Send us an email describing your packaging application!