Freight Liability (Carrier Liability)

Freight Liability (Carrier Liability)

Freight liability, otherwise known as carrier liability, is insurance designed to protect businesses from commercial exposures involving mishandling, negligence, or other issues related to freight transport. Freight carriers, or businesses that operate larger logistical chains involving freight carriers, are incentivized to operate quickly and efficiently, however, doing so can lead to errors and damages. That’s why it’s important for these businesses to keep themselves protected with a comprehensive liability policy tailored to their needs. If you’re shopping for freight liability, request a free rate comparison through the LaunchPad quote tool. We’ll connect you with a qualified agent that can explain your options and help you find affordable coverage.

Freight Liability Law for Carriers

Carriers are legally required to have some degree of freight liability coverage. Their specific obligation will vary based on the type or freight class of goods being transported. Those factors then translate into a dollar amount coverage per pound of freight. The coverage applies in instances of error or negligence on the part of the carrier, but does not cover:

• An act of God
• An act of a public enemy
• An act of the shipper
• An act of the authorities
• The inherent nature or vice of the goods themselves

In the above instances, additional coverage in the form of freight insurance would need to be held by the shipper to ensure full protection for their freight in a broader range of circumstances.

Freight Liability & Freight Claims 101 for Shippers

Even though freight liability is designed to protect carriers, it’s also important for shippers to understand the coverage and its limitations in order to determine if their goods are adequately protected and whether they may need additional insurance. As indicated above, there are a number of instances where a claim would not qualify for coverage under freight liability. Even if a claim was accepted, coverage is set as a blanket amount and may not necessarily match the actual value of the cargo lost. This gap between costs covered and cost to the shipper can be particularly wide in the case of items like jewelry, electronics, and other similar goods. And in the event of a claim, the burden is on the shipper to prove fault on the part of the carrier. Because of these complexities and shortcomings, additional coverage for shippers is available in the form of freight insurance. For more information, visit our freight insurance page. If you need liability coverage or have additional questions on the difference between freight liability and freight insurance, give us a call today or complete our quote request form. Our service team will get you on your way to a free quote and help your business stay compliant with your coverage requirements.