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Carrier Liability Insurance: Transport Coverage Made Easy
Interview with Andrey Portanskiy from DB SCHENKER about the importance of liability insurance for transport companies.
Logistics providers face numerous risks when moving goods across borders. What happens if cargo is damaged, lost, or delayed?
Carrier liability insurance is essential. This insurance provides a practical and flexible solution for companies looking to safeguard their liability in transport operations.
In cooperation with the Schunck Group, DB SCHENKER offers transport companies liability coverage* in accordance with common transport contracts and legal regulations. It meets the requirements of Drive4Schenker and provides broad coverage for transport contracts. The booking process is completely digital via the Drive4Schenker account.
To gain deeper insights, we spoke with our expert, Andrey Portanskiy, Insurance Broker Hub Manager, Europe at DB SCHENKER about the importance of liability insurance for transport companies.
How does carrier liability insurance help carriers reduce financial risks?
Andrey Portanskiy: “Carrier liability insurance helps companies reduce financial risk by covering claims related to cargo damage, loss, or delay, thereby reducing the financial burden on transport operators.
Our insurance covers liability arising from freight contracts, whether for DB SCHENKER orders or those from other partners. It applies across all European countries and Mediterranean coastal states. However, it does not cover forwarding and warehousing contracts or the transport of certain goods, such as household items, live animals, precious metals, money, or artwork.
By providing financial protection against unforeseen issues, it helps companies maintain stability, comply with legal requirements, and operate with greater confidence in an unpredictable logistics environment.”
What are the most common carrier liability risks?
Andrey Portanskiy: "Carrier liability risks include cargo damage due to accidents or incorrect handling, as well as loss or theft in transit. Delays in delivery can cause financial penalties, especially for time-sensitive goods. Incomplete documentation can also lead to customs problems, fines, or legal disputes, while improper loading or unloading can result in cargo shifting and damage. For us as a logistics provider, compliance with varying national and international regulations is another major challenge, and carriers can also face third-party liability if transported goods cause damage to other property or individuals.”
What factors should companies consider when choosing the right liability insurance?
Andrey Portanskiy: “When choosing the right carrier liability insurance, companies should consider several key factors. Coverage scope is crucial – businesses must ensure the policy aligns with their operations, including transport routes and cargo types. Legal compliance is another priority, as the insurance should meet both international conventions
Managing transport orders and insurance in one place simplifies the process. Established insurance partners like Schunck Group and AIG provide their expertise. The coverage is flexible and applies to all transport contracts with optional extensions. There are no hidden restrictions or additional sublimits for qualified liability cases. Claims processing is efficient, with an intuitive online application form and expert support available in the local language.”
* only available in some European countries
