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Freight transportation is a critical component of the global supply chain, allowing businesses to move goods across vast distances, from local markets to international destinations. However, the process of transporting goods, whether by sea, air, or land, is not without risks. Cargo can be damaged, lost, or delayed due to various reasons such as accidents, natural disasters, theft, or mishandling. This is where freight insurance plays a crucial role. Freight insurance provides businesses and individuals with the necessary protection to safeguard their goods and minimize potential financial losses in the event of unforeseen circumstances. This article explores the importance of freight insurance, highlighting its significance, types, and real-world examples.

What is Freight Insurance?

Freight insurance is a type of coverage that protects the goods being transported by freight carriers. It serves to compensate the shipper or receiver in the event that the goods are damaged, lost, or destroyed during transit. Freight insurance can cover a wide range of incidents, including accidents, theft, fire, piracy, or damage caused by improper handling.

There are different types of freight insurance policies, depending on the needs of the business and the type of goods being shipped. The two most common types are:

1. All-risk coverage: This policy offers protection against all risks unless specifically excluded in the terms of the contract. It typically covers damages resulting from natural disasters, accidents, and unforeseen events that can happen during the transportation process.

2. Named-peril coverage: This policy covers only the risks that are specifically listed in the insurance contract. It is a more limited type of coverage and typically includes damages caused by incidents such as fire, theft, or collision.

Why Freight Insurance is Important

The importance of freight insurance cannot be overstated, as it provides several key benefits to businesses, ranging from financial protection to peace of mind.

1. Financial Protection

One of the primary reasons for purchasing freight insurance is to provide financial protection for goods in transit. Without insurance, businesses risk absorbing the full financial burden of any loss or damage that may occur during transportation. This can be particularly devastating for small businesses or businesses dealing with high-value or time-sensitive goods. Freight insurance helps mitigate these risks by covering the cost of damaged or lost goods, allowing businesses to recover more quickly from any setbacks.

For example, a company shipping electronics overseas may face significant financial losses if its shipment is damaged during transit. With freight insurance, the company can be reimbursed for the cost of the goods, reducing the financial impact and allowing them to continue operations without significant disruption.

2. Protection Against Various Risks

The transportation of goods involves a multitude of risks. Freight insurance helps to mitigate these risks. Some of the common risks covered by freight insurance include:

• Theft: Goods in transit can be stolen, particularly in high-risk regions or during transfers at ports or warehouses. Freight insurance protects against this type of loss, providing compensation to the business owner.

• Damage: Goods can be damaged in transit due to rough handling, accidents, or exposure to extreme weather conditions. Freight insurance helps cover the cost of repairing or replacing damaged goods.

• Delays: Although freight insurance does not typically cover delays, certain policies may provide compensation for the financial losses caused by delayed shipments, especially if the delay is the result of an insured risk.

• Natural Disasters: Earthquakes, floods, and storms can disrupt shipping routes and damage goods. Freight insurance that covers natural disasters ensures that businesses are not left financially vulnerable when unexpected weather events occur.

3. Regulatory Compliance

In some countries, freight insurance is a legal requirement, particularly for international shipments. For example, under the United Nations Convention on the Carriage of Goods by Sea (the Hague-Visby Rules), carriers are legally required to offer cargo insurance to ensure that shippers are protected against the loss or damage of their goods. Even when not required by law, freight insurance ensures that a business complies with international trade regulations, helping to avoid penalties and legal disputes.

4. Peace of Mind

Knowing that goods are insured provides business owners with peace of mind, reducing the stress and worry associated with the potential loss of goods in transit. With freight insurance in place, companies can focus on growing their business and expanding their market reach without constantly worrying about the possibility of cargo damage or loss. In addition, freight insurance can be a critical factor in building trust with customers, especially when delivering valuable or time-sensitive products.

Real-World Examples

Freight insurance has been pivotal in protecting businesses from major financial setbacks due to loss or damage during transportation. Here are some real-world examples:

1. Ever Given Suez Canal Incident: In March 2021, the Ever Given, a large container ship, became lodged in the Suez Canal, blocking one of the busiest trade routes in the world. The ship’s grounding caused a massive disruption in global shipping, with over 400 vessels delayed for days. The incident resulted in significant damage to the global supply chain, and it was reported that businesses faced losses worth billions of dollars. Freight insurance played a key role in helping companies recover losses resulting from the delayed shipments and cargo damage.

