Freight transport for orchestral instruments presents two key challenges. First, scheduling is tight because concerts often continue playing at the home venue until just before the tour begins. Second, the sensitive instruments must be protected from damage, temperature fluctuations and moisture during transit. Only a limited number of instruments can travel as hand or special baggage in passenger compartments like airplanes, buses or trains. MBS was commissioned to organise the orchestra’s freight transport from Kelsterbach to Hong Kong.

Solution

The orchestra’s own truck delivered the instruments in custom-made crates to the MBS warehouse in Kelsterbach, near Frankfurt am Main Airport. Once there, MBS specialists carefully unloaded the truck, took the packages for X-ray screening and assembled the pallets for loading the instruments onto the aircraft, following the guidance of the client’s logistics manager, Luxreisen. The pallets were then wrapped in thermal covers to shield the cargo from moisture and keep the internal temperature steady for up to twelve hours. This setup was designed to ensure that the temperature stayed within a specific range, only varying between 18 and 22°C.

Result

The instruments, secured on their pallets and protected by thermal covers, withstood all loading, unloading, transport and waiting times without any damage. They arrived in Hong Kong on schedule, along with the musicians and their luggage. The close relationship between MBS Frankfurt and Lufthansa Cargo proved invaluable once again.