Skip to main content
Marsh logo

Cargo

Our dedicated cargo team can help you navigate your options and cover your shipping risks.
Contact us

Cargo insurance can provide coverage against physical loss or damage of goods during transit, whether by land, sea, or air.

Because of the many dangers inherent in shipping — natural disasters, mechanical failures, and human error included — most individuals and businesses choose to insure goods while they are in transit. However, many different types of cargo insurance are available, and it is important to know exactly what you want before purchasing the insurance, or you may not be covered for different eventualities.

Transportation companies have limited liability for loss or damage to the cargo they carry. Cargo insurance helps cargo owners and transportation companies manage their shipping risks more comprehensively.

Marsh has a variety of solutions and expertise that can address your specific shipping risk issues.

Our solutions

Truck transport container on the road to the port.

Stock Throughput

05/06/2022
Placeholder Image

Marine cargo insurance: War and strikes risks

07/29/2021

Are you on the right digital roadmap?

Discover the state of play in digital cargo insurance and the future trends to help you position your company for long-term success.

Download our latest report

Integration

Deploy innovative insurance solutions for an enhanced end-to-end customer experience.

Protection

Safeguard investments and protect against the consequences of financial loss.

Flexibility

Become more agile, meeting the fluctuating demand for global goods.

Why Marsh

A comprehensive approach to risk management is essential for organisations to ensure they are prepared for a continuously evolving maritime sector.

With over 100 years of cargo and logistics expertise, our team of advisors at Marsh will work with your company to minimise your risk exposures and navigate business-related challenges through our innovative application of industry-leading data, analytics, and benchmarking.

FAQs

Cargo insurance is necessary to consider as various laws limit the liability of transportation companies.

For example, the Hague Rules/Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA) limits the liability of shipowners to US$500 per unit, and also relieves shipowners of all liability in the event of one of 17 events occurring. These include war, acts of God, strikes, riots, acts of the pilot or crew, and attempts to save life at sea. For air carriers, the Warsaw Convention limits liability to US$9.07 per pound for international shipments and just US$0.50 per pound for domestic shipments.

As a shipper, you must insure your cargo to fully recover from a loss.

Cargo insurance provides protection against "all risks" during shipping, whether by land, sea, or air, helping you minimise financial losses in the event your shipment is damaged or lost. By purchasing cargo insurance, you can benefit from the following advantages:

  • Cash flow is safeguarded from any unforeseen stoppages or interruptions.
  • The process of reporting losses and handling claims is streamlined.
  • The impact of business disruptions is reduced as your organisation can continue to operate amid losses.

With the right coverage, you can skilfully navigate the changing risk landscape to minimise your shipping-related losses and liabilities.

Related insights

Aerial image of a Large RoRo (Roll on/off) Vehicle carrie vessel cruising the Mediterranean sea

Article

Transporting lithium-ion batteries: Know your risk

06/14/2022
Placeholder Image

Article

COVID-19: Safeguarding Employees in Logistics and Haulage

04/14/2020
default

Article

COVID-19: The Impact on the Cargo Industry

03/11/2020
Oil Platform pipeline and pressure transfer system with different pressure compressors

Shipping industry’s impact from oil price volatility due to COVID-19

03/01/2020

Our people

Placeholder Image

Jennie Page

Head of Marine, Marsh Specialty Pacific

  • Australia

Marsh makes no representation or warranty concerning the application of policy wordings or the financial condition or solvency of insurers or re-insurers. Marsh makes no assurances regarding the availability, cost, or terms of insurance coverage.

LCPA 23/171

“Marsh Pty Ltd (ABN 86 004 651 512, AFSL 238983) (“Marsh”) arrange this insurance and is not the insurer. The Discretionary Trust Arrangement is issued by the Trustee, JLT Group Services Pty Ltd (ABN 26 004 485 214, AFSL 417964) (“JGS”). JGS is part of the Marsh group of companies. Any advice in relation to the Discretionary Trust Arrangement is provided by JLT Risk Solutions Pty Ltd (ABN 69 009 098 864, AFSL 226827) which is a related entity of Marsh. The cover provided by the Discretionary Trust Arrangement is subject to the Trustee’s discretion and/or the relevant policy terms, conditions and exclusions. This website contains general information, does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs and may not suit your personal circumstances. For full details of the terms, conditions and limitations of the covers and before making any decision about whether to acquire a product, refer to the specific policy wordings and/or Product Disclosure Statements available from JLT Risk Solutions on request. Full information can be found in the JLT Risk Solutions Financial Services Guide.”