I've found that the durability with Epson Luster is partially handling and partially the Ultrachrome ink version. With the Ultrachrome K3 and newer inks, surface abrasions were less common than the original Ultrachrome inks. I would second the notion of using the Print Shield or the Desert Varnish spays (the may be the same can with a different label for all I know. Handle with both clean hands and white gloves (cotton or nylon, "parade" gloves seem to last longer), and if you ship them, use a piece of interleaving paper if you roll them or simply place in a plastic bag within the shipping flat.
In any case, before trimming, shipping, etc., let the prints outgas/dry for at least 20-30 minutes and better yet, a full day or more.
HTH,