Cargo Insurance
Cargo Insurance
Cargo Insurance
1.INTRODUCATION
What is clear to many cargo insurance (a type of property insurance), but why is it necessary? The purpose
of this article briefly and simply explains the need for this operation.
It is worth noting that the insurance of goods in the European Union is mandatory. We have it voluntarily.
Under the cargo insurance refers to the following operations: cargo insurance, insurance of dangerous goods,
international cargo insurance, and property insurance of cargo. This is almost a complete list of what can be
understood by the service of cargo insurance.
Most often, insurance protects against unexpected circumstances. Cargo can be protected, or trust company,
which had never been failures, but an unexpected and unpleasant turn of events, is always possible. Cargo
can be damaged or even worse lost completely. Insurance guarantees at least compensation loss of cargo.
To insure your cargo not far to seek, insurance carried by most shipping companies.
The main thing to pay attention to the design contract for cargo insurance, it is not a mere formality, always
checks to see whether the documents issued for transportation.Insurance can be arranged depending on the
nature of the traffic. Company discharged or simple policy for each shipment or general policy. General
policy is valid for all types of transport declared by the insured.
In determining the amount of payment for a particular transport necessarily consider the following:
- Statements of operations;
- Conditions of carriage;
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Insured - a wise decision to resolve unexpected problems. And they believe, often occur in our country
transportation. Undue risk always leads to losses. Take care of your property, with the support of
professionals and proven companies.
Cargo Insurance provides coverage against all risks of physical loss or damage to freight during the
shipment from any external cause during shipping, whether by land, sea or air.
Also, known as Freight Insurance, it covers transits carried out in the water, air, road, rail, registered post
parcel, and courier.Cargo insurance is important in international trade.
Different types of cargo insurance policies available for transporting goods by land, sea, or air.
Businesses need cargo insurance to reduce the risk of importing and exporting. Cargo insurance is covered
under risk policy or floating policies.
The cargo may be of any description, for example, wares, merchandise, property, goods and so on.
Duration of the risk of attaching from the time the goods leave the warehouse or another place of storage at
the placement of the policy for the commencement of transit.
Freight is to be payable for the carriage of cargoes or if the vessel, is chartered, the money to be paid for the
use of the vessel. The carriage is unable to earn freight if the goods or properties (cargoes) are not safely
transported.
Pre-paid freight payable in advance is at the risks of the cargo owner who includes it in the value of the
goods insured under a cargo policy.But freight payable only, on the delivery of the goods at the destination,
is at the risk of the ship-owner who has the insurable interest in it and therefore can insure it.
The disbursement warranty of the ITC (Hulls) allows the shipowner to effect in ‘Conjugation with 12
months insurance on the ship’s hulls and machinery etc.
Time insurance on freight and charters freight and anticipated freight. When the ship is lost, it also results in
loss of her profit earring capacity and the termination of freight contracts already entered into.A certain
amount of freight is insured by a shipowner for 12 months under the Institute Time Clauses (freight).
Additional policies are insured on a voyage basis. The freight at risk on any voyage exceeds the amount of
insured for time. The Institute Voyage Clauses (freight) is then used.Time charter hire is payable to the
shipowner for the use of his ship for the carriage of goods for a specific period.
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If any events occur, such as the breakdown of machinery damage to the vessel, etc. which prevents’ the
operation of the vessel for more than 24 consecutive hours, of the payment hire, shall cease until the ship
becomes operational.This freight is at the risk of the ship-owner.
The risk then continues during the ordinary course of transit to terminate on delivery.
Cargo insurance has coverage of loss or damage caused by war, civil war, revolution, rebellion, insurrection
or civil strife or any hostile act, capture, seizure, arrest, restraint detainment, general average and salvage
charges, strikes, riots, etc.
Trade coverage covers the insurance needs of the various type of cargoes of general nature.
Several commodities and foodstuffs provide for particular hazards. Institute of London Underwriters (ILU)
have adopted uniform trade practices.
Which are followed by other insurers for insurance of cocoa, coffee, cotton, fats oil knots, hides, skins,
leather, metal, oilseeds, sugar, tea and so is assured under a standard policy.
There is separate insurance of coal, Jute, Rubber, tanker, bulk oil, frozen products.
Infestation.
Cargo abandonment.
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Customs rejection.
Employee’s dishonesty.
Non-delivery.
Theft.
Fire.
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2.RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
cargo insurance covers the loss or damage of ships, cargo, terminals, and any transport or cargo by
which property is transferred, acquired, or held between the points of origin and final destination.
2.3 METHODOLOGY:
2.3.1 Applied Research: Research undertaken to find a solution for a particular problem faced by a
2.3.2 Case Studies: Within the set-up of the research project from which this research will result, it is
also considered important to provide good case studies of typical cargo insurance cases. In addition, a
clear look at various case studies can provide important indications of the instruments used in the
In view of the objects of the study listed above an exploratory research design has been adopted.
