Shipping goods around the world is certainly not a one-size-fits-all process. Whether it’s a custom-built motorbike that needs shipping to the foot of the Swiss Alps, a highly-prized and expensive bottle of vintage wine that needs to be sent to a collector in Japan, or life-saving medical supplies that are destined for a remote village in Ghana, every shipment has its own unique challenges.
In this post, I’ll walk you through 10 real-world freight shipping examples, explaining the unique situation for each with its own set of requirements, risks, and best practices. Let me show you how choosing the right method, packaging, and logistics partner can make a real difference when it comes to a successful freight process.
From luxury yacht parts to the Maldives to oversized sculptures for New York galleries, these examples will give you a clear understanding of how to ship almost anything, anywhere. Ready? Let’s get started!
10 Freight Shipping Examples Explained
1. Custom-built motorbike to Switzerland
Imagine if you needed shipping for a custom-built motorbike that you need to send from Bristol to the foothills of Switzerland because you are selling an antique bike.
The process can be exciting in terms of sending it to the buyer, but it can also be a tricky process if not done correctly.
The first thing you can do to start is to begin by cleaning the bike and photographing it for insurance purposes.
The next step is to drain the fuel, disconnect the battery, and ensure it’s crated securely in a sturdy, padded crate.
Air freight is the quickest way, and ideal if the buyer is willing to pay for the quicker service.
Most likely, though, the most popular and best choice is to use road transport.
This is a more balanced option, offering safety and speed without the added extra freight shipping costs for the buyer.
Since Switzerland isn’t part of the EU, customs paperwork is unavoidable. You’ll need a customs declaration, and you might possibly need to pay import duties or VAT.
A freight forwarder such as RSJ International though, can handle this customs process smoothly for you.
Upon arrival, the bike should be inspected to ensure it’s in perfect condition.
2. Luxury yacht parts to the Maldives
Sending parts for machinery, for vehicles, and other large items is common, and that includes when it comes to luxury yacht parts!
These very high-value items need very careful handling, and oftentimes, these parts are needed quickly.
For this reason, air freight is often the best option for these urgent deliveries, especially such as when the parts are required for racing or some other event.
If the items are especially bulky and time is not of such urgency, then sea freight is more practical.
Packaging is critical, though, for many of these parts.
It can be a good idea to use moisture-resistant crates with shock absorbers, especially in the case of sending yacht parts to the Maldives, with its tropical climate.
Each part should be clearly labelled, and waterproof covers can protect against humidity and salty air.
Customs can be complex, as is often the case. Work with a logistics provider who knows local regulations. Ensure invoices, certificates of origin, and other documents are accurate.
Once the parts land, they may be transferred to smaller boats for delivery to luxury resorts or private yachts. Smooth logistics mean your client’s yacht is back on the water in no time.
3. Vintage wine collection to a private buyer in Japan
Shipping a vintage wine collection from London to Japan is certainly a delicate task and not one where mistakes can be allowed to happen.
It’s important to secure the bottles in shock-absorbing crates with individual compartments and ensure they are stored in a temperature-controlled environment to prevent spoilage.
Most often, air freight is the best option because of its speed, which helps minimise the exposure of the wine to temperature fluctuations. Sea freight is cheaper but riskier for temperature-sensitive goods.
Japan (at the time of writing) has fairly strict regulations for alcohol imports, but as long as you have a detailed invoice, a certificate of origin, and are using the proper labelling, this is a manageable process.
A customs broker can help ensure smooth clearance, but if you are using a freight forwarder such as RSJ International, then we can manage the whole process for you.
Once in Japan, a specialist courier is normally used to handle the final delivery, ensuring the precious collection arrives in perfect condition.
4. Oversized marble sculpture for a gallery in New York City
Shipping an oversized marble sculpture from Cardiff to a New York gallery is all about protection and ensuring that the object arrives in pristine condition.
A great start can be to use a custom-built crate lined with foam and vibration dampeners.
The sculpture should be strapped securely, with attention also given to making sure that any delicate features are also padded.
Sea freight can often be the best option for this type of sizeable and heavy items of this type.
Air freight is certainly possible for smaller sculptures, but as always with air freight, it comes at a financial cost.
Do ensure that you have comprehensive insurance for such a valuable piece. Do take the time to get the right insurance policy!
Documentation is essential as with most export items. In this specific situation, you may need a cultural property export licence, along with standard export declarations.
Once in New York, a specialist art logistics company can deliver it safely to the gallery.
