Freight Insurance: Is It Worth It for Your Shipment?

You might think your shipments are fully protected, but standard carrier liability often leaves gaps that can be costly. When damage, loss, or theft happens in transit, relying on carrier coverage alone can leave you coming up short. Freight insurance adds a stronger safety net, protecting the true value of your goods and helping safeguard both your shipments and your profits — especially as volumes rise and cargo risks increase.

What Is Freight Insurance?

Freight insurance covers your shipment against damage, loss, or theft while it’s in transit. It’s a separate policy that reimburses you based on the declared value of your freight — not just a fraction like standard carrier liability.

Carrier liability is limited by law and typically pays out pennies on the dollar. Freight insurance steps in as the extra layer that offers real protection when the unexpected happens.

Why Does Freight Insurance Matter?

Shipping today comes with higher risks:

• Rising shipment volumes mean more opportunity for loss or damage

• Cargo theft is on the rise, especially for electronics, food, and pharmaceuticals

• Weather events are disrupting lanes more often

• High-value freight like industrial equipment, medical supplies, or oversized cargo needs extra protection

The stakes are simply too high to leave them under-insured.

Common Misconceptions About Freight Insurance

Many shippers underestimate the gap:

• “My carrier will pay for it.” Carrier liability is limited and does not cover the full declared value.

• “It’s too expensive.” Freight insurance usually costs pennies on the dollar compared to a total loss.

• “We’ve never had a claim before.” Until you do — and even one catastrophic loss can erase years of profits.

Real-World Examples

Examples of shipments that benefit from proactive insurance planning:

• high-value or time-sensitive cargo

• specialized or oversized freight

• goods requiring special permits or handling

• temperature-controlled products

These types of shipments carry higher stakes — planning ahead helps safeguard your investment and avoid financial strain if the unexpected happens.

How Accurate Supports You

At Accurate Logistics, we don’t sell insurance — but we do support you in planning smarter, especially when it comes to high-value or sensitive freight. We help make sure all the shipment details are accurate upfront — including declared value, proper documentation, and visibility for higher-risk lanes.

If freight insurance is something you’re considering, we can flag common risk points and help you ask the right questions before booking. Our job is to help you avoid costly surprises and protect what matters most — your freight, your timeline, and your peace of mind.

Have questions about an upcoming shipment?

We’re happy to help you think it through.

👉 Contact Our Team