
Cargo insurance is a vital protection for businesses that transport goods. It helps cover the financial loss in case of damage, theft, or loss during transit.
Cargo insurance can be tailored to fit the specific needs of your business, covering a wide range of goods and modes of transportation. This includes road, air, and sea transport.
The cost of cargo insurance varies depending on the type and value of goods being transported, as well as the level of coverage chosen.
What Is Cargo Insurance?
Cargo insurance is a type of insurance that covers financial losses for loss or damage to cargo caused by an insured risk.
It reimburses the insured for financial losses, providing a safety net for cargo owners in case of unexpected events.
Insurance is offered through Flexport Insurance Solutions, LLC, a licensed insurance producer, but it's not available in all countries.
You'll need to check with a licensed representative for availability, as they can provide more information on the specific countries where insurance is offered.
What Is Insurance?

Insurance is a crucial aspect of cargo transportation, and it's essential to understand what it covers. Motor truck cargo insurance, also known as cargo insurance, protects goods and materials transported by for-hire truckers.
This type of insurance covers a trucker's liability in case cargo is lost, damaged, or destroyed due to various risks during transit. It's like having a safety net to fall back on in case something goes wrong.
Key elements of cargo insurance include removal expenses, sue and labor, and earned freight. These elements help protect truckers and their customers from financial losses.
Removal expenses pay for the removal of debris or pollutants caused by the cargo being transported. This is an important aspect of cargo insurance, as it helps prevent further damage and ensures a clean environment.
Sue and labor cover costs related to preventing further loss to damaged cargo and related legal expenses. This can include things like hiring experts to assess the damage and dealing with legal paperwork.
Earned freight protects customers from charges associated with an undelivered load. This means that if a trucker is unable to deliver a load due to cargo damage or other issues, the customer won't be charged for the undelivered portion.
Getting Started
Getting started with cargo insurance requires careful consideration of your specific needs. Companies should assess their cargo insurance needs and choose coverage that meets their requirements.
It's essential to work with an insurance broker to understand the different options available and develop a risk management strategy tailored to your company's needs. This will help you make an informed decision.
Insurance is offered through Flexport Insurance Solutions, LLC, a licensed insurance producer. They have an Illinois License No. 3001047128 and a California License No. 6001029.
Insurance is not available in all countries, so be sure to check with a licensed FIS representative for availability.
Who Needs Cargo Insurance?
If you're a trucker, you might be wondering who needs cargo insurance. The answer is, many types of trucks do. Dump trucks, for example, typically require cargo insurance to cover accidents related to the transportation of goods.
Some common types of trucks that need cargo insurance include box trucks, cargo vans, flatbeds, and car haulers. These vehicles are often used for for-hire trucking operations, where cargo insurance is required by risk managers.
Tractor-trailers, dump trucks, most trailers, cement mixers, and dually pickups are also commonly required to have cargo insurance. This is because they are often used to transport goods and can be involved in accidents that result in damage or loss.
Here's a list of some of the most common types of trucks that need cargo insurance:
- Box trucks
- Cargo vans
- Flatbeds
- Car haulers
- Tractor-trailers
- Dump trucks
- Most trailers
- Cement mixers
- Dually pickups
It's worth noting that cargo insurance can also help cover cleanup expenses if a truck gets into an accident on the highway and debris ends up on the road.
Why Do You Need Cargo Insurance?
Motor truck cargo insurance provides financial protection against damage, loss, or harm to the materials truckers transport. It covers incidents like fire, collision, and theft.
Some types of trucks that typically need cargo freight insurance include dump trucks, tractor trailers, box trucks, cement mixers, cargo vans, pickups, flatbeds, and car haulers.
Cargo insurance serves as a vital safety net for trucking companies, saving them from the financial burden of cargo damage, loss, or harm during transport, loading, and unloading.
Why Do You Need?

