Not all shipments are created equal. Some items demand extra care, stronger packaging and additional security throughout the delivery process. ICExpress provides specialised courier services for valuable and fragile consignments, giving you confidence that your most important shipments arrive in perfect condition.

What We Handle

We also handle prototypes, engineering samples, optical equipment, precision measuring instruments and any other items that require above-standard care during transit.

Our Approach

Insurance for Valuable Shipments

Standard carrier liability provides limited cover based on weight, which is rarely sufficient for high-value items. We strongly recommend Goods in Transit (GIT) insurance, which covers the full declared value of your shipment against loss, theft or accidental damage during transport.

Packaging Tips for Fragile Items

• Use a sturdy, new outer carton — avoid reused boxes that may have lost structural integrity.
• Wrap each item individually with bubble wrap or foam sheeting, securing with tape.
• Fill all voids inside the carton with packing peanuts, crumpled paper or air pillows to prevent movement.
• Place heavier items at the bottom and lighter items on top.
• Apply “FRAGILE” and “THIS WAY UP” labels on all sides of the carton.
• For glass or ceramics, use cell dividers to separate individual pieces.

For comprehensive packaging advice, visit our packaging guidelines page.

Valuable & Fragile Courier FAQs

What is a packaging and delivery service?

A packaging and delivery service combines secure, correctly-engineered packaging with specialised collection and transport so that delicate goods arrive intact. With ICExpress, this means we advise on or arrange the right materials — bubble wrap, foam inserts, corner protectors, anti-static bags and double-walled cartons — and then handle your consignment separately from general freight, with clear fragile labelling and, where needed, dedicated single-consignment transport. The goal is a single, accountable chain of custody from the moment your item is packed to the moment it is delivered.

How do you protect fragile items in transit?

Every fragile consignment starts with an assessment of weight, dimensions and sensitivity, after which it is packed in a sturdy new outer carton with each item individually cushioned and all internal voids filled to prevent movement. Cartons are labelled FRAGILE and THIS WAY UP on every side, kept clear of heavy general freight, and where appropriate moved on our drive-away service with no co-loading. Because packaging is the sender's responsibility, items that are not packed to industry standard travel at the sender's own risk and may be refused.

What fragile items can ICExpress courier?

ICExpress carries four core categories of valuable and fragile goods: electronics (laptops, servers, screens and circuit boards), glassware and ceramics (laboratory glass, decorative glass and porcelain), medical equipment (diagnostic instruments, surgical tools and laboratory samples) and musical instruments (guitars, violins and keyboards). We also handle prototypes, optical equipment and precision measuring instruments. Please note that high-value items such as cash, jewellery, precious metals, precious stones, artworks and antiques are not carried under any ICExpress service.

Is my fragile shipment insured?

Standard carrier liability is limited and based on weight, so for valuable or breakable goods we strongly recommend opt-in Goods in Transit (GIT) insurance. It is activated per shipment on your waybill or quote against a declared value, and covers loss, theft or accidental damage for the goods the service accepts. The claim excess is the higher of R500 or 10% of the declared value, claims must be lodged within 7 days, and damage caused by inadequate packaging remains the sender's own risk. GIT does not extend cover to items ICExpress does not carry.

How should I package fragile items for courier?

Use a sturdy new outer carton rather than a reused box, wrap each item individually in bubble wrap or foam sheeting, and fill every void with packing peanuts, crumpled paper or air pillows so nothing can shift. Place heavier items at the bottom, apply FRAGILE and THIS WAY UP labels to all sides, and use cell dividers to separate individual pieces of glass or ceramics. Musical instruments should travel in a hard case. For a full checklist see our packaging guidelines, or ask us to arrange professional packing before collection.