Exploratory research is one which is largely interprets and already available information and it lays
particular emphasis on analysis and interpretation of the existing and available information.
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The primary object of the exploratory research design is to provide insight into an understanding of
the problem.
So far, I have studied more than seven books, including the The Law Relating to Cargo Insurance;
The Law of Cargo Insurance in India, Maritime Law, Cargo Insurance Its Principles and Practice (Classic
Reprint), Cargo Insurance: Law and Practice (Lloyd's Shipping Law Library) etc., and a couple of classic
Additionally, I have already surveyed more than ten websites. Several of these sites have a large
number of links to other sites with information about the ‘Cargo Insurance’, so I plan to look at many of
these other sites. The majority of the sites that I evaluated had the text of complete articles, law reports and
precedents about cargo insurance. Obviously, since the study of cargo insurance is a part of the research
project, the survey of complete articles, law reports and textbooks is necessary as well.
It refers to first hand information which is collected to solve a specific problem. In some cases the
researchers may realize the need for collecting the first hand information. As in the case of everyday life, if
we want to have first hand information or any happening or event, we either ask someone who knows about
it or we observe it ourselves, we do the both. Thus, the primary data is collected through questionnaire. The
Any data, which have been gathered earlier for some other purpose, are secondary data in the hands
of researcher. Those data collected first hand, either by the researcher or by someone else, especially for the
purpose of the study is known as primary data. The data collected for this project has been taken from the
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Questionnaire
Internet
Magazines
Newspapers
Books
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Keeping in the view objective of the study the sample size of 30 respondents is consider good.
1) Importers – 10 Respondents
2) Exporters – 10 Respondents
3) Others - 10 Respondents
Sampling design is a plan designed to select the appropriate sample in order to collect the right data so as to
achieve the research objective. A sample is a part of the universe that can be used as respondents to a survey
or for the purpose of experimentation, in order to collect relevant information to solve a particular problem.
VIII) HYPOTHESIS:
The formulation of hypothesis is an important step in the formulation of research problem. The hypothesis is
a tentative proposition formulation to determine its validity. The hypothesis may prove to be correct or
incorrect. In any event, it is leads to an empirical test. Whatever the outcome, the hypothesis is a question
put in such a way that an answer of some kind can be forthcoming. In the given problem hypothesis is
“There is high degree of risk in cargo transportation, therefore cargo insurance plays important role
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3. TYPES OF COVERAGE
Improper packing
Abandonment of cargo
Nuclear
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replace his losses. This noble thought survives in current transportation law so that when a vessel runs
aground, incurring substantial damage to the vessel, all of the firms having cargo on board the vessel help to
pay for the repairs. General Average liability is the first reason for purchasing cargo insurance. All types of
insurance cover General Average. There are many stories of customers that have steadfastly refused to
purchase cargo insurance, only to be involved in a General Average condition that cost up to 25% of the
value of their goods. Everyone should have cargo insurance, even if they think their cargo is not worth
covering. The liability for General Average makes it essential.
For example, improperly packed rice can expand and spoil while in-transit. This would not be covered under
standard Cargo Insurance Contracts.
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4.1.1 ORIGIN:-
Maritime insurance was the earliest well-developed kind of insurance, with origins in the Greek and Roman
maritime loan. Separate marine insurance contracts were developed in Genoa and other Italian cities in the
fourteenth century and spread to northern Europe. Premiums varied with intuitive estimates of the variable
risk from seasons and pirates.
The modern origins of marine insurance law in English law were in the law merchant, with the establishment
in England in 1601 of a specialized chamber of assurance separate from the other Courts. Lord Mansfield,
Lord Chief Justice in the mid-eighteenth century, began the merging of law merchant and common law
principles. The establishment of Lloyd's of London, competitor insurance companies, a developing
infrastructure of specialists (such as shipbrokers, admiralty lawyers, bankers, surveyors, loss adjusters,
general average adjusters), and the growth of the British Empire gave English law a prominence in this area
which it largely maintains and forms the basis of almost all modern practice. The growth of the London
insurance market led to the standardization of policies and judicial precedent further developed marine
insurance law. In 1906 the Marine Insurance Act was passed which codified the previous common law; it is
both an extremely thorough and concise piece of work. Although the title of the Act refers to marine
insurance, the general principles have been applied to all non-life insurance.
In the 19th century, Lloyd's and the Institute of London Underwriters (a grouping of London company
insurers) developed between them standardized clauses for the use of marine insurance, and these have been
maintained since. These are known as the Institute Clauses because the Institute covered the cost of their
publication.
