Loading and unloading coverage is insurance protection for accidents, cargo damage, property damage, or bodily injury that occur while goods are being moved on or off a vehicle. It is important in trucking, delivery, warehousing, and freight operations because risk does not only exist during transit. This coverage may apply when cargo is dropped, equipment fails, freight strikes property, or a third party is injured during loading or unloading activities.
Loading and Unloading Coverage is a cargo insurance extension that covers loss or damage to goods that occurs during the physical process of loading onto or unloading from a vessel, aircraft, or truck. Standard cargo policies may exclude this phase or limit coverage to specific causes. Truckers usually carry motor truck cargo insurance for the road leg, which may still exclude loss during loading and unloading unless the policy is extended.
- Important for heavy, fragile, or high-value goods susceptible to damage during handling
- Covers drops, collisions, and accidents during crane operations and manual handling
- Confirm whether your all-risk policy includes loading and unloading phases
- Request a certificate of insurance confirming loading and unloading coverage for trade finance purposes
Related terms: All-Risk Coverage, Control of Damaged Goods, FCL.