5. Medical supplies to a remote village in Ghana
Transporting medical supplies from Bath to a remote village in Ghana that requires speedy and reliable delivery, I would suggest is best done with air freight.
This is the fastest way to send freight to Ghana from the UK< and will help with getting the supplies to the remote location in question, but careful planning will also be needed.
Once at the airport, depending on the remote village in question, road transport quite often will be the best option, such as with a rugged vehicle that is robust for off-road driving.
Packaging will need to be sturdy, weather-resistant, and clearly labelled, ensuring critical supplies such as gloves, bandages, and diagnostic tools arrive intact.
Customs can be a challenge without the right paperwork, as in most countries.
A trusted freight forwarder can help manage documentation and ensure quick clearance.
6. Industrial machinery from Plymouth to a factory in Vietnam
Shipping heavy industrial machinery from Plymouth, England, to a factory in Vietnam is no small feat, although for a freight company such as RSJ International, it is the type of request we deal with on a daily basis.
Packaging is crucial with this type of freight, and often it’s worth using reinforced crates with shock-absorbing materials.
Some machinery may need to be disassembled for safer transport, a common occurrence for very large and complex machines.
Sea freight is most often the best option for these very bulky items, but for urgent parts, air freight is an option.
Ensure all parts are properly labelled and waterproofed.
Working with a local customs broker can help, but this will be managed by RSJ if you choose to use us. We can help organise and deal with documents such as the commercial invoice and packing list, and other required documents.
7. Classic car to Australia for a vintage car show
Transporting a classic 1965 Aston Martin from Sherbourne, Dorset, to Sydney requires some planning!
The best way to secure the car can be to secure it in a custom-built, padded crate or container, using wheel chocks and soft straps.
Try to plan ahead time-wise so that you can use sea freight to make this an affordable and realistic process.
A roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) service is another option for complete vehicles.
Australia’s customs regulations require a vehicle import approval, and duties may apply.
Once in Sydney, a specialist car courier can deliver it directly to the show.
8. A pallet of spices to a gourmet restaurant chain in Dubai
The range of freight shipping examples that you come across as a freight forwarder is wide, and so it is not a surprise when being asked to send a pallet full of spices from Bristol to a Dubai restaurant chain.
With this type of freight, packaging is vital in respect to ensuring that the packages are airtight and placed in moisture-resistant containers to preserve freshness.
Choosing temperature-controlled transport if the spices are sensitive to heat is also something to consider.
As with most countries we deal with, Dubai’s customs process requires accurate and correctly filled out documentation, but as with any freight, we can help you with this as needed.
9. High-end bespoke handmade furniture for a villa in Sweden
Sending bespoke furniture from Exeter to a villa in Sweden means another freight shipment where packing must be done with great attention and planning.
Each piece should be carefully wrapped in padded covers, then placed in custom wooden crates for added security.
Road freight can be your best and most practical option for Sweden, given that the distance from Exeter, UK, is not too far.
Nonetheless, using a vehicle that has climate control to prevent damage from heat or humidity might be worth considering.
10. Eco-friendly cosmetics to a retailer in Canada
A business that some entrepreneurs are involved with in the South-West of England is eco-friendly skincare products, and shipping these to Canada is one requirement a client might need.
From the UK, sending this type of cargo to Canada means the need to think about preserving the organic quality of the products in how they are shipped, but also marketed.
So the customer might ask, for example, for the most eco-friendly possible option, and biodegradable packaging to align with the brand’s values.
Conclusion
I hope you have found this post on freight shipping examples interesting. It certainly shows the wide range of items that freight shipping services can involve.
Freight shipping can be complex in that there are so many options in terms of packaging, what transport to use (often you’ll need intermodal transport), and then as we’ve discussed, considerations such as humidity, etc.
Planning is largely the key, and with experience, the process can be fairly straightforward.
Whether it’s sending pallettes of food to Finland, or machinery to the USA, if you get the planning right, the goods should arrive in the right condition and in the right timeframe.
The freight industry is, of course, not immune to world situations such as strikes, airport closures, and the like, but these issues that we can control, with good planning, moving your freight can be a painless and fairly straightforward process.
At RSJ International, we specialise in making global shipping easy, no matter how complex your cargo is. Whether you’re moving a classic car to Australia, sending eco-friendly cosmetics to Canada, or transporting critical medical supplies to Ghana, we’ve got the expertise to get it there safely.
Ready to ship? Contact us today for a hassle-free quote. You might also wish to read our post on Freight solutions for the South-West.
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