Did you know that of the 130 million shipping containers shipped around the world every year, an average of 1390 are lost? And we’ve probably all had goods delivered to our door that have been damaged en route.
Where loss or damage occurs, the end customer will look to the sender for compensation. The owner of the shipment will look either to their insurance provider (where they ship their own goods) or to the freight forwarder for compensation. And the freight forwarder will look to their insurance provider. All roads lead to an insurance claim – but depending on where you and your business are in the foochainn, and what type of policy is in place, the compensation available can differ massively.
‘Cargo Insurance’ and ‘Freight Insurance’ are terms bandied around liberally and often, wrongly, interchangeably.
So what exactly do these different policies cover? Which one should you consider for your business as a seller, manufacturer, or freight forwarder?
Confused? Cargo insurance and freight insurance explained
As terms, ‘Cargo’ and ‘Freight’ are often interchangeably used, it’s no wonder ‘Cargo Insurance’ and ‘Freight Insurance’ (freight forwarder insurance) are similarly confused. Afterall, they are both insurance policies intended to protect goods that are transported in the event that they are lost or damaged.
Both insurance types can cover goods transported both domestically and internationally and by all transport methods. The key difference between these two types of insurance relates to who they are meant to protect and the method used to value the claim. Put simply:
Freight insurance protects the freight forwarder or carrier who has a legal responsibility for the goods. In the event of a claim, the value is often calculated on the basis of weight.
Cargo insurance is designed to protect the sender of the goods – so the manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. Here, the value of the goods is based on their commercial value.
What do these insurance policies cover?
Freight Insurance
As a manufacturer, wholesaler, or retailer, you could be forgiven for thinking that you are fully protected in case the shipped goods are lost or damaged. But you may not be because this insurance policy is not designed for that.
Freight insurance is designed to protect the freight forwarder or carrier from any liability for the financial loss sustained by the sender because of the damage or loss of the shipment. For a claim to be payable to the sender, the loss or damage of the goods must be proven to be caused by the freight forwarder’s negligence or errors.
With a freight Insurance policy, the amount paid out is based on the weight of the goods instead of the cargo’s full value. So, a kilo of lost gold will likely receive the same payout as a kilo of lost cotton, which is unlikely to be welcome news if it’s your gold!
Cargo Insurance
Cargo insurance is essential if you, as the owner of the goods, want to be covered for the full value of the goods in the event of loss or damage. Here, a claim event may not be triggered by errors or negligence by the freight forwarder. Rather, cargo insurance can provide financial protection for a whole range of events, from faulty loading/unloading and accidents to a fire or theft.
Cargo vs. Freight Insurance: how are they set up and who pays for them?
Freight Insurance
Freight forwarders have legal liability for the goods they are transporting. So, while Freight insurance isn’t a legal requirement, it will often be a contractual one, ensuring that forwarders are protected against liabilities arising from situations wherein errors or negligence lead to lost or damaged goods.
This insurance is payable by the freight forwarder, but it is passed on to the sender/customer when the forwarder’s service is used. Typically, it is included in the sender’s shipping quote and is then included in what the sender pays for.
If you are looking to secure freight insurance for your business, you should speak to an insurance broker. You will benefit from access to various options for reliable coverage while also getting value for money. Striking such a balance is important because steep freight insurance costs will show up in your customer’s quote, and the cost might be off-putting to some.
Cargo Insurance
Securing cargo insurance is usually up to the owner of the shipment. In some cases, cargo insurance coverage can be arranged through your freight forwarder or carrier, in which case they will be responsible for coordinating with the insurance broker or provider and obtaining the insurance policy for you.
Cargo insurance is meant to reimburse the full value of the shipped goods if they are ever lost or damaged in transit. This comprehensive insurance policy will also cover various risks and take into account various details, such as:
- Where the cargo comes from and where it is going
- What route the freight forwarder or carrier is taking
- The nature of the cargo – if it is hazardous, fragile, perishable, etc.
- The weight, size, and dimensions of the cargo
Whether you are an owner of goods or a freight forwarder, you will be able to secure cargo insurance from a trusted commercial insurance broker.
Cargo vs. Freight Insurance: covered modes of transportation
Both cargo and freight insurance policies can be set up for all types of domestic or international shipments. As such, these insurance policies can be set up for various modes of transportation, be it on land, air, sea, or a combination.