CARGO INSURANCE FOR SHIPPING
Cargo Insurance for Shipping: Ocean, Air & Inland Coverage
Carrier liability is often limited and may not cover the full value of a shipment. Freight180 helps arrange cargo insurance for shipping by ocean, air, and inland transportation, with coverage options designed to protect the declared cargo value from origin to destination. Coverage is subject to the policy’s terms, conditions, deductibles, and exclusions, and our team provides clear pricing and claims assistance.
Cargo Insurance
Comprehensive Cargo Insurance for Global Shipments
Carrier liability may cover only a portion of your cargo’s value. Freight180 helps arrange cargo insurance based on the shipment’s declared value and selected policy terms for ocean, air, and inland transportation.
Full-Value Coverage
Under COGSA, an ocean carrier’s liability may be limited to $500 per package or, for unpackaged goods, per customary freight unit, unless a higher value is declared in the bill of lading. Cargo insurance can provide protection based on the insured value, subject to the policy’s terms, limits, deductibles, and exclusions.
Door-to-Door Coverage
Coverage can be arranged from the shipper’s facility to the final destination across truck, rail, ocean, or air transportation. The exact period and geographic scope of coverage depend on the terms stated in the policy.
All-Risk Cargo Insurance
All-risk cargo insurance generally covers accidental physical loss or damage from external causes unless specifically excluded by the policy. Depending on the policy terms, covered events may include theft, collision, fire, water damage, and certain natural disasters.
Specialized Cargo Insurance
Specialized coverage options may be available for project cargo, refrigerated shipments, fine art, automotive equipment, electronics, and other high-value or higher-risk goods. Availability and terms depend on the commodity, packing, route, and insurer approval.
Named-Peril Cargo Insurance
Named-peril cargo insurance covers only the risks specifically listed in the policy, which may include fire, theft, collision, or total loss. It may cost less than all-risk coverage, but the covered events, exclusions, and premium depend on the selected policy.
Claims Assistance
Freight180 assists with the cargo insurance claims process, including documentation, survey coordination, evidence submission, and follow-up with the insurer. Claim evaluation and payment remain subject to the insurer’s decision and the applicable policy terms.
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Questions & Answers
What is cargo insurance and why do I need it for international shipping?
Cargo insurance protects the insured financial interest in goods against covered physical loss or damage during transportation, subject to the policy’s terms and exclusions. It is important because a carrier’s legal liability may be substantially lower than the cargo’s commercial value.
For ocean transportation subject to COGSA, liability may be limited to $500 per package or customary freight unit. For international air transportation subject to the Montreal Convention, the cargo liability limit is generally 26 Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) per kilogram. Cargo insurance can help reduce the financial gap between carrier liability and the insured value of the shipment.
What is the difference between All-Risk and Named-Peril cargo insurance?
All-risk cargo insurance generally covers accidental physical loss or damage from external causes unless the policy specifically excludes the cause. Named-peril insurance covers only the risks expressly listed in the policy. All-risk coverage is broader, while named-peril coverage may have a lower premium but more coverage limitations. Freight180 can help you compare available options based on your cargo, route, value, and risk profile.
How much does cargo insurance cost?
Cargo insurance premiums depend on the insured value, commodity, packaging, transportation mode, route, deductible, coverage type, and insurer requirements. The insured value may include the commercial value of the goods, freight charges, and other allowable amounts, depending on the policy. Freight180 provides the applicable premium and coverage terms for review before the insurance is purchased.
Does cargo insurance cover multimodal or intermodal shipments?
Yes, cargo insurance may be arranged for multimodal or intermodal shipments under a single policy covering the transportation stages identified in the policy. This can include ocean, air, truck, and rail segments from the stated origin to the stated destination. Coverage remains subject to the policy period, geographic scope, limits, deductibles, and exclusions. Freight180 can help confirm that the planned transportation stages are included before coverage is purchased.
Explore Solutions Designed for Your Success
Ready to discuss your next shipment? Tell us about your cargo, route, timing, and logistics requirements. Freight180 will review your needs and help coordinate a practical solution with clear communication from quote to delivery.