COMMERCE IN
TRANSPORTATION.

Reference

Freight is a business of authority, insurance and proof. Who is legally allowed to move the goods, who covers them if something happens, and what document proves what was handed over — everything else is negotiation.

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What to know

Authority and classification

Carriers, brokers and forwarders are legally different things with different obligations. Arranging transport without the right authority is an offense in most jurisdictions, and the distinction matters most exactly when something has gone wrong.

Insurance is where the surprises live

Carrier liability is not cargo insurance. Statutory liability limits are often far below the value of the goods, so a full-value claim against a limited liability leaves the shortfall with the owner.

Cargo insurance covers the goods
Liability covers the carrier's legal exposure, usually capped by weight
Warehouse coverage is separate again

The bill of lading is the proof

It is a receipt, a contract and — in negotiable form — a document of title. A clean bill says the goods were received in apparent good order, and a noted exception at pickup is worth more than any argument at delivery.

Detention, demurrage and accessorials

The quoted rate is the beginning of the invoice. Waiting time, storage, redelivery and liftgate charges are where freight budgets are actually lost, and they are avoidable with information the shipper already has.

Where to go next

THE LAST MILE.

The long-haul leg of a shipment is the reliable part.

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AIR FREIGHT, AND WHAT IT ACTUALLY COSTS.

Air freight is bought for speed and priced on space.

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DECIDING HOW TO SHIP IT.

Most shipping decisions are made once and then repeated by habit, which is how a brand ends up paying parcel rates for pallet volumes.

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GOODS AT REST.

Cargo insurance covers goods while they move.