Though we've been working in the shipping industry for many years now, there's always that one request that's just, well, pretty damn bizarre! If you've worked in the industry world for a while, we're sure you've seen some pretty outlandish things too.
However unusual the request may be though, we actually love handling these types of shipments, as they're often the very best kind of challenge for us. If you're shipping any seemingly odd items, the first thing to make sure of is that you're using a broker who knows all the appropriate regulations. They must be able to handle the shipment with the utmost attention to detail. Read on to learn how Lojistico can ship any and all of your items (however strange they might be!).
For now though, let's take a look at some of the most weird and wonderful items people have shipped across the globe, via ocean freight, road freight and air freight...
1: white tigers
If you've never seen or even heard of these magnificent creatures before, you wouldn't be alone. Devastatingly, there are no longer any wild White Bengal Tigers, since the last known large cat of its kind was poached back in 1958. However, 200 of these stunning beings do still roam our planet today, though sadly, in captivity.
The White Tiger has always been incredibly scarce due to the fact that in order for the tiger to be born white, both of its parents much carry the highly rare white colour gene.
In 2002, FedEx were tasked with the challenging, but incredibly worthwhile, mission to transport six White Bengal Tigers to Bangkok, Thailand, from Oklahoma and Nashville in the USA. The "Species Survival Program" tries to protect as many endangered animals as possible, and shipping them to Thailand was part of this effort to keep the stunning creatures safe and protected.
It's believed that FedEx took extreme precautions and followed every necessary safety measure and regulation when transporting the animals, and they all arrived safely via air freight. Upon arrival via plane, specially trained and qualified handlers ensured the large cats' reached their end destination, where they could thrive in as comfortable and safe environment as possible.
2: the statue of liberty
Back in 1885, in order to celebrate the alliance formed between France and the USA, France gifted the United States with, what is now one of the most recognisable structures in the world - The Statue of Liberty.
"Lady Liberty" as it is often commonly referred to, had to be broken down into some 350 different pieces to secure its safe and secure transportation to the States. It was packed up into over 200 wooden crates for the journey and travelled via ocean freight from Paris all the way to Manhattan, New York. This process was incredibly strenuous for the packers who assisted in its' transportation, and the process of packaging each segment required huge amounts of care and due diligence, to make sure that no part of the construct became damaged or broken in transit.
The shipping time took a grand total of four months to reach the United States, and a further number of months to reassemble.
Today, the Statue of Liberty stands strong and proud, representing the ongoing alliance between the two countries, and is visited by in excess of 4 million tourists and sightseers every single year - now that's what we call a successful shipment!
3: the hope diamond
The "Hope Diamond" was originally extracted from the Indian Kollur Mine in Guntur back in the 17th century. Due to its dimensions (45.52 carats and over 9 grams) it is widely recognised as one of the most valuable diamonds in the world, if not the most valuable.
However, although its deep blue hue and monetary value were intoxicating, rumour had it that this particular precious gem stone was cursed, and due to this, it actually passed through the hands of many, including Kings, Queens and even thieves. The believe was that those who possessed it encountered great misfortune and suffering.
In 1958, the jewel eventually ended up in the hands of Harry Winston, a New York merchant, who decided to pass it along to the National Museum of Natural History as a donation. Though Harry didn't appear to have concerns regarding the superstitions surrounding the owner of the diamonds' fate, he was fairly unassuming in character, and it's said that he likely just didn't see the need for it being in his possession any longer.
Winston was so unassuming in fact, he decided to wrap the diamond (valued currently between 200 and 350 million USD) in a flimsy brown paper and ship it via the regular post to the museum! It's believed that he spent a mere $2.44 for postage, adding on $142 for insurance.
Nevertheless, the Hope Diamond arrived safely and soundly at its desired location, where it was renamed to the much less glamorous "Specimen #217868".
Where Should I Go if i need to ship something?
Whatever your logistics needs, Lojistico offer the best possible solutions for your shipping requirements. Ocean freight, air freight and road freight are among our preferred methods of shipping, and with agents across the globe, we can ship pretty much anything to and from anywhere, safely and securely.
We offer international shipping services in London and around the world, and will work with you to understand exactly what your requirements are, and get you the best possible prices. We also have many years of experience working with the shipping of any and all goods, and ensure that every measure and precaution has been carried out with a level of ease and understanding.
Get in touch to find the perfect freight forwarding solution for you!
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