Cargo Insurance
Cargo Insurance, Built Into Your Shipment
Protect your freight from origin to destination — coordinated as part of the booking you already trust us with.
Coverage that actually covers
Carrier liability caps at as little as $500 per package. Cargo insurance protects the real value of your shipment.
Built into your booking
We arrange coverage as part of your shipment — no separate process, no separate broker.
Global trade lanes
Ocean, air, rail, and trucking. From origin to destination, wherever you ship.
A real person on the claim
If something happens, call us. We coordinate with the underwriter so you don't fight the paperwork alone.
Why standard carrier liability isn't enough
Under the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA) and similar international transport conventions, carriers limit their liability to fixed, low amounts — often as little as $500 per package for ocean freight. That cap rarely reflects the actual value of what you're shipping. For a pallet of agricultural products, industrial components, or consumer goods, the gap between what a carrier owes and what the cargo is actually worth can run into hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Ocean shipments carry an additional exposure most shippers overlook: general average. When a vessel encounters peril — a fire, a machinery failure, a grounding — maritime law may require all cargo owners aboard to share in the financial loss, even if their own cargo was untouched. Without cargo insurance, a shipper can be required to post a bond and contribute to a loss that had nothing to do with their freight.
Cargo insurance fills both gaps. It's coverage based on the declared value of your shipment — not on what a carrier's contract allows them to limit.
Carrier Liability
- Capped at a fixed low amount per package
- Governed by international transport conventions
- Does not cover general average contributions
- Requires proving the carrier was at fault
- Claims process is adversarial by design
Cargo Insurance
- Based on declared cargo value
- Covers physical loss, damage, and theft
- Can cover general average contributions
- Typically does not require proving fault
- Claims coordination handled with you
Coverage tailored to how you ship
Per-shipment coverage
Best for occasional or high-value shipments
Coverage bound for a single shipment, based on declared value, route, and commodity. We quote it alongside your freight rate so you can make an informed decision before your cargo moves.
Request a quote →Ongoing coverage for regular shippers
Best for frequent shippers who want consistent terms
An open arrangement that covers your shipments as they come — no per-shipment paperwork once it's in place. Best discussed once we understand your typical volume and lanes.
Talk to a specialist →Frequently asked questions
What is cargo insurance?
Coverage that protects the value of your cargo against loss or damage during transit. Unlike carrier liability, which is capped at fixed low amounts under international transport laws, cargo insurance is based on the actual declared value of what you're shipping.
Why isn't carrier liability enough?
Under regimes like COGSA (ocean) and similar conventions for air and trucking, carriers cap their liability at low fixed amounts — often less than the value of a single pallet. Most shippers find out about this gap only after a loss. Cargo insurance closes it.
What does cargo insurance cover?
Typical coverage includes loss, physical damage, theft, and general average contributions. Specific terms depend on the policy issued for each shipment — exclusions and conditions apply. We'll walk through what's covered when we quote your shipment.
How much does cargo insurance cost?
Pricing depends on cargo value, origin and destination, mode of transport, commodity, and shipping route. We provide a coverage quote alongside your freight quote so you can see total landed cost in one place.
When do I need to add insurance to a shipment?
Coverage needs to be arranged before cargo moves. If you let us know at the time you request a freight quote, we can include insurance pricing from the start. Adding it after cargo is in transit is generally not possible.
How are claims handled?
You contact us. We coordinate with the underwriter and help you assemble the documentation. The goal is to take the paperwork burden off you so you can focus on getting your cargo replaced.
Does my customer's or supplier's insurance cover me?
Often, no. Insurance follows ownership and Incoterms — if your goods are damaged during a leg of the journey where you bear the risk, the other party's coverage usually won't apply. Cargo insurance you arrange protects your financial exposure, not theirs.
Is cargo insurance available on all shipments?
We arrange cargo insurance on shipments Conveyco is handling. Eligibility depends on commodity, route, and other factors — we'll let you know during the quoting process.
Insure your next shipment with confidence.
Add cargo insurance to your next quote — or ask us a question.
Cargo insurance is arranged by Conveyco through an A-rated marine cargo insurance underwriter. Conveyco is not the insurer. Coverage is subject to policy terms, conditions, and exclusions. Not all cargo is eligible. This page is informational and does not constitute a binding offer of coverage. Specific terms apply to each shipment.