They figure that listing a higher value will give them a bigger payoff should they file a claim for damage or loss. True enough, says Jones, but what many don't realize is that valuation also effects international freight charges. In most countries, temporarily importing goods will require a bond fee or bank guarantee, he says. It's all about weighing the cost to replace your equipment against the continual expense of fees and guarantees. If you do a lot of international shipping, lower fees could save you thousands and far outweigh any losses you might incur due to lower insurance valuations.
Crowded skies affect freight schedules.
U.S. airports are bulging at the seams, both with passengers and freight. With the current space squeeze on airlines and runways, exhibitors need to plan and ship well ahead of typical schedules, says Scott Tedro, president of Sho-Air International, an Irvine, CA carrier specializing in trade shows. The problem will worsen before it improves. Even if every major airport immediately decided to build more runways and every airline ordered more planes tomorrow, those decisions wouldn't improve shipping times for four to 10 years. With no relief in sight, exhibitors need to plan carefully and ship early.