Resource Center
What is Contingent Motor Truck Cargo Insurance?
What is Contingent Motor Truck Cargo Insurance?
Contingent cargo insurance is a type of coverage designed to protect transportation intermediaries, such as third-party logistics providers, property brokers, and other forwarders who do not issue bills of lading or have custody of cargo, from the financial responsibility of cargo loss or damage during transit.
Cargo liability coverage is there to protect the actual cargo carriers or entities that present themselves as the carrier such as an FMCSA licensed domestic freight forwarder. Contingent cargo legal liability insurance defends the logistics service provider who does not present as a carrier. Contingent insurance steps in when the carrier’s cargo legal liability insurance fails to respond to the loss, and the logistics service provider is drawn into a claim.
Contingent motor truck cargo insurance typically covers the following:
- The cost of defending against a cargo claim, including legal fees and expert witness fees.
- The cost of settling a cargo claim, including the amount of the settlement itself and any associated fees.
- The cost of pursuing recovery from third parties who may be responsible for the cargo loss or damage.
Contingent cargo is an important safeguard for transportation intermediaries. It can provide legal defense and protect them from any financial responsibilities a court may issue against them in the case that the carrier’s insurance does not respond. Since most cargo claims can be expensive, especially high-value shipments, it’s a crucial layer of protection.
Related FAQs
Don't see an answer to your question?
Please complete our contact form and submit your inquiry, and one of our expert sales or service advisors will reach out to you as soon as possible.
Our Latest Articles
Written by Andrew Johnson & featured in the American Journal of Transportation Imagine you have spent six months planning and bidding the transportation of a large piece of equipment. The shipment travels from origin to port and is loaded onto an awaiting vessel for the ocean voyage to the destination port. The equipment is offloaded to a railcar at the destination port, surveyed, and tied down with no apparent damages. Upon arrival at the rail siding, you are notified of paint transfer and un-determined damage to the equipment. Your first step is to notify the cargo owner so they aren’t […]
On the open sea cargo losses happen. Every year, 100s of millions of cargo containers carrying goods valued into the trillions of dollars crisscross the ocean on ships. Transporting these goods safely requires proper packing, stowage, container weight, and securing of containers, but even when all these measures are carried out to perfection, containers get lost at sea. Severe weather and rough seas along with rare events such as ship groundings, structural failures, and collisions can cause significant losses. 2022 World Shipping Council “Containers Lost at Sea” Report The World Shipping Council (WSC) has released its annual report on containers […]
Glenn Patton, Managing Director for Roanoke Insurance Group Canada, sat with Tony Pelli of BSI Supply Chain Solutions to discuss supply chain risks and management strategies. From warehouse thefts to risks associated with transporting goods, there are many proactive checks that logistics service providers can implement to mitigate the impact of supply chain issues on their business. Below is a summary of some of the most concerning risks and tips for proactively addressing them. RISK: WAREHOUSE THEFT Although warehouse thefts were down slightly in 2022 compared to 2021 (29% to 26%), they continue to rank as the highest theft type, […]
Minimize disruption. Maximize recovery. Insure what matters. Why Insurance Readiness Is Business Resilience Every hurricane season, logistics businesses across the Gulf and East Coasts — and increasingly, inland — face serious risks. From warehouse flooding and power loss to damaged cargo and business shutdowns, the financial fallout can be significant. The good news? Insurance isn’t just a recovery tool — it’s a strategic advantage. This guide will help you evaluate your current policies, identify critical gaps, and understand what protections are most important before the next storm strikes. Designed for: Freight forwarders Customs brokers Warehouse and yard operators Inland and […]
By Trent Van Wormer, Strategic Relationship Manager The transportation industry operates on trust, efficiency, and strong partnerships. For third-party logistics providers (3PLs), choosing a reliable trucking partner is not only critical for operational success but also essential in combating fraud—a persistent threat in the logistics industry. According to the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA), fraud-related issues, including double brokering and carrier identity theft, cost the industry millions annually. By conducting thorough due diligence, 3PLs can mitigate risks and build long-term, trustworthy relationships with great trucking partners. Here are the key factors to consider. Operational Capabilities and Capacity Assessing a trucking company’s […]
The threat of cargo theft is a persistent risk for businesses operating in the global supply chain, with organized crime groups continually adapting and evolving their tactics to target high-value goods. According to our latest Cargo Theft Report, the rise in strategic thefts, which involve deception, fraud, and sophisticated planning, is a key trend in 2024, with an exponential increase in the United States in particular. In North America, the risk of cargo theft is heightened, with the United States and Canada experiencing significant increases in thefts. The report highlights that food and beverage products dominate the list of targeted […]