2. The 2017 Hanjin Shipping Crisis: In 2017 the bankruptcy of the South Korean shipping company Hanjin Shipping, one of the largest in the world and one of the top 10 largest container carriers, forced many ships to stand at sea, unable to unload their cargo in ports. The bankruptcy of Hanjin led to massive financial losses for shippers, with some businesses facing the loss of millions of dollars in goods. Freight insurance provided a lifeline to many companies affected by the crisis, covering damages and helping them recoup some of their losses.

3. Pilferage and Theft in High-Risk Areas: In countries with high incidences of cargo theft, freight insurance has been essential in protecting valuable goods in transit. For instance, goods being shipped from a warehouse in São Paulo to a port in Rio de Janeiro were at risk of theft due to the prevalence of pilferage along truck routes. Companies that had freight insurance in place were able to recover their losses quickly, ensuring minimal disruption to their business operations.

Freight insurance is an essential component of modern logistics, providing critical protection for businesses engaged in the transportation of goods. It offers financial security, safeguards against various risks, ensures regulatory compliance, and provides peace of mind for business owners. With the ever-increasing complexity and risks involved in global trade, freight insurance has become an indispensable tool for companies seeking to mitigate the financial consequences of potential disruptions in the supply chain. By understanding the importance of freight insurance, businesses can make informed decisions about the types of coverage they need and ensure that their goods are protected during transit. Whether dealing with natural disasters, theft, or accidental damage, freight insurance provides a safety net that helps businesses stay resilient in the face of uncertainty.

Our team has also visited “Resmi kepil”, a private insurance company, to take an interview. For many years they have been working with the main participants in the country's insurance market such as the State Insurance Organization of Turkmenistan, "Ätiýaçlandyryş hyzmatlary" JSC, "Hazar ätiýaçlandyryş" OJSC, "Gadamly ösuş" ES. In the interview Nurjahan Kakabaeva - Marketing and Computer Technologies Department Specialist of the company - tells about the important insurance services while exporting your goods to foreign countries.

If you have any further questions, you can contact IE “Resmi kepil”:

Address: 50, Garashsyzlyk avenue, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Telephone: +993 12 48-46-36

Email address: info@resmikepil.com; a.bayramov@resmikepil.com

In addition, you can refer to the links below that provide a comprehensive overview of freight insurance, including legal frameworks, industry standards, and real-world case studies:

1. International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)

The ICC provides guidelines on international trade and the importance of transport insurance. Their insights on international shipping and cargo insurance are invaluable for businesses involved in cross-border trade.

2. Institute of International Container Lessors (IICL)

IICL offers industry standards and best practices in container shipping, including the role of insurance in protecting goods during transit.

3. United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)

The UNECE provides resources on transport regulations and conventions such as the "Hague-Visby Rules," which include the legal requirements for freight insurance in maritime transport.

4. Lloyd’s of London

Lloyd’s of London is one of the world’s largest insurance markets, and they provide comprehensive freight insurance services. Their insights on freight insurance types and the risks involved in cargo transportation are often cited in industry reports.

5. U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)

The U.S. DOT’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics includes data on shipping, insurance regulations, and guidelines for businesses involved in the transportation of goods.

6. Journal of Commerce (JOC)

The JOC provides up-to-date news and analysis on shipping and logistics, including case studies on freight disruptions and the role of insurance in mitigating financial risks.

7. The Marine Insurance Act 1906 (UK)

This landmark piece of legislation outlines the standard rules for marine cargo insurance, providing guidance on claims and compensation procedures related to the loss or damage of goods during shipping.

8. World Shipping Council (WSC)

The WSC is an authoritative body for container shipping, providing useful resources on freight insurance, industry risks, and the shipping process.

9. Freight Insurance Providers (e.g., AIG, Allianz, and Zurich)

These major global insurance companies offer insights into the types of freight insurance available and explain how different policies help protect against specific transportation risks.

10. CargoNet Reports on Freight Theft

CargoNet provides data on cargo theft incidents in the United States, highlighting the importance of freight insurance in protecting against the increasing threat of theft in transit.

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