Within the overall guidance of the Marine Insurance Act and the Institute Clauses parties retain a
considerable freedom to contract between themselves.
Marine insurance is the oldest type of insurance. Out of it grew non-marine insurance and reinsurance. It
traditionally formed the majority of business underwritten at Lloyd's. Nowadays, Marine insurance is often
grouped with Aviation and Transit (cargo) risks, and in this form is known by the acronym 'MAT'.
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4.1.2 PRACTICE:-
The Marine Insurance Act includes, as a schedule, a standard policy (known as the "SG form"), which
parties were at liberty to use if they wished. Because each term in the policy had been tested through at least
two centuries of judicial precedent, the policy was extremely thorough. However, it was also expressed in
rather archaic terms. In 1991, the London market produced a new standard policy wording known as the
MAR 91 form and using the Institute Clauses. The MAR form is simply a general statement of insurance;
the Institute Clauses are used to set out the detail of the insurance cover. In practice, the policy document
usually consists of the MAR form used as a cover, with the Clauses stapled to the inside. Typically each
clause will be stamped, with the stamp overlapping both onto the inside cover and to other clauses; this
practice is used to avoid the substitution or removal of clauses.
Because marine insurance is typically underwritten on a subscription basis, the MAR form begins: We, the
Underwriters, agree to bind ourselves each for his own part and not one for another. In legal terms, liability
under the policy is several and not joint, i.e., the underwriters are all liable together, but only for their share
or proportion of the risk. If one underwriter should default, the remainders are not liable to pick his share of
the claim.
Typically, marine insurance is split between the vessels and the cargo. Insurance of the vessels is generally
known as "Hull and Machinery" (H&M). A more restricted form of cover is "Total Loss Only" (TLO),
generally used as a reinsurance, which only covers the total loss of the vessel and not any partial loss.
Cover may be on either a "voyage" or "time" basis. The "voyage" basis covers transit between the ports set
out in the policy; the "time" basis covers a period of time, typically one year, and is more common.
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unfavorable one or more "supplementary calls" may be made. Clubs also typically try to build up reserves,
but this puts them at odds with their mutual status.
Because liability regimes vary throughout the world, insurers are usually careful to limit or exclude
American Jones Act liability.
4.1.5 AVERAGE:-
The term "Average" has one meaning:
Average in Marine Insurance Terms is "an equitable apportionment among all the interested parties of such
an expense or loss."
General Average stands apart for Marine Insurance. In order for General Average to be properly declared, 1)
there must be an event which is beyond the ship owner’s control, which imperils the entire adventure; 2)
there must be a voluntary sacrifice, 3) there must be something saved.
The voluntary sacrifice might be the jettison of certain cargo, the use of tugs, or salvors, or damage to the
ship, be it, voluntary grounding, knowingly working the engines that will result in damages.
"General Average" requires all parties concerned in the maritime venture (Hull/Cargo/Freight/Bunkers) to
contribute to make good the voluntary sacrifice. They share the expense in proportion to the 'value at risk" in
the adventure.
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"Particular Average" is the term applied to partial loss be it hull or cargo. Co-insurance – is the situation
where an insured has under-insured, i.e., insured an item for less than it is worth, average will apply to
reduce the amount payable.
An average adjuster is a marine claims specialist responsible for adjusting and providing the general average
statement
To insure the fairness of the adjustment a General Average adjuster is appointed by the ship owner and paid
by the insurer.
performance of that contract, and, if breached, the non-breaching party is entitled not only to claim damages
but to terminate the contract on the basis that it has been repudiated by the party in breach. By contrast, a
warranty is not fundamental to the performance of the contract and breach of a warranty, while giving rise to
a claim for damages, does not entitle the non-breaching party to terminate the contract. The meaning of these
terms is reversed in insurance law. Indeed, a warranty if not strictly complied with will automatically
discharge the insurer from further liability under the contract of insurance. The assured has no defense to his
breach, unless he can prove that the insurer, by his conduct has waived his right to invoke the breach,
possibility provided in section 34(3) of the Marine Insurance Act 1906 (MIA). Furthermore in the absence of
express warranties the MIA will imply them, notably a warranty to provide a seaworthy vessel at the
commencement of the voyage in a voyage policy (section 39(1)) and a warranty of legality of the insured
voyage (section 41).
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A ship captured in war is referred to as a prize, and the captors entitled to prize money. Again, this risk is
covered by standard policies.
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2. Voyage policy:-
Voyage policies protect a certain ship traveling a certain route regardless of length of time. In these cases the
insurance would not be effective until the voyage begins and would terminate when the voyage ends.
3. Mixed policy:-
This policy is the combination of time and voyage policy. It, therefore, covers the risks for both particular
voyage and for a stated period of time.
