Goods in transit

Cargo insurance from origin to destination

Protection for goods in transit by land, sea or air, for shippers, freight forwarders and logistics companies. We work with marine and transportation insurers to cover a single high-value shipment or a global supply chain.

Request a cargo quote

Why it matters

Protect your shipments every mile

Cargo insurance protects your goods against loss or damage during transit, whether shipped by truck, rail, ocean vessel or aircraft. Standard carrier liability often provides minimal protection, leaving you exposed if your cargo is damaged, stolen or destroyed.

We work with specialized marine and transportation insurers to shape cargo coverage around how you ship, from a single high-value shipment to complex global supply chains.

Coverage types

Types of cargo coverage

Protection options for every shipping need and mode of transport.

Ocean marine cargo

Goods shipped by sea, including containerized cargo, bulk shipments and project cargo. Protection against perils of the sea, theft and general average.

Air cargo

High-value, time-sensitive shipments transported by air, covering damage during loading, flight, unloading and airport handling.

Motor truck cargo

Goods transported by truck, including LTL and FTL shipments. Protection for truckers and freight brokers against cargo loss or damage claims.

Shipper's interest

Owner's cargo insurance that protects the shipper's financial interest in goods regardless of carrier liability, following the cargo door to door.

Rail cargo

Freight transported by rail, including intermodal containers, boxcars and tank cars, against derailment, collision and handling damage.

Stock throughput

Continuous coverage from manufacturer to final destination, including storage at warehouses and distribution centers, closing gaps between marine and property policies.

Who we insure

Who needs cargo insurance?

Cargo coverage for every participant in the supply chain.

Manufacturers

Finished goods and raw materials in transit.

Trucking companies

Motor truck cargo for goods you haul.

Freight forwarders

Contingent cargo for arranged shipments.

Importers / exporters

International cargo protection worldwide.

Distributors

Coverage for inventory in motion.

Retailers

Stock throughput from vendor to store.

3PL providers

Warehouse legal liability and cargo.

Freight brokers

Contingent coverage for brokered loads.

Commodities

Coverage for all commodity types

From general merchandise to highly specialized cargo, we arrange coverage for nearly any commodity, with underwriters who understand the risks of each cargo type.

General merchandise

Consumer goods
Retail products
Household items

Electronics & technology

Computers and servers
Mobile devices
Semiconductors

Perishables & food

Refrigerated goods
Fresh produce
Frozen products

Heavy machinery

Construction equipment
Industrial machines
Agricultural equipment

Specialized cargo

Pharmaceuticals
Fine art and antiques
Jewelry and precious metals
Hazardous materials
Automobiles
Livestock

Why shippers work with us

Cargo experience that travels

International shipping

We understand international shipping rules and Incoterms, and how to structure coverage that follows your cargo worldwide.

Specialized markets

Marine insurers and transportation specialists who understand commodity-specific risks.

Fast certificates

Quick turnaround on certificates when you need proof of coverage for shipments or customers.

Claims assistance

Guidance through the claims process to document losses properly and recover quickly.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Why isn't carrier liability enough to protect my shipments?

Carrier liability is limited by law and often excludes many common causes of loss. For truckers, liability is typically capped at a fraction of the cargo value. Ocean carriers limit liability to very low per-package amounts under COGSA, and air carriers follow Montreal Convention limits. Cargo insurance provides full-value protection regardless of carrier fault.

What is the difference between all-risk and named-peril coverage?

All-risk (now often called open-peril) coverage protects against all causes of physical loss or damage except those specifically excluded. Named-peril coverage only protects against causes of loss specifically listed in the policy. All-risk is broader and typically recommended for most cargo.

Do I need cargo insurance if I'm shipping FOB or CIF?

Incoterms like FOB and CIF determine when risk transfers between buyer and seller, not whether insurance is needed. With FOB, the buyer assumes risk once goods are on the vessel. With CIF, the seller must provide insurance, often at minimum levels. You should carry your own cargo insurance covering your risk period rather than relying on a trading partner's coverage.

Can I get coverage for a single shipment, or do I need an annual policy?

Both are available. Single-shipment policies work well for occasional shippers or one-time high-value transports. Annual open cargo policies are more cost-effective for frequent shippers because they automatically cover all shipments up to policy limits without individual certificates for each.

What information do I need to get a cargo insurance quote?

The type of goods shipped, annual shipping values, modes of transport, shipping routes (domestic or international), packaging methods and loss history. For single-shipment coverage, we need the shipment details, including origin, destination, value and commodity description.

Protect your cargo

Get cargo coverage shaped around how and where you ship. Or email info@firstunderwriters.com.

Start the application Call (425) 242-5357

Related coverage

Coverage descriptions are general summaries for education. They are not legal, tax or coverage advice, a statement of coverage, an offer or a binder. Coverage, limits and eligibility are governed by the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policies issued and are subject to underwriting.