Here They Come to Save the Day: Keeping Household Goods Secure

While people are the priority, their property is also of concern during any situation requiring swift action or removal from a location. So who is relied upon for the safe passage of property, and how do they accomplish such a lofty feat?

During significant disruptions within a country, the evacuation of household goods is normally not an option. This is particularly true during political unrest, if borders are closed or if there is a breakdown of government institutions, such as the customs authorities. If a country’s border is closed due to traffic, international freight forwarders will rely on their extensive network of local origin and destination agents for assistance.

With their local presence and even deeper resource connections in country, the local agent network provides an invaluable source of assistance for international freight forwarders. In the event of a natural disaster, the local agents can quickly move in and provide damage assessments for any shipments in storage and provide new storage containers, if necessary. In addition, the local agents can move containers to safer, temporary locations until the situation returns to normal.

Local real estate agents or destination service providers can also be utilized to evaluate any damage and the general security of an employee’s property. This information can greatly ease the concern of employees after they have been evacuated. It is also helpful in planning when they can return and what will need to be purchased in order to help the employee be more productive and the employee’s family more comfortable.

Finally, the addition of foreign effects floater insurance to the normal insurance coverage purchased for household goods should also be considered. This coverage provides additional protection against civil commotion and acts of terrorism. For employers routinely moving employees in and out of high-risk countries, the additional coverage provided by foreign effects floater insurance warrants a close look:

• Household goods and personal effects that employees take with them on their foreign assignment are insured.
• Settlement is typically based on the replacement cost.
• The assignee’s property is covered against strike and civil commotion risk (including acts of terrorism).

While providing a valuable service to their clients, international freight forwarders can also provide additional eyes and ears during adverse circumstances. Through their extended network of local agents, international freight forwarders can gather additional information and pass it along to clients so plans can be made for an employee’s return to their post.