4. Floating policy:-
Floating policy is taken for a relatively large sum by the regular suppliers of goods. It covers several
shipments which are declared afterwards along with other particulars. This policy is most situated to
exporter in order to avoid trouble of taking out a separate policy for every shipment.
5. Valued policy:-
Under its terms the agreed value of the subject matter of insurance is mentioned in the policy itself. In case
of cargo this value means the cost of goods plus freight and shipping charges plus 10% to 15% margin for
anticipated profit. The said value may be more than the actual value of goods.
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8. Blanket policy:-
Under the condition of the blanket policy the maximum limit of the required amount of protection is
estimated which is purchased in lump sum. The amount of premium is usually paid in advance. This policy
describes the nature of goods insured, specific route, ports and places of the voyages and covers all the risk
accordingly.
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Hull insurance covers physical damage to an insured vessel as well as salvage costs and limited property
damage liability. It is similar to collision coverage for an automobile. Builder's risk policies protect these
same vessels during construction until they are ready for operation.
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The air transports of the time are not known for carrying capacity. However, over time all aircraft reached
great heights. If initially it was possible to carry on a plane not more than a thousand pounds of cargo, by the
end of the third decade of the XX century, appeared in the air transport, air cargo has made possible to a
million pounds of weight. And one of the first companies to include in the active development of air cargo
was Boeing. This company belongs to the glory of creating the first mail plane in the U.S., known as the
Model 40.
Before the Second World War, a commercial airline could not fully express themselves in the development
of transportation because of the limitations. But in 1941, some of them managed to get permission for this
activity. As a result, by American Airlines in 1942 have been mastered transcontinental cargo flights. And
one of the first aircraft used by the company was a Douglas DC-3. This model is due to its flight and lifting
qualities aroused great interest of the U.S. Army. By the end of the war were fired more than ten thousand of
these aircraft. It is on the Douglas DC-3 that makes the first trucking company Lufthansa from Europe to
America in 1957.
Regular intercontinental air freight began with the appearance of Douglas DC-6. The model is designed for
the transportation of cargo, entered service in 1949. It's a plane with excellent for the time characteristics,
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having increased capacity to withstand heavy payload, with a spacious interior - extremely popular air
transport equally well used for the transport of persons, and for the delivery of goods.
The next stage in the development of trucking is the creation of a giant cargo and passenger Boeing 747. For
the release of such powerful in size aircraft had to build a new plant in the United States, where they began
to be produced from the 70's. The demand for huge Boeing began to decline only with the beginning of the
new millennium. During this time, a lot of modifications as Boeing 747 passenger and cargo destinations. At
the moment, for passenger airlines, this model is no longer sold, but airfreight famous «Jumbo Jet» still
performs with surprising regularity.
Current level of development of transportation by air creates more competition among the many companies
offering trucking. And choosing among them is suitable for specific purposes can be difficult without the
help of professionals. The company "Borger" is ready to take on the full range of services to ensure the safe
delivery of any goods by air, on certification of goods and customs clearance to the construction of the
optimal route, the choice of airline and freight forwarding to the destination.
4.2.2 COVERAGE:-
Warehouse-to-warehouse coverage for physical loss or damage to goods caused by an external event.
Coverage for litigation and labor expenses incurred to prevent or mitigate a loss.
Coverage for landing, warehousing and forwarding charges incurred as the result of an insured peril. It can
be extended to include inland transit and warehouse risks as well as coverage for war, strikes, riots and civil
commotion, terrorism, theft, hijacking, shortage and non-delivery.
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packaging and labor costs can be saved dramatically with air freight services due to faster delivery and better
security.
Speed of delivery is of particular importance in air cargo related to health care. These drugs with a limited
shelf life, and organs for transplantation, and donor blood.This also is attributed transported plants and
animals, as well as the press, that sounds pretty unexpected, but logical.
Another advantage of air cargo is the ability to deliver to hard for all other transport areas. This is especially
true for regions, the way in which to train and freight wagons block the mountains or rivers. Even in cases
where the message cut off from the mainland area may land or water, often bring back the goods "on the
chaise," using the roads and railways, and trucks and ferries or barges, repeatedly overloading the product.
This method of delivery as a result is not only time consuming but also very expensive, so air travel in this
situation is more suitable.
And, of course, to the advantages of air cargo should include the safety of this mode of transportation.
Sending goods by air do not worry about their safety, regardless of the distance, which he has to overcome.
When air travel is lost nothing, does not deteriorate, and always delivered on time. And to provide even
more reliable delivery of cargo by air, which not only help you make the best route to choose a suitable
carrier and competently prepare all necessary documents, but will provide professional support to the
shipping destination.