The surge in cargo theft incidents, including sophisticated scams like fictitious pickups and fraud schemes, has left logistics service providers facing significant challenges. Join us in our latest video. Karen Rzeszutko, President of Roanoke Insurance Group, and Tony Pelli, Practice Director for Security and Resilience at BSI, dive into the evolving threats and share actionable insights to protect your operations. Why This Video Matters Cargo theft is a growing problem that impacts every link in the supply chain. From theft hotspots in North America to emerging criminal tactics, Karen and Tony discuss: Key Cargo Theft Trends – Including hotspots like […]
Fictitious pickups are increasing in North America. In the US, the percentage of cargo thefts due to fictitious pickup rose from 1% in 2022 to 17% in 2023. Strategic theft patterns are also rising, where thieves use identity theft and fraud with fictitious pickup and brokering schemes to obtain loads from freight locations. Combatting this menace requires a combination of vigilance, technology, and a well-trained staff. Let’s explore some effective strategies for guarding against fictitious pickups and minimizing the risk of falling victim to scams. Per Tony Pelli, Practice Director, BSI Consulting, Specializing in Supply Chain and Security Risk Management, […]
As featured in the American Journal of Transportation You may already be familiar with the significant global conflicts that are currently happening. However, what many people may not realize is that there are 25 other ongoing conflicts or unstable security situations worldwide, as defined by the Council of Foreign Relations’ Global Conflict Tracker. First and foremost, war and its humanitarian toll is a tragedy regardless of your political stance concerning any conflict. War also presents challenges for supply chains that the logistics industry must navigate. And when sending cargo into an adverse environment, risk management and insurance should be of […]
As featured in 3PL Perspectives Magazine in October 2023 Shippers must understand the differences in recovery options and choose the best and most cost-effective method to safeguard their financial interests. Property brokers and forwarders can assist customers by providing insightful guidance on these commonly misunderstood options. Rules of the Road – Interstate Shipments Since 1906, the Carmack Amendment to the Interstate Commerce Act has provided a federal scheme of carrier liability for actual loss and damage to goods during interstate ground transportation. 49 U.S.C.A. § 14706. To recover under the Carmack Amendment, the shipper must demonstrate the following: Delivery of […]
Written by Andrew Johnson & featured in the American Journal of Transportation Imagine you have spent six months planning and bidding the transportation of a large piece of equipment. The shipment travels from origin to port and is loaded onto an awaiting vessel for the ocean voyage to the destination port. The equipment is offloaded to a railcar at the destination port, surveyed, and tied down with no apparent damages. Upon arrival at the rail siding, you are notified of paint transfer and un-determined damage to the equipment. Your first step is to notify the cargo owner so they aren’t […]
On the open sea cargo losses happen. Every year, 100s of millions of cargo containers carrying goods valued into the trillions of dollars crisscross the ocean on ships. Transporting these goods safely requires proper packing, stowage, container weight, and securing of containers, but even when all these measures are carried out to perfection, containers get lost at sea. Severe weather and rough seas along with rare events such as ship groundings, structural failures, and collisions can cause significant losses. 2022 World Shipping Council “Containers Lost at Sea” Report The World Shipping Council (WSC) has released its annual report on containers […]
Glenn Patton, Managing Director for Roanoke Insurance Group Canada, sat with Tony Pelli of BSI Supply Chain Solutions to discuss supply chain risks and management strategies. From warehouse thefts to risks associated with transporting goods, there are many proactive checks that logistics service providers can implement to mitigate the impact of supply chain issues on their business. Below is a summary of some of the most concerning risks and tips for proactively addressing them. RISK: WAREHOUSE THEFT Although warehouse thefts were down slightly in 2022 compared to 2021 (29% to 26%), they continue to rank as the highest theft type, […]
Minimize disruption. Maximize recovery. Insure what matters. Why Insurance Readiness Is Business Resilience Every hurricane season, logistics businesses across the Gulf and East Coasts — and increasingly, inland — face serious risks. From warehouse flooding and power loss to damaged cargo and business shutdowns, the financial fallout can be significant. The good news? Insurance isn’t just a recovery tool — it’s a strategic advantage. This guide will help you evaluate your current policies, identify critical gaps, and understand what protections are most important before the next storm strikes. Designed for: Freight forwarders Customs brokers Warehouse and yard operators Inland and […]
By Trent Van Wormer, Strategic Relationship Manager The transportation industry operates on trust, efficiency, and strong partnerships. For third-party logistics providers (3PLs), choosing a reliable trucking partner is not only critical for operational success but also essential in combating fraud—a persistent threat in the logistics industry. According to the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA), fraud-related issues, including double brokering and carrier identity theft, cost the industry millions annually. By conducting thorough due diligence, 3PLs can mitigate risks and build long-term, trustworthy relationships with great trucking partners. Here are the key factors to consider. Operational Capabilities and Capacity Assessing a trucking company’s […]
