Track record matters when moving fragile, high-value goods

CRST is known for moving intricate shipments with excellence – including awkwardly shaped equipment and high-value goods. The company moves everything from computer servers to motorcycles to medical equipment. 

“If you are shipping equipment that isn’t that expensive, it may not be a big deal. A 6% damage rate may be OK in those circumstances,” Clement said. “When you are shipping important, fragile goods, you have to make sure it gets there on time and undamaged. The manufacturer also does not want to suffer brand damage because of a bad shipment.” 

Very few large trucking companies participate in the high-value products market segment. Playing in the segment comes with a lot of risk, training staff can prove expensive and the barriers to entry are numerous. When manufacturers are choosing a company to move their high-value and often fragile products, Clement urges them to consider each company’s reputation. 

Looking beyond just damage rates and word-of-mouth reviews, companies should ensure that their transportation partners have a significant amount of experience moving products similar to their own. It is much simpler to move a truckload of household cleaners with a low damage rate than it is to move several pieces of highly breakable computer equipment without incident. 

Clement reiterated the importance of choosing a company that offers both truckload and LTL services. This flexibility ensures shipments are moved in the most efficient way possible, preventing potentially damaging wait times. It also helps ensure that there is enough capacity in the network to tend to these sometimes urgent high-maintenance shipments. In terms of flexibility of network offerings, CRST is a clear standout among its peers. 

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