You need cargo insurance to protect your business from the financial burden of cargo damage, loss, or harm during transport, loading, and unloading. This is a vital safety net for trucking companies.
Between 2020-21, there were 3,113 containers lost at sea, highlighting the risks involved in shipping goods. This is a staggering number that emphasizes the importance of having cargo insurance.
You also need cargo insurance to cover unexpected costs, such as cleanup expenses if a truck gets into an accident on the highway and debris ends up on the road. This is a valuable asset for trucking businesses.
Some types of trucks that typically need cargo freight insurance include dump trucks, tractor trucks, box trucks, and flatbeds. These types of trucks are often used to transport goods and materials.
Key elements of cargo insurance include removal expenses, sue and labor, and earned freight. These elements provide financial protection against various risks during transit.

Here are some types of trucks that typically need cargo freight insurance:
- Dump
- Tractor
- Box
- Cement mixers
- Cargo vans
- Pickups
- Flatbeds
- Car haulers
In 2020-21, Flexport observed an incident rate of 0.3% for every shipment they insured, meaning that 1 in every 290 shipments experienced an unpredicted loss event. This is a sobering statistic that highlights the importance of having cargo insurance.
Why Choose Progressive?
Choosing the right insurance company for your cargo insurance needs is crucial. Progressive Commercial is the #1 commercial truck insurer in America.
Their comprehensive insurance solutions are designed to meet the unique needs of businesses like yours. Businesses rely on Progressive Commercial for competitive pricing.
Progressive Commercial's team of experts is available to answer your questions and guide you through the process.
Why Choose Geico?
GEICO offers competitive rates and excellent service, making it a smart choice for your truck insurance needs.
You can add an endorsement for motor truck cargo coverage to your commercial auto policy with GEICO.
GEICO has the resources and capability to handle and pay your claims quickly.
Call GEICO at (866) 509-9444 to learn more or visit their website to request a free insurance quote today.
Types of Cargo Insurance

Motor truck cargo insurance is a type of coverage that protects transported materials and pays for property losses caused by events that damage cargo.
There are two main types of motor truck cargo insurance: motor truck cargo insurance and motor truck cargo insurance with refrigeration breakdown.
Motor truck cargo insurance helps cover losses to property owned by others due to situations like collisions, fires, stolen cargo, or accidents that harm the cargo.
Motor truck cargo insurance with refrigeration breakdown covers losses to items caused by spoilage or change in temperature due to sudden and accidental breakdown of refrigeration or heating units on the covered auto.
Here are the two main types of cargo insurance:
- Motor truck cargo insurance: Protects transported materials and pays for property losses caused by events that damage cargo.
- Motor truck cargo insurance with refrigeration breakdown: Covers losses from spoilage or temperature shifts caused by the vehicle's refrigeration or heating unit failure.
Exceptions and Restrictions
Exceptions and Restrictions are a crucial part of cargo insurance, so it's essential to understand what's not covered.
Commercial cargo insurance is not offered for certain vehicle types, including garbage trucks, limos, hearses, buses, passenger vans, motor homes, and ice cream trucks.

Some cargo types are also excluded from coverage, such as art, jewelry, money, or paper.
Contraband and pharmaceuticals are also excluded, as are live animals.
Property in custody of another carrier and the insured's property or goods are not covered.
Storage greater than 72 hours and shipping containers are also excluded.
Explosive or radioactive material and tobacco and alcohol are not covered either.
Here's a list of excluded cargo types:
- Art, jewelry, money, or paper
- Contraband and pharmaceuticals
- Live animals
- Property in custody of another carrier
- The insured's property or goods
- Property not under Bill of Lading
- Storage greater than 72 hours
- Shipping containers
- Explosive or radioactive material
- Tobacco and alcohol
Core Details of Cargo Insurance
Cargo insurance is a specialized kind of insurance that is tailored to the risks involved in transportation.
The limit of cargo insurance can be set by the company sending or receiving cargo and determines the maximum amount insurance will cover.
You'll need to select a deductible when choosing cargo insurance, which is the amount you'll pay out of pocket for each claim.
Cargo insurance covers the value of the goods being transported, as well as other specified expenses associated with the cargo.

