Shipping Precious Metals Made Simple
In this article, we will explore the world of shipping precious metals, providing valuable insights and practical tips to ensure the safe and efficient transportation of these high-value commodities.
Background on Precious Metals
Precious metals are referenced as “precious” for a reason. These metals are scarce and highly sought after for their beauty, industrial, and investment potential. Gold, silver, platinum, palladium, and rhodium are the most commonly recognized precious metals. These rare and precious metals have been used for exchange, value storage, and decoration throughout history. The value of these precious metals is influenced by global supply and demand, the economy, investors, and geopolitical factors. Due to their high risk and high value, these metals require the TLC that can only be achieved through booking through FreightCenter, your reliable and experienced 3PL.
Shipping Solutions for Precious Metals
You might appreciate some packaging and shipping advice if you are new to shipping precious metals! FreightCenter has twenty-four years of experience shipping various valuables, including precious metals. Our agents understand the nuances of shipping precious metals and the requirements of shipping high-cost items within different price brackets. Agents also know about factors like U.S. export tariffs and taxes, which may affect your overall shipping costs and other criteria affecting your ability to ship them.
Shipping precious metals will require an effective shipping and security strategy that FreightCenter can provide. Depending on the value of your metals, they may require specialized transport, such as armored car services, for those shipments of $100,000 value or more, among other methods. Rest easy at night by entrusting FreightCenter with your high-risk and high-value shipments, and read on for some handy packaging tips!
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Why Choose FreightCenter for Shipping Precious Metals?
We are an award-winning logistics company and an American veteran-owned business. We bring a lot to the table when it comes to truckload services. Our history, competitive pricing, and level of service are unmatched in the industry. Over the years and many miles, we have formed a dedicated and respected network of partners in the industry to help customers meet deadlines.
Our mission is to meet and exceed customer expectations in all that we do. We take care of truckload freight shipping from pickup to delivery. Excellent customer service is our hallmark, and it goes a long way in building a relationship of trust. Customers who select FreightCenter to handle their truckload freight shipment trust us to do the job.
Packaging Precious Metals
Many carriers will require you to ship your metals in a double-walled box, which both keeps your metals safe and allows for stacking. Stacking creates more room in the truck, which can reduce your costs. Using lightweight corrugated cardboard helps cushion your package, and the material is strong. Also, fill any spaces or cracks with cushioned shipping materials.
The box should not include any external labeling, as you want to keep the shipment discreet and avoid drawing attention to it. Avoiding flashy labels and descriptions will significantly reduce the theft risk during transit. Finish the process by securing the package with paper or filament tape to secure the outside, edges, and seams. Another great way to ensure your package does not grab the wrong people’s attention is by doing a “shake test” beforehand. Ensure you do not hear your valuables jingling or moving around to help prevent possible damage and theft.
Once your box passes the test, place it in a second outer box with one inch bigger diameter. If there is space between the boxes, fill them with packaging materials to protect the metals, then secure the second outer box with solid packaging tape to seal the deal. Lastly, ensure you weigh your package, as your FreightCenter agent will need to know the details of weight and dimensions.
Accounting for Precious Metals
Be sure to consider that the costs to ship precious metals differ significantly. Simply shipping precious metals costs more than “regular shipments.” The high price is due to these metals being high value and risky to send. Precious metals will likely require expedited shipping to reduce the time in transit, further preventing potential loss.
With expedited shipping, fewer people handle your package, and the schedule is rigorous, with all stops accounted for in transit. In addition to a higher shipping cost, you must account for purchasing insurance. Most carriers shipping precious metals will require you to buy insurance, with the cost to insure typically reflecting the value of your package. FreightCenter can make the process of insuring high-value freight a piece of cake! We will help you obtain the most comprehensive coverage available.
To create value for our customers by delivering customized shipping solutions that meet their unique needs and to fulfill shipping demands from simple to complex with expertise, guidance and ingenuity.
LTL shipping involves combining multiple small shipments from different customers onto one truck, allowing each customer to share the shipment cost. Trust the experts at FreightCenter to give you the best prices and the most comprehensive options for all your LTL freight shipping needs.
Truckload shipping, also known as full truckload (FTL), is a transportation option for freight that requires the entire trucks trailer space. Unlike LTL shipping, FTL shipping is reserved for larger commodities that exceed LTL weight and size limits, typically weighing more than 20,000 pounds or having dimensions that exceed 12 feet in length, 8 feet in width, and 8 feet in height. We deliver optimized solutions for full or partial truckloads and competitive dry van, flatbed, and refrigerated freight pricing. We can cover your full truckload shipping needs.
Nationwide Expedited Trucking services move your freight securely and rapidly. Your freight requires fast delivery; our freight shipping experts can get your shipment fast, whether in one large box or a full truckload. Expedited shipping is a transportation option that prioritizes the speed of delivery for freight that needs to be shipped quickly. This can be especially important for urgent situations, such as engine repairs or replacements for critical machinery.
Specialized is a transportation option for items that require specialized handling, equipment, or shipping conditions. Specialized shipments may include high-value cargo, oversized cargo, or cargo that require temperature-controlled transportation. The most reliable Specialized Freight Services rates from all the top carriers are just a few steps away. From white glove service to international shipping, we've got you covered.
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