Transportation carriers are often responsible only for their legal liability for damage caused to your cargo, which may not be equal to the full value of your cargo, and in many cases, such as acts of god, may not be liable for the damage for the loss or damage at all. Even in the case your cargo was not damaged and discharged successfully at your destination, you may still need to pay for the loss of others under the “General Average” concept.

Preventive Measures

An insurance claim is valid only if the basic necessary measures of security are taken by all involved parties, including but not limited to, the shipper.

Packaging

- Damages sustained due to insufficient or deficient packaging of merchandise will not be covered
- Packaging must be of date and adapted to the nature, size, weight and method of transportation used Proper Loading
- Cartons or pallets must be correctly loaded and secured to prevent movement or breakage of cargo during normal shifting that can be expected in transport Proper Seal
- Once cargo/container is loaded it is imperative to affix a recommended and solid seal, the number of which will be validated on all transport documents
- The seal number will be verified at various steps of transit

Claims

When damages are apparent at time of delivery:

- Before accepting merchandise, damages must be noted and acknowledged on delivery receipt
- Immediately contact ABCDEX Cargo, and we will advise all involved parties and appoint a surveyor or claims adjustor to evaluate the damages, if appropriate
- Take necessary measures to preserve the merchandise and/or prevent further loss
- ile an official claim with the proper authorities

When damages are discovered after delivery:

- Immediately stop the unpackaging process and contact ABCDEX Cargo; we will appoint a surveyor or a claims adjustor to evaluate and witness the damages, if appropriate
- File a claim and advise all involved parties, preferably by certified communication Filing a Claim

The following documents must be provided:

- Original insurance certificate form
- Original Bill of Lading or Airway Bill
- Copy of the cargo commercial invoice
- Copy of the claim
- Packing list
- Report from the surveyor or claims adjustor, if applicable
- All other documents pertinent to the claim, such as photographs, original seal, etc.

Rules for Full Container Load Shipments

When merchandise is transported as a full load directly from the shipper, from point to point, any discrepancy in part or in full will not be covered by insurance, unless the following events have occurred:
(1) The container was not sealed at departure.
(2) The seal was tampered with or broken.

Damages Incurred Due to Temperature Variations

Responsibilities of the insured:

- The insured must ascertain that its shippers are aware of standard security rules and methods of protecting cargo during transport
-The insured must immediately advise all involved parties, primarily but not limited to the freight forwarder, as soon as damages or loss are identified
- Failure to react promptly can result in rejection of claim