Transportation insurance for goods in transit
When a common carrier damages your shipment, its liability is often limited to a few dollars per pound. Transportation insurance covers your goods at their real value, regardless of who was hauling them.
Trip transit and annual transit
Trip transit covers a single shipment, such as moving a piece of manufacturing equipment to a new plant. Annual transit covers everything you ship during the year, reported and rated on your annual shipping volume.
Request a quote
There is no separate application for this class, so start with the short inland marine quote request. Someone will follow up with any underwriting questions specific to your risk. Insurance agents can also request an appointment.
Why the carrier's coverage is not enough
- Carrier liability is often limited by the bill of lading, sometimes to a per-pound figure
- The carrier has to be legally liable, and acts of God and some shipper errors are defenses
- Claims against a carrier can take months, while your own policy pays you directly
Who buys it
- Manufacturers and distributors shipping finished goods
- Contractors shipping materials and equipment to distant job sites
- Businesses relocating machinery, inventory or office contents
- Sellers shipping high-value goods to customers
Common exclusions to ask about
Improper packing
Many transit forms exclude damage caused by packing that was not suitable for the trip. If you crate machinery yourself, keep photos of how it was packed and secured.
Delay and loss of market
A shipment that arrives late but undamaged is usually not a covered loss, even if you lose the sale. Spoilage caused only by delay is often excluded as well.
Temperature and inherent vice
Goods that spoil or degrade on their own, or that are damaged by heat or cold without an accident, may not be covered. Ask about a temperature endorsement if you ship perishables or sensitive materials.
How to get a transportation quote
- Decide whether you need a single trip policy or annual coverage for ongoing shipments.
- Describe the goods you ship and how they are packed, crated or palletized.
- Estimate annual shipping values by method: your own trucks, common carriers, rail and air.
- Note the most you would ever have on one truck, railcar or flight.
- List typical origins and destinations, including any temporary storage along the way.
- Say how you want goods valued in a claim, such as invoice cost or invoice plus freight.
- Gather your loss history, including claims you filed against carriers.
Common questions
Does this cover goods on my own truck?
Goods on your own truck are covered by owners cargo, part of the motor truck cargo family. Transportation insurance is mainly for shipments moved by someone else.
Does it cover international shipments?
Inland marine transportation coverage is for domestic shipments. Imports and exports by sea or air are covered by ocean cargo insurance.
If my policy pays, do I still file a claim against the carrier?
Usually you notify the carrier in writing and keep the bill of lading and delivery receipt. Your insurer may then pursue the carrier through subrogation. Avoid signing a clean delivery receipt when you can see damage.
How are my goods valued in a claim?
That depends on the valuation clause in the policy. Common options are invoice value, invoice plus prepaid freight, or replacement cost. Pick the one that matches what you would need to replace the shipment.
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