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In cases where it is not too high, air transport is simply not profitable. Therefore, for leisurely delivery cheap
goods is another preferred type of transport, for example, by water, in the case of delivery of cargo from one
continent to another, or trains, when the destination is on the same continent. In the latter case is not as
popular, and delivery trucks.
Another negative point may be difficulties with delivery of small loads by air. When it comes to small-sized
goods, air cargo relevant is only when supplying them in large quantities. Otherwise, the cost of shipping
will be higher than the cost of transported goods. But this deficiency can usually be overcome by choosing to
air transportation of cargo delivery as urgent transport of small parties small items required infrequently.
In case of non-flying conditions or other unforeseen circumstances, there is air cargo insurance, which
reduces the risks associated with this mode of transportation to a minimum. But the peculiarity of
international air travel is that a great deal is also customs. Customs procedures remain virtually unchanged
from the time of its formation. Moreover, they are similar enough for freight and passenger traffic.
The main function of the customs authorities in both cases is the control of goods transported on
international flights. That's what the customs officers at airports check. In international air travel for
passengers checking the luggage at a special place on the airport. In the departure lounge customs,
inspection is carried out before the registration desk. After customs clearance passengers are recorded in
counters, they have to present a passport and issue the luggage of transportation. Next, there is a special
check conducted for the presence of prohibited items for carriage.
To prevent unauthorized cargo, Customs cooperate with services by air monitoring. Indeed, apart from the
official flight, there are also private flights. And international air travel has a feature that consists of the fact
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that the foreign aircraft in the territory of any State may be inspected only in case of emergency. Therefore,
the interaction of the air and ground services helps to take control of the airfield, checking all aircraft for
possible hiding place of facts.
There are certain rules governing international air freight. These rules are determined by the allowable size
and weight, packaging, labeling and matching contents of consignment. Flight transported goods must
comply with safety standards and do not pose a threat to other crew's baggage and cargo ship. There are
clear instructions for the transport of perishable goods. Unfortunately, the rules are not always respected, and
a violation of the tracking is also included in the task control services.
Special Handling:-
Fragile item transport applies for those articles that because of their characteristics, form, or packaging may
break or be damaged upon being transported by COPA AIRLINES COLOMBIA. This type of cargo must be
properly packed with materials that protect, particularly with a cushioning material that keeps goods
protected.
Some of these articles include: computers, dishes/plates, cellular telephones, LCD and plasma TVs,
ceramics, and crystal. All of these items must be in perfect condition and provided packaging that protects
them during transport.
Perishable Goods:-
Goods that when not kept under certain conditions are affected in a way that compromises their essential
qualities.
Perishable goods include products such as: fruits, flowers, vegetables, meats, eggs, medicines and
transplants, organs, fish, etc. This type of cargo is usually evaluated to make sure that there is no leakage and
that internal packing is sufficient for absorption if any spillage does occur during transport.
Personal Belongings:-
Personal belongings must include a packing list in order to be received as cargo. If they are not accompanied
by a packing list, they must be stamped with a shipping label that relieves Copa Airlines Colombia of any
responsibility in losses during shipment. This includes luggage (excess luggage), and household items
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(moves). Passengers generally find out about this cargo service when they have excess baggage and prefer
the service for its value.
Human Remains:-
Human remains include:
1. Cadavers: the human body.
2. Incinerated remains: ashes of a human body.
Cadavers:
Must be embalmed and packed in this order: a zinc or iron metal box (hermetic), absorbent material, a
wooden box (casket), cardboard, and finally a wooden crate with handles.
Incinerated Remains:-
Must be contained in a funerary urn, stored in external packaging, and contained with sufficient and proper
cushioning material.
Note:-
Human remains from individuals that have passed away as a result of an infectious disease must be cremated
in order to be transported in any way.
Valuable Goods:-
Valuable goods are any that include gold, platinum, bank notes, securities, stock shares, cash, etc. For the
transport of said goods, commercial agreements and procedures must be agreed upon before transport.
Live Animals:-
Live animals may be accepted as air cargo provided they comply with the following requisites:
They are domesticated or otherwise non-harmful animals.
They are kept in cages or packaging that is suitable and safe.
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Documentation:-
Dogs must be accompanied by vaccination documents.
Dangerous Goods
Are articles or substances that may pose risks to human health, safety, security, property, or the environment.
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When considered in terms of ton-miles or tonne-kilometers hauled per unit of energy consumed, rail
transport can be more efficient than other means of transportation. Maximum economies are typically
realized with bulk commodities (e.g., coal), especially when hauled over long distances. However, rail
freight is often subject to transshipment costs, which may exceed that of operating the train itself, a factor
that practices such as containerization aim to minimize. Bulk shipments are less affected by transshipment
costs, with distances as short as 30 kilometers (18.6 mi) sufficient to make rail transport economically
viable. However, shipment by rail is not as flexible as by highway, which has resulted in much freight being
hauled by truck, even over long distances.
