Insights

When cargo is booked as general or standard service, almost everything else is prioritized over these shipments, and this is usually determined by commodity. So dangerous goods take precedence as well as live animals, perishables, passenger luggage. Many shippers are surprised to learn that passenger luggage takes priority over general cargo but it’s important to remember that a lot of cargo, especially on the export side, moves primarily on passenger aircraft as opposed to dedicated freighters.

Over the course of the two-day mission, meetings were held with representatives from Customs & Border Protection (CBP), the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), APHIS (a USDA agency), the Senate Finance Committee, the House Ways and Means Committee, and Congressmen/women from relevant districts.

All this uncertainty and risk has many shippers asking questions and re-evaluating their position on cargo insurance. We’ve collected a short list of frequently asked questions, facts, and misconceptions regarding cargo insurance to help generate discussion and ideally leave you better prepared and aware to determine your own risk exposure and insurance requirements.