Protecting Your International Cargo

It is said that one of the most challenging aspects of international transportation is claims and how to protect your international cargo against loss or damage. Even though challenging, protecting your cargo against potential loss or damage should not be ignored.

Many shippers do not realize that different rules apply depending upon mode of transportation, over-the-road domestic, intermodal, domestic air, international ocean and international air.

Ocean shipments, import and export from the US are controlled by the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA), based upon the international treaty known as the Hague Rules.  The Hague Rules do not offer enough protection against loss or damage to cargo by ship-owners. And limits ship-owner liability to $500 per package, for shipments not in packages it is per freight unit.

Different rules apply for international air cargo and each carrier’s liability limits vary and can be as low as $.50 per pound.  Shipper’s should always keep in mind the option to purchase additional cargo insurance to protect themselves against loss or damage on international ocean or air shipments.  To find out more about ocean and air shipments and covering loss or damage please contact PNG Worldwide info@pngworldwide.com.