Traditionally, large shippers build factories and warehouses near rail lines and have a section of track on
their property called a siding where goods are loaded on to or unloaded from rail cars. Other shippers have
their goods hauled (drayed) by wagon or truck to or from a goods station (freight station in US). Smaller
locomotives transfer the rail cars from the sidings and goods stations to a classification yard, where each car
is coupled to one of several long distance trains being assembled there, depending on that car's destination.
When long enough, or based on a schedule, each long distance train is then dispatched to another
classification yard. At the next classification yard, cars are resorted. Those that are destined for stations
served by that yard are assigned to local trains for delivery. Others are reassembled into trains heading to
classification yards closer to their final destination. A single car might be reclassified or switched in several
yards before reaching its final destination, a process that made rail freight slow and increased costs. Many
freight rail operators are trying to reduce these costs by reducing or eliminating switching in classification
yards through techniques such as unit trains and containerization. In many countries, railroads are built to
haul one commodity, such as coal or ore, from an inland point to a port.
A major disadvantage of rail freight is its lack of flexibility. In part for this reason, rail has lost much of the
freight business to road transport. Many governments are now trying to encourage more freight onto trains,
because of the environmental benefits that it would bring; rail transport is very energy efficient.
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In Europe (particularly Britain) many manufacturing towns developed before the railway. Many factories did
not have direct rail access. This meant that freight had to be shipped through a goods station, sent by train
and unloaded at another goods station for onward delivery to another factory. When lorries (trucks) replaced
horses it was often economic and faster to make one movement by road. In the United States, particularly in
the West and Mid-West towns developed with railway and factories often had direct rail connection. Despite
the closure of many minor lines carload shipping from one company to another by rail remains common.
Many rail systems have turned to computerized scheduling for trains which has helped add more train traffic
to the rails. Many businesses ship their products by rail if they are shipping long distance because it can be
cheaper to ship in large quantities by rail than by truck; however barge shipping remains a viable competitor
where water transport is available. Economies of scale are achieved because less labor and energy is required
to haul the same amount of cargo.
In some countries rolling highway trains are used; trucks can drive straight onto the train and drive off again
when the end destination is reached. A system like this is used on the Channel Tunnel between the United
Kingdom and France. In other countries, the tractor unit of each truck is not carried on the train, only the
trailer. Piggy back trains are common in the United States, where they are also known as trailer on flat car or
TOFC trains, but they have lost market share to containers (COFC), with longer, 53-foot containers
frequently used for domestic shipments. There are also roadrailer vehicles, which have two sets of wheels,
for use in a train, or as the trailer of a road vehicle.
There are also many other types of wagon, such as "low loader" wagons for transporting road vehicles; there
are refrigerator vans for transporting food, simple types of open-topped wagons for transporting minerals
and bulk material such as coal, and tankers for transporting liquids and gases. Most coal and aggregates are
moved in hopper wagons that can be filled and discharged rapidly, to enable efficient handling of the
materials.
Freight trains are sometimes illegally boarded by individuals who do not wish, or do not have the money, to
travel by ordinary means, a practice referred to as "hopping." Most hoppers sneak into train yards and stow
away in boxcars. Bolder hoppers will catch a train "on the fly," that is, as it is moving, leading to occasional
fatalities, some of which go unrecorded. The act of leaving a town or area by hopping a freight train is
sometimes referred to as "catching-out", as in catching a train out of town.
including non-export traffic. Rail network connectivity is limited by a number of factors, including
geographical barriers, such as oceans and mountains, technical incompatibilities, particularly different track
gauges and railway couplers, and political conflicts. The largest rail networks are located in North America
and Eurasia. Long distance freight trains are generally longer than passenger trains, with greater length
improving efficiency. Maximum length varies widely by system. See longest trains for train lengths in
different countries.
Rail freight is well standardized in North America, with Janney couplers and compatible air brakes. The
main variations are in loading gauge and maximum car weight. Most trackage is owned by private
companies that also operate freight trains on those tracks. Since the Staggers Rail Act of 1980, the freight
rail industry in the U.S. has been largely deregulated. Freight cars are routinely interchanged between
carriers, as needed, and are identified by company reporting marks and serial numbers. Most have computer
readable automatic equipment identification transponders. With isolated exceptions, freight trains in North
America are hauled by diesel locomotives, even on the electrified Northeast Corridor.
Ongoing freight-oriented development includes upgrading more lines to carry heavier and taller loads,
particularly for double-stack service, and building more efficient intermodal terminals and transload
facilities for bulk cargo. Many railroads interchange in Chicago, and a number of improvements are
underway or proposed to eliminate bottlenecks there.[4] The U.S. Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008
mandates eventual conversion to Positive Train Control signaling.
