Skip to main content
Marsh logo

Cargo

Our dedicated cargo team can help you navigate your options and cover your shipping risks.
Contact us

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.

Our solutions

How to find the right cargo insurance?

Marsh’s dedicated cargo team can help you navigate your options and cover your shipping risks.

Integration

Deploy innovative insurance solutions for an enhanced end-to-end customer experience.

Protection

Safeguard investments and protect against the consequences of financial loss.

Flexibility

Become more agile, meeting the fluctuating demand for global goods.

Insurance management platforms

Digital cargo solutions

Discover how your business could run an optimized cargo insurance program on one of our innovative digital platforms.

Request a meeting

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 ship owners to US$500 per unit, and also relieves ship owners 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 skilfully navigate the changing risk landscape to minimize your shipping-related losses and liabilities.

Related insights

ships; stack; logistic; loading; hong kong; harbor; developed; commerce; container; aerial view; background; boat; business; cargo; commercial; construction; containers; crane; delivery; dock; dubai; export; freight; global; import; industrial; industry; infrastructure; international; japan; logistics; port; sea; ship; shipment; shipping; singapore; storage; technology; terminal; top; trade; traffic; transport; transportation; truck; unloading; vehicle; vessel

Article

Navigating the potential East and Gulf Coast ports strike: 3 actions for retailers and other businesses

27/09/2024
Cargo ship at port

Article

Increase in marine war risk raises P&I questions

04/08/2024
Placeholder Image

Article

Six reasons why you use an Insurance Broker

28/04/2024
default

Article

P&I club renewal update 2024

30/10/2023
Aerial of cargo container ship carrying container under big crane loading cargo import and export service transportation at sea port.

Article

Digital innovation and cyber risk in global supply chains

25/04/2023
Container ship in seaport at night, Global business logistic import export freight shipping transportation oversea worldwide container ship, Container vessel loading cargo freight ship.

Article

Resilience Resolutions: Navigating uncertainty in the logistics sector

23/01/2023
Data analytics on screen, showing increase and decrease

Article

Three insurance program shortcomings to avoid during inflation

22/09/2022
Big Data concept. Blockchain 3D illustration. Information Waves and the Global Database. Neural networks and artificial intelligence. Abstract technological background.

Article

Unlock revenue-generating potential from digital cargo insurance

12/07/2022