Cargo Insurance
This page explains cargo insurance in general terms. Specific cover, limits, and exclusions depend on the policy arranged for your shipment — ask us for the details that apply to you.
International freight passes through many hands and travels a long way. Standard carrier liability is limited by international convention and is calculated by weight, not by the value of your goods — which often means it falls far short of what your cargo is actually worth. Cargo insurance closes that gap, protecting the full value of your shipment against loss or damage in transit.
Why standard liability isn’t enough
Under conventions like the Hague-Visby Rules (ocean) and the Montreal Convention (air), a carrier’s liability is capped per kilogram or per package. For high-value or lightweight goods, that cap can be a fraction of the real value. Cargo insurance covers the difference, so a loss doesn’t become your loss.
What cargo insurance covers
- Physical loss or damage to your goods during transit — by air, ocean, or road
- Handling and transhipment at ports, airports, and warehouses
- General average contributions (ocean freight)
- Cover from door to door, depending on the policy and Incoterm agreed
All-risk vs named-perils cover
All-risk cover protects against loss or damage from any external cause not specifically excluded — the broadest protection. Named-perils cover protects only against the specific risks listed in the policy. We’ll recommend the right level based on your cargo, value, and route.
Common exclusions
Policies typically exclude inherent vice (goods that deteriorate by their own nature), insufficient or unsuitable packaging, ordinary wear and tear, and losses arising from delay alone. Correct packing and documentation keep your cover valid.
How to arrange it
Tell us the commercial value of your goods and we’ll arrange appropriate cover as part of your booking. It’s a small percentage of cargo value — and far cheaper than an uninsured loss.
Making a claim
If cargo is lost or damaged, note it on the proof of delivery, keep the goods and packaging, take photos, and notify us as soon as possible. We’ll guide you through the documentation and manage the claim with the insurer.
Want your next shipment properly protected? Talk to our team or get a quote and we’ll include cargo insurance.