The Guatemala railroad is currently inactive, preventing rail shipment south of Mexico. Panama has freight
rail service, recently converted to standard gauge, that parallels the Panama Canal. There has never been a
rail line to South America, but a connection, FERISTSA, from Mexico to Panama, has been proposed in the
past.
4.3.1.2 EURASIA:-
Coal awaiting shipment to an electric generating plant in Germany
Train station in Tatarstan, Russia with container and tank cars
There are four major rail networks on the Eurasian land mass.
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Most counties in the European Union participate in a standard gauge network. The United Kingdom is linked
to this network via the Channel Tunnel. The Marmaray project will connect Europe with eastern Turkey,
Iran the Middle East via a rail tunnel under the Bosphorus when it opens in late 2013. Spain and Portugal are
mostly broad gauge, though Spain has built some standard gauge lines that connect with the European high
speed passenger network. A variety of electrification and signaling systems are in use, though this is less of
an issue for freight, however overhead electrification prevents double stack service on most lines. Archaic
buffer and chain couplers are generally used for freight, though there are plans to develop an automatic
coupler compatible with the Russian SA3. See Railway coupling conversion.
The countries of the former Soviet Union, along with Finland and Mongolia, participate in a Russian gauge-
compatible network, using SA3 couplers. Major lines are electrified. Russia's Trans-Siberian Railroad
connects Europe with Asia, but does not have the clearances needed to carry double-stack containers.
China has an extensive standard gauge network. Its freight trains use Janney couplers. China has ambitious
plans to extend its high speed rail network to neighboring countries and far westward, with an eventual goal
of two day service to Europe.
India and Pakistan operate extensive broad gauge networks. India also has substantial meter gauge trackage,
but it has a Project Unigauge to convert much to broad gauge. Indo-Pakistani wars and conflicts currently
restrict rail traffic between the two countries to two passenger lines. There are also links to Bangladesh and
Nepal. India operates some double stack service without the use of the special well cars needed elsewhere.
The four major Eurasian networks link to neighboring countries and to each other at several breaks of gauge
points. Containerization has facilitated greater movement between networks, including a Eurasian Land
Bridge.
4.3.1.4 AFRICA:-
The railways of Africa were mostly started by colonial powers to bring inland resources to port. There was
little regard for eventual interconnection. As a result there are a variety of gauge and coupler standards in
use. A Cape gauge network with Janney couplers serves southern Africa. East Africa uses meter gauge.
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North Africa uses standard gauge, but potential connection the European standard gauge network is blocked
by the Arab-Israeli conflict.
4.3.1.5 AUSTRALIA:-
Rail developed independently in different parts of Australia and, as a result, three major rail gauges are in
use. A standard gauge Trans-Australian Railway spans the continent.
4.3.3 STATISTICS:-
Rail freight by network, billion tonne-km
In 2011, North American railroads operated 1,471,736 freight cars and 31,875 locomotives, with 215,985
employees; They originated 39.53 million carloads (averaging 63 tons each) and generated $81.7 billion in
freight revenue. The largest (Class 1) U.S. railroads carried 10.17 million intermodal containers and 1.72
million trailers. Intermodal traffic was 6.2% of tonnage originated and 12.6% of revenue. The largest
commodities were coal, chemicals, farm products, nonmetallic minerals and intermodal. Coal alone was
43.3% of tonnage and 24.7% of revenue. The average haul was 917 miles. Within the U.S. railroads carry
39.9% of freight by ton-mile, followed by trucks (33.4%), oil pipelines (14.3%), barges (12%) and air
(0.3%).
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Railways carried 17.1% of EU freight in terms of tonne-km, compared to road transport (76.4%) and inland
waterways (6.5%).
Bulk cargo constitutes the majority of tonnage carried by most freight railroads. Bulk cargo is commodity
cargo that is transported unpackaged in large quantities. These cargos are usually dropped or poured, with a
spout or shovel bucket, as a liquid or solid, into a railroad car. Liquids, such as petroleum and chemicals, and
compressed gases are carried by rail in tank cars
Hopper cars are freight cars used to transport dry bulk commodities such as coal, ore, grain, track ballast,
and the like. This type of car is distinguished from a gondola car (US) or open wagon (UIC) in that it has
opening doors on the underside or on the sides to discharge its cargo. The development of the hopper car
went along with the development of automated handling of such commodities, with automated loading and
unloading facilities. There are two main types of hopper car: open and covered; Covered hopper cars are
used for cargo that must be protected from the elements (chiefly rain) such as grain, sugar, and fertilizer.
Open cars are used for commodities such as coal, which can get wet and dry out with less harmful effect.
