Transguard to operate new cargo terminal dedicated for valuable shipments

Transguard is playing a key role in Dubai's growth as a gateway for gold exports on a global level, by providing industry players with technology, facilities and expertise in valuable shipment handling at the most exacting international standards. The unique terminal is fully equipped to provide timely delivery, a secured environment, minimal hassle and peace of mind. It is the only one of its kind in the entire region and will provide exclusive services to bullion, jewellery, diamonds and currency dealers.

Dr Abdulla Al Hashimi, Divisional Senior Vice President - Group Security, said:

"This new and innovative facility puts Transguard at the forefront of valuable cargo handling. This one-stop-shop terminal is another industry first for Transguard, and shows our determination to give our customers the benefit of the highest standards and latest developments in handling high value goods."

At present, Transguard handles monthly gold and jewellery shipments to the value of US$300 million and expects gold imports to reach around 1,000 tonnes annually with re-exports of 820 tonnes. With a keen understanding and as a response to the industry's needs, the purpose-built facility will be in operation later this year.

All valuable cargo imported and exported from Dubai International Airport will be handled from this restricted terminal which will ensure less risk and safer handling. To provide the best possible service, specific requirements of airlines, cargo agents as well as direct customers, were all taken into consideration while designing the special handling facility.

Cargo will be moved safely and securely from the aircraft to the airport vault and vice versa under complete CCTV surveillance. Purpose built large capacity strong-rooms will cater to short and long term storage. Special storage will also be available for high value goods; such consignments will be managed with full security handling and guarded heavily in the strong rooms.

The one-stop-shop terminal will facilitate quick movement of shipments both inbound as well as outbound, all under one roof and will offer speedy turnaround times (approximately three hours) for air-to-air transfers with same-day import and export clearance from Dubai. This will allow efficient, reliable, practical service from airport to airport and door to door. To ensure validity and integrity of the high value cargo, customs and e-ground handling agents based at the new Cargo Terminal will inspect, clear and process shipments, and execute delivery orders and airway bills.

The terminal will also have an all purpose Business Centre, a banking service with Emirates Bank International and will be in the controlled boundaries of Dubai Airport Free Zone.

To man the new facility, Transguard will tap on its dedicated team of over 100 staff - all of whom have all undergone a stringent selection process and extensive training. Staff training programmes also are regularly audited through a partnership between Transguard Group and Transguard Education Academy which is accredited by the GCAA for its training programmes.

Since its inception in 1997, Transguard has seen phenomenal growth. It offers the highest levels of insurance facilities in the market and maintains the largest fleet of armoured vehicles with satellite tracking systems. Currently, Transguard is the first TAPA-certified valuable handling warehouse in the UAE and the Middle East and is certified to ISO9001 standard.