When we arrange Motor Insurance for clients they usually add “oh and we need Transit Insurance too”.
Most hauliers do not understand just what their legal liability will be or the complexities of contract conditions – this is where an expert in the insurance of Hauliers Liability comes in. Some customers will have arranged cover for their goods whilst in transit but most will expect the carrier to pay up if anything goes wrong. It is vital to arrange cover suitable to a customer’s needs before a load is moved. So many perils await and here are just a few examples in the category of “Why Goods in Transit cover is essential?”
Example 1 - a lapse in concentration
A momentary lapse in concentration and the vehicle slips out of control. The result – an RTA with the load scattered all over the carriageway. This needs to be gathered up, transhipped and the debris removed. Back at base the load needs to be sorted and any salvage disposed of and the claim from the owner handled quickly and efficiently so that the customer is not inconvenienced more than absolutely necessary.
Goods in Transit policy would pick up these costs including paying the council for the not inconsiderable cost of clearing up.
Example 2 - theft
Parked at the services and on return from break the driver discovers that the curtains have been slashed and a lot of the goods have been taken.
Goods in Transit would pay.
Example 3 - hijacking
Hijack – dramatic and very disturbing. Not uncommon with high value goods.
Goods in Transit would pay.
Example 4 - yard fire
Fire in the yard – a haulier’s nightmare. All the units and loaded trailers lined up closely together ready for an early start. Intruder with matches sets fire to one and the fire spreads to all. A very substantial loss.
Goods in Transit would pay.
Example 5 - temperature control failure
Hauling chilled or frozen goods brings its own problems. If goods are not delivered at the required temperature then the whole load can be rejected. Human error can result in wrong temperature settings being applied or the fridge could suddenly decide to break down even if properly maintained. Insurance is vital.
Goods in transit arranged properly would pay (Deterioration cover is optional).
Example 6 - accident/heights
Hit a bridge and it will be in the papers. More common than people think. All it takes is an out of date clearance sign or a driver who doesn’t know the height of his load. Very tricky to extricate and much damage to the load.
Goods in Transit would pay.
Example 7 - theft by deception
Delivery to a customer in a congested back street of a city with double yellows and traffic wardens everywhere. A man with a clipboard approaches the harassed driver and asks if he has got a delivery for XYZ. Driver confirms and helpful man explains that he needs to go to the overflow warehouse just around the corner. Grateful driver duly obliges and is unloaded by several people with sack trucks. Man with clipboard signs the paperwork and offers directions to the driver’s next drop. When he gets back to base, XYZ rings and asks where the delivery has got to. They have no overflow warehouse or a friendly man with a clipboard.
This is called theft by deception.
Goods in Transit would pay.
Insurance is all about peace of mind – a happy customer means a happy haulier.