Hopper cars have been used by railways worldwide whenever automated cargo handling has been desired.
Rotary car dumpers simply invert the car to unload it, and have become the preferred unloading technology,
especially in North America; they permit the use of simpler, tougher, and more compact (because sloping
ends are not required) gondola cars instead of hoppers.
6. Dry edibles (for animals or humans: alfalfa pellets, citrus pellets, livestock feed, flour, peanuts, raw
or refined sugar, seeds, starches, etc.)
7. Grain (wheat, maize, rice, barley, oats, rye, sorghum, soybeans, etc.)
8. Iron (ferrous & non-ferrous ores, ferroalloys, pig iron, scrap metal, pelletized taconite), etc.)
9. Wood chips.
Cooking Oil
Fruit juices
Milk
Vegetable oil
Zinc Ash
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4.3.6 CONTAINERIZATION:-
Containerization is a system of intermodal freight transport using standard shipping containers (also known
as 'ISO containers' or 'isotainers') that can be loaded with cargo, sealed and placed onto container ships,
railroad cars, and trucks. Containerization has revolutionized cargo shipping. As of 2009 approximately 90%
of non-bulk cargo worldwide is moved by containers stacked on transport ships; 26% of all container
transshipment is carried out in China. As of 2005, some 18 million total containers make over 200 million
trips per year.
Use of the same basic sizes of containers across the globe has lessened the problems caused by incompatible
rail gauge sizes in different countries by making transshipment between different gauge trains easier.
While typically containers travel for many hundreds or even thousands kilometers on the railway, Swiss
experience shows that with properly coordinated logistics, it is possible to operate a viable intermodal (truck
+ rail) cargo transportation system even within a country as small as Switzerland.
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hauling goods. Here are a couple of examples of what that means in practice: companies won’t recommend
policies that exclude liability for a load if the power unit is detached from the trailer and the trailer is left
unattended or where loads are not insured overnight unless inside a secure yard. In a nutshell, Insurance
managers will only propose coverage for clients that will actually cover all the reasonable legal liabilities
that a trucking company would expect to have covered, not just some of their operations. The companies
approach is firmly rooted in the real world – meaning the customer is covered for the risks he is actually
likely to face in the regular course of his business.
By choosing a cost-effective policy from Insurance Companies cargo carriers will be able to rest safe in the
knowledge that their goods will be covered in case something happens to it while it’s in their care. Insurance
Companies can create stand-alone Motor Truck Cargo Insurance policies for cargo carriers business or
include it in a wider cargo and vehicle insurance portfolio. They can provide coverage for almost any type of
cargo – from logging and drilling equipment, livestock, mobile homes to other vehicles being transported
and certain types of dangerous goods. As people would expect, there are certain exclusions in a Motor Truck
Cargo policy, which companies would explain to people in detail to help them get the very best coverage.
flood, mischief, or vandalism to your owned vehicles. Truck Insurance pricing is based on the value of the
equipment and usually pays a percentage of that value. This coverage may be required by the lien holder of
the vehicle.
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operating for hire in interstate transportation of regulated freight or passengers must have operating
authority. Our in-house ICC practitioner can handle all of your necessary filings.
4.4.4 DOCUMENTATION:-
In order to file a claim, the trucker must have a copy of the bill of lading, which is a document that lists all of
the items that make up the cargo as well as its destination and dollar value. With a contract carrier, this
information should be listed in the actual terms of the contract.
4.4.6 DIFFERENCES:-
Coverage can vary depending on the insurance company. Policies may carry high deductibles or co-
payments which could mean that the carrier could pay a significant portion of a claim out of pocket.
Premiums can also vary depending on the commodity that is being hauled. Coverage can be scheduled--
which provides specific coverage for each truck--or composite, which encompass an entire fleet.
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need to choose a deductible. A deductible is the amount they agree to pay out of pocket when they have a
claim. Choosing a higher deductible is an easy way to lower the price of their insurance, but they have to be
sure to choose a deductible that they can afford to pay out of pocket at any time.
In addition to restrictions on the body type, there are also cargo exclusions. Cargo type exclusions include:-
Shipping containers
Live animals
Property not included on a Bill of Lading
Art
Jewelry
Money
Paper
Pharmaceuticals
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Other restrictions and exclusions may apply. Motor Truck Cargo Insurance may not be available in every
state.
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CONCLUSION:-
Since there are the 4 major types of cargo insurance, people should choose the one which they find more
convenient and also as per the priority of the goods to be transferred or received within a particular time
frame. Also, choosing cargo insurance provides safety and guarantee to the product that has been shipped, in
order to recover for any losses that occur during the shipment stage. And hence, subscribing for cargo
insurance is very convenient as it saves time and energy and is also providing guarantee for the shipment of
the goods.
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