Carrier liability and cargo insurance answer different questions. Liability concerns what a carrier is legally or contractually responsible for. Cargo insurance protects the insured interest in goods against risks specified in a separate policy. Neither should be judged by a headline limit alone.
| Question | Carrier liability | Cargo insurance |
|---|---|---|
| What is assessed? | The carrier’s responsibility under applicable rules | Whether the event falls within the cargo policy |
| Is invoice value always payable? | No; liability limits and defences can apply | Not automatically; valuation and terms apply |
| What determines protection? | Carriage regime, facts and contract | Insured goods, risks, route and policy conditions |
| What evidence matters? | Condition, events, loss and transport records | Evidence required by the policy and claim circumstances |
Why the difference matters
Lightweight, high-value goods can expose a large gap between their commercial value and a weight-based liability limit where such a limit applies. A carrier holding an insurance policy does not eliminate that distinction.
Before booking
Tell Cargo Euro Hub the value and nature of the goods. Ask what liability cover applies and whether separate cargo protection is available for the shipment. Obtain the relevant scope, exclusions and excess in writing where additional cover is arranged.
Do not assume that terms advertised by another forwarder apply to a Cargo Euro Hub booking. The applicable agreement and policy need to be identified for the actual movement, especially where several transport modes are involved.
See carrier liability, cargo cover and claim assessment.