Is My Freight Insured? How Can I Purchase Freight Insurance?

When it comes to setting up a freight shipment, insurance is almost always an afterthought. Shippers often assume they have full coverage.  Unfortunately, once the freight is damaged it is too late to insure the shipment.

Here is some advice for all shippers before they set up their next shipment with a freight carrier or freight logistics company.

Do you have freight insurance? Check with your insurance provider to confirm if you have freight insurance coverage and determine the costs associated. If you do not have freight insurance coverage, then your freight shipping company or a freight logistics company can easily provide it for you on a shipment per shipment basis.

What is maximum liability in the case of damage or loss? Get blank copies of your freight carrier’s waybills and read them carefully to ensure that you are comfortable with their liability terms and conditions.

What do I do if I experience damage or loss with my shipment? Contact your freight carrier or shipping company immediately in writing. All damage must be noted on the delivery receipt..  Your freight carrier should advise the next steps to process your claim.

Am I responsible for payment of freight charges, even if my shipment incurs damage? Unfortunately, damage or loss incurred on a shipment does not absolve you of payment of freight charges.  Freight Carriers are more likely to settle your claim if you have paid your freight charges. The majority of freight carriers carry a maximum liability of $0.10/lb - $0.50/lb. That means for a shipment of 1,000 lbs you will be getting around $100.00 to $500.00. This is why we offer additional freight insurance for your items.  When booking your shipment simply talk to your service representative about the various insurance options FreightCenter.com can provide.