The deductible amount you choose will directly affect the premium you pay for cargo insurance.
You can talk to an expert to ensure you're protected and get the right coverage for your cargo shipments.
Cargo insurance is a must-have for companies that transport goods by land, air, or sea to mitigate potential losses.
Cost and Pricing
Cargo insurance costs can vary depending on several factors, including the type of cargo you're transporting. The cost of cargo insurance can be affected by the type of cargo, with riskier cargo increasing premiums.
Some key factors that influence the pricing of your cargo insurance premium include cargo type, coverage limits, and loss history. Your past claims and losses can affect your premium, so it's essential to have a good driving history and maintain stable cargo.
The value of the cargo is also a significant factor in determining the premium, with higher-value cargo requiring higher premiums. The mode of transportation, distance, and deductibles can also impact the premium, with longer distances and higher deductibles typically resulting in higher premiums.
Suggestion: High Value Cargo Transportation

Here are some key factors that can affect the cost of cargo insurance:
- Cargo type: Riskier cargo can increase premiums
- Coverage limits: Higher coverage limits will typically result in higher premiums
- Loss history: Past claims and losses can affect your premium
- Value of the cargo: Higher-value cargo requires higher premiums
- Mode of transportation: Different modes of transportation can affect the premium
- Deductibles: Higher deductibles typically result in lower premiums
Insurance providers will typically use these factors to calculate the premium for any cargo insurance policy, so it's essential to shop around and compare quotes from different providers to find the best coverage at the most affordable price.
Choosing a Cargo Insurance Provider
Carrier liability insurance for cargo can protect as much as $2 million of goods on a load.
To find the most competitive rates, consider working with a partner like Loadsure, which offers digital cargo and liability insurance coverage designed for carriers.
The cost of coverage for each load will depend on what you are hauling and other factors, so be sure to read the fine print and understand exactly what is covered.
With Loadsure, you can file a cargo liability insurance claim easily on the DAT One mobile app, and settlements can be paid in days or even minutes.
If Supplier Buys

If your supplier offers to arrange insurance coverage, it's essential to know the specifics of the policy. The policy should clearly outline what kinds of losses are covered.
You'll also want to check the policy limits, which determine the maximum amount the insurance company will pay out in the event of a claim. Make sure the limits are sufficient to cover the value of your shipment.
The insurance company underwriting the policy should be reputable, with a good track record of paying out claims. Research the company to ensure it's trustworthy.
If a claim is made, it's crucial to know if it will be paid in the country where you're located or in the country where the shipment originated. This can make a big difference in the process of getting your claim settled.
A unique perspective: Transportation Network Company Insurance
Why Choose Flexport?
Flexport offers a comprehensive cargo insurance solution that covers the entire supply chain, from manufacturing to delivery.

Flexport's insurance coverage includes liability for delays, which can be a significant advantage for businesses that rely on timely shipments.
Their coverage also includes protection against damage or loss of cargo, which can be a major financial blow to a business.
Flexport's insurance solution is designed to be flexible and adaptable to the unique needs of each business.
Their coverage options include a range of limits and deductibles, allowing businesses to customize their insurance to fit their specific needs.
Flexport's team of experts is available to help businesses navigate the insurance process and ensure that they have the right coverage in place.
Flexport has a strong track record of delivering claims quickly and efficiently, which can be a huge relief for businesses that need to get back up and running as quickly as possible.
Earn Confident Customers Cost-Effectively
To earn confident customers, you need to protect their cargo cost-effectively. Cargo liability insurance can do just that, covering up to $2 million of goods on a load. This type of insurance is typically a generic term, whereas cargo legal liability insurance provides peace of mind for your customers' cargo.

