Several years ago, it became apparent there was a need for Cargo Insurance so shippers did not simply rely on the air carriers to pay for damage. Many customers had experienced problems getting claims settled due to the difficulty in establishing liability on the part of the carrier.

To solve this problem, Movers has arranged for our customers to obtain broad shipper’s interest cargo insurance that includes coverage against damage due to decay or deterioration if the trip exceeds 48 hours in length. The policy also covers damage due to decay or deterioration on trips less than 48 hours long if the cargo is packed in accordance with the standards published by the air carrier to keep the cargo at the required temperature for a period of at least 48 hours. The insurer also requires evidence that the cargo is at the proper temperature at the beginning of transit, and Movers records the temperature of cargo before it goes to the air carrier.

In the event that goods arrive damaged due to decay or deterioration, it is important to retain all the packaging material so that the claim adjuster can confirm that the goods were packed properly. Detailed photographs can also aid in this effort, however, if it can not be proven that the goods were properly packaged per the air carriers published standard to hold temperature for at least 48 hours, the insurer will not honor a claim for damage caused by deterioration or decay.

In addition to covering damage due to decay and deterioration, the policy covers against all risks of physical loss or damage, subject to standard cargo policy terms, conditions, and exclusions.

Movers is making this insurance coverage available to our customers so that they may have the best protection available, and it is highly recommended that customers choose to purchase this option.

VALUATION

When buying cargo insurance, it is important for customers to purchase the right amount of insurance as per the policy’s valuation clause which reads:

Goods to be insured at shipper's Cost plus Freight plus 10%, or if sold prior to transit, at shipper's invoice cost to buyer plus freight, if not included in the invoice, plus 10%.

This means that if the goods are not sold to another party at the time they go into transit, they should be insured for the shipper’s cost plus freight plus 10%.

Example where goods are not sold at time of shipment:

Cost of Goods to Shipper       $20,000

Freight                                     $ 1,000

Plus 10%                                    2,100

Amount of Insurance needed   $23,100

If the goods are being shipped to a buyer, the shipper must insure the goods for the invoice price to the buyer plus freight, if not already included in the invoice price, plus 10%.

Example where good are sold to buyer at time of transit:

Invoice Price to buyer (Selling Price) $27,000

Freight not included above                    1,000

Plus 10%                                              2,800

Amount of Insurance needed            $30,800