Cargo

Transportation companies have limited liability for loss or damage to the cargo they carry. Cargo Insurance helps cargo owners and transportation companies manage their risk.

Cargo insurance provides coverage against physical loss or damage of goods during transit, whether by land, sea, or air.

Because of the many dangers inherent in shipping — natural disasters, mechanical failures, and human error included — most individuals and businesses choose to insure goods while they are in transit. However, many different types of cargo insurance are available, and it is important to know exactly what you want before purchasing the insurance, or you may not be covered for different eventualities.

Transportation companies have limited liability for loss or damage to the cargo they carry. Cargo insurance helps cargo owners and transportation companies manage their shipping risks more comprehensively.

Marsh has a variety of solutions and expertise that can address your specific shipping risk issues.

Cargo insurance provides coverage against physical damage or loss of goods during shipping, whether by land, sea or air. Because of the many dangers inherent in shipping, most individuals and businesses choose to insure their goods while they are in transit. However, many different types of cargo insurance are available, and it is important that you know exactly what you want before taking the insurance, or you may not be covered for every eventuality.

Is Cargo Insurance Necessary?

Cargo insurance is necessary because of various laws that limit the liability of carriers. For example, the Hague/COGSA Act limits the liability of shipowners to $500 per unit, and also relieves shipowners of all liability in the event of one of 17 events occurring. These include war, acts of God, strikes, riots, acts of the pilot or crew and attempts to save life at sea. For air carriers, the Warsaw Convention limits liability to $9.07 per pound for international shipments and just $0.50 per pound for domestic shipments. To recover his full loss, a shipper must insure his cargo.

Tailored Solutions

There are different solutions for different cargoes. Marsh has a variety of solutions to address specific risk issues. Some of our Leading Product offerings are detailed below. For commodity specific solutions tailored to your industry, see our Related Products and Solutions pages, or look for solutions under our Industry specific pages.

Logistics & Cargo Insurance Solutions for CIFFA Members

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Cargo Owner’s Liability

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ParcelCover

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Why Marsh

A comprehensive approach to risk management is essential for organizations to ensure they are prepared for a continuously evolving maritime sector.

With over 100 years of cargo and logistics expertise, our team of advisors at Marsh will work with your company to minimize your risk exposures and navigate business-related challenges through our innovative application of industry-leading data, analytics, and benchmarking.

FAQs

Cargo insurance is necessary as various laws limit the liability of transportation companies.

For example, the Hague Rules/Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA) limits the liability of shipowners to US$500 per unit, and also relieves shipowners of all liability in the event of one of 17 events occurring. These include war, acts of God, strikes, riots, acts of the pilot or crew, and attempts to save life at sea. For air carriers, the Warsaw Convention limits liability to US$9.07 per pound for international shipments and just US$0.50 per pound for domestic shipments.

As a shipper, you must insure your cargo to fully recover from a loss.

Cargo insurance provides protection against "all risks" during shipping, whether by land, sea, or air, helping you minimize financial losses in the event your shipment is damaged or lost. By purchasing cargo insurance, you can benefit from the following advantages:

Cash flow is safeguarded from any unforeseen stoppages or interruptions.
The process of reporting losses and handling claims is streamlined.
The impact of business disruptions is reduced as your organization can continue to operate amid losses.

With the right coverage, you can skillfully navigate the changing risk landscape to minimize your shipping-related losses and liabilities.

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