Most owner-operators and other carriers hold multiple types of insurance to cover loads, tractors, trailers, and other gear they use. With DAT partner Loadsure, you can get the most competitive rates in the shortest amount of time.
If an accident happens on the road, you don't need to worry about visiting a physical office or making lots of phone calls. The Loadsure platform makes it easy to conduct motor carrier liability insurance business simply and digitally.
Settlements can be paid in days or even minutes, depending on your cargo legal liability insurance circumstances, and funds are deposited conveniently in your bank account.
Commercial and Business Aspects
Cargo insurance is a must-have for for-hire truckers who haul someone else's property. This type of insurance provides coverage for potential damage to the property of others while in transit or during loading or unloading.
It's designed to protect against accidents like collision, load strikes, fires, and more. This coverage includes protection for the property of others, not the cargo owner's own property.

For-hire truckers are required to have cargo insurance to operate their business. This is especially important for those who transport high-value or fragile goods.
Cargo insurance can also cover some pollution removal and loss-recovery expenses. This can be a huge relief for truckers who are not at fault in an accident.
In fact, cargo insurance is made for for-hire truckers hauling someone else's property. This means it's not suitable for owner-operators who transport their own cargo.
Options and Considerations
Purchasing cargo insurance requires careful consideration of the value and nature of the goods being shipped. This includes the mode of transportation and the destination.
You can choose from two primary options: per shipment "pay-as-you-go" coverage or annual policies. Per shipment coverage offers cost-effective coverage at pennies on the dollar with no deductible, while annual coverage often comes with a deductible and is suitable for frequent shippers who value predictability of costs throughout a full year.
Most losses are only for a fraction of the entire shipment value, so it's essential to ensure your deductible is low enough to cover your losses.
A Broader Program

If you're looking to insure your cargo shipments, you can consider purchasing cargo insurance as part of a broader insurance program. This approach can be more cost-effective for companies that need to purchase multiple types of insurance.
A broader insurance program can bundle coverage for different types of insurance, such as property insurance, liability insurance, and business interruption insurance. By bundling these coverages, you may be able to secure a discount.
Flexport Insurance Solutions offers coverage options for a wide range of supply chain needs. They can help you protect your cargo with a package of insurance products that includes cargo insurance.
Here are some benefits of purchasing cargo insurance as part of a broader insurance program:
- Cost-effective
- Bundles multiple types of insurance
- May secure a discount
In contrast, purchasing cargo insurance separately may not provide the same level of cost-effectiveness.
Things to Consider
When purchasing cargo insurance, it's essential to consider the value and nature of the goods being shipped. This will help you determine the right coverage level and ensure you're not underinsuring your cargo.

The mode of transportation is also crucial, as it can affect the risk of damage or loss. For example, shipping by air is generally faster but also more expensive and risky.
The destination of your cargo is another vital factor to consider. Different countries have varying regulations and risks associated with importing and exporting goods.
The value of your goods will determine the premium you pay for cargo insurance, so it's essential to get an accurate assessment of their worth. This will help you choose the right policy and avoid overpaying for coverage.
Marine and Package Protection
Marine and Package Protection is a crucial aspect of cargo insurance. Cargo insurance can be purchased to protect against physical loss or damage to goods being transported by land, air, or sea.
Marine cargo insurance specifically covers goods transported by sea. This type of insurance is a must-have for cargo owners who frequently ship goods overseas.
You can purchase cargo insurance to protect against physical loss or damage to goods being transported by land, air, or sea.
A different take: Air Canada Cargo
Sources
- https://www.progressivecommercial.com/coverages/motor-truck-cargo/
- https://www.geico.com/commercial-auto-insurance/truck-insurance/cargo-insurance/
- https://www.flexport.com/blog/what-is-cargo-insurance-and-how-does-it-work/
- https://www.flexport.com/products/cargo-insurance/
- https://www.dat.com/solutions/cargo-liability-insurance
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