Top Myths and Misconceptions About Freight Forwarder Insurance

Myth 1: Freight Forwarders Don’t Need Insurance, Only Carriers or Shippers Do

Reality: While carriers do require insurance to cover physical damage or loss of cargo during transportation, freight forwarders also need insurance. Freight forwarders handle various tasks beyond transportation, such as documentation, customs clearance, and warehousing. They can be held liable for errors, omissions, or delays in these processes. In the case of a general average loss, if you have no insurance to pay your portion of the claim, your cargo can also be withheld. Freight forwarder insurance, such as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, helps protect against these liabilities. 

Myth 2: Carriers’ Insurance Covers All Aspects of the Shipment

Reality: Carriers’ insurance typically covers physical loss or damage to the cargo during transit. However, it might not cover issues such as cargo abandonment, theft, pilferage, or damage that occurs outside of transportation (e.g., while in a warehouse or during manufacturing). Freight forwarder insurance can cover these additional risks and liabilities and usually protects the shipment from door to door.

Myth 3: General Liability Insurance Covers All Freight Forwarder Liabilities

Reality: General liability insurance might cover some liabilities, but it may not be tailored to the specific risks faced by freight forwarders. General liability insurance might not cover errors in documentation, incorrect customs filings, or delays in the supply chain. Freight forwarders should consider specialized insurance policies like E&O insurance and cargo insurance to adequately cover their risks.

Myth 4: All Cargo Insurance Policies Are the Same

Reality: Cargo insurance policies can vary significantly in terms of coverage, limits, and exclusions. Some policies might only cover specific perils (e.g., fire, theft), while others offer broader coverage. It’s important for freight forwarders to carefully review policy terms and conditions to ensure they have the appropriate coverage for their specific operations and the types of cargo they handle.

Myth 5: Insurance Is Expensive and Not Worth the Cost

Reality: While insurance does come with a cost, the potential financial impact of not having proper coverage can be far more significant. Without insurance, a freight forwarder could be liable for substantial losses, legal fees, and damages resulting from errors, delays, or losses. Not to mention the impact it can have on your business’s reputation and your relationship with your clients if their cargo is damaged and you didn’t offer/carry insurance. Insurance provides a safety net and can protect a business from financial ruin in case of unforeseen events.

Myth 6: Freight Forwarders Are Automatically Covered Under Their Clients’ Insurance

Reality: Freight forwarders are separate entities from their clients (shippers) and might not be automatically covered under their clients’ insurance policies. Even if a shipper has cargo insurance, it might not cover the freight forwarder’s liabilities or errors. Freight forwarders should have their own insurance policies to protect their interests.

Myth 7: Freight Forwarder Insurance Covers All Types of Claims

Reality: Insurance policies have limitations, exclusions, and conditions that determine what is covered. Certain events, such as acts of war, intentional misconduct, or improper packaging, might not be covered by standard insurance policies. It’s important to understand the terms and exclusions of the policy to avoid surprises when filing a claim.

In conclusion, understanding the nuances of freight forwarder insurance is essential for professionals in the logistics industry. It’s important to work with insurance experts and review policies carefully to ensure that all potential risks are adequately covered.