The threat of cargo theft is a persistent risk for businesses operating in the global supply chain, with organized crime groups continually adapting and evolving their tactics to target high-value goods. According to our latest Cargo Theft Report, the rise in strategic thefts, which involve deception, fraud, and sophisticated planning, is a key trend in 2024, with an exponential increase in the United States in particular. In North America, the risk of cargo theft is heightened, with the United States and Canada experiencing significant increases in thefts. The report highlights that food and beverage products dominate the list of targeted […]
The surge in cargo theft incidents, including sophisticated scams like fictitious pickups and fraud schemes, has left logistics service providers facing significant challenges. Join us in our latest video. Karen Rzeszutko, President of Roanoke Insurance Group, and Tony Pelli, Practice Director for Security and Resilience at BSI, dive into the evolving threats and share actionable insights to protect your operations. Why This Video Matters Cargo theft is a growing problem that impacts every link in the supply chain. From theft hotspots in North America to emerging criminal tactics, Karen and Tony discuss: Key Cargo Theft Trends – Including hotspots like […]
Fictitious pickups are increasing in North America. In the US, the percentage of cargo thefts due to fictitious pickup rose from 1% in 2022 to 17% in 2023. Strategic theft patterns are also rising, where thieves use identity theft and fraud with fictitious pickup and brokering schemes to obtain loads from freight locations. Combatting this menace requires a combination of vigilance, technology, and a well-trained staff. Let’s explore some effective strategies for guarding against fictitious pickups and minimizing the risk of falling victim to scams. Per Tony Pelli, Practice Director, BSI Consulting, Specializing in Supply Chain and Security Risk Management, […]
As featured in the American Journal of Transportation You may already be familiar with the significant global conflicts that are currently happening. However, what many people may not realize is that there are 25 other ongoing conflicts or unstable security situations worldwide, as defined by the Council of Foreign Relations’ Global Conflict Tracker. First and foremost, war and its humanitarian toll is a tragedy regardless of your political stance concerning any conflict. War also presents challenges for supply chains that the logistics industry must navigate. And when sending cargo into an adverse environment, risk management and insurance should be of […]
As featured in 3PL Perspectives Magazine in October 2023 Shippers must understand the differences in recovery options and choose the best and most cost-effective method to safeguard their financial interests. Property brokers and forwarders can assist customers by providing insightful guidance on these commonly misunderstood options. Rules of the Road – Interstate Shipments Since 1906, the Carmack Amendment to the Interstate Commerce Act has provided a federal scheme of carrier liability for actual loss and damage to goods during interstate ground transportation. 49 U.S.C.A. § 14706. To recover under the Carmack Amendment, the shipper must demonstrate the following: Delivery of […]
Written by Andrew Johnson & featured in the American Journal of Transportation Imagine you have spent six months planning and bidding the transportation of a large piece of equipment. The shipment travels from origin to port and is loaded onto an awaiting vessel for the ocean voyage to the destination port. The equipment is offloaded to a railcar at the destination port, surveyed, and tied down with no apparent damages. Upon arrival at the rail siding, you are notified of paint transfer and un-determined damage to the equipment. Your first step is to notify the cargo owner so they aren’t […]
On the open sea cargo losses happen. Every year, 100s of millions of cargo containers carrying goods valued into the trillions of dollars crisscross the ocean on ships. Transporting these goods safely requires proper packing, stowage, container weight, and securing of containers, but even when all these measures are carried out to perfection, containers get lost at sea. Severe weather and rough seas along with rare events such as ship groundings, structural failures, and collisions can cause significant losses. 2022 World Shipping Council “Containers Lost at Sea” Report The World Shipping Council (WSC) has released its annual report on containers […]
Glenn Patton, Managing Director for Roanoke Insurance Group Canada, sat with Tony Pelli of BSI Supply Chain Solutions to discuss supply chain risks and management strategies. From warehouse thefts to risks associated with transporting goods, there are many proactive checks that logistics service providers can implement to mitigate the impact of supply chain issues on their business. Below is a summary of some of the most concerning risks and tips for proactively addressing them. RISK: WAREHOUSE THEFT Although warehouse thefts were down slightly in 2022 compared to 2021 (29% to 26%), they continue to rank as the highest theft type, […]
Sign up for our latest articles and events.
Roanoke is the leading provider of insurance and surety solutions for transportation and logistics providers. In fact, we are recognized as the most reliable source for U.S. customs bonds.
Who We Serve
Resource Center
Contact
If you have any questions or need help, feel free to contact with our team.
800-762-6653
US CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
1501 E. Woodfield Road
Suite 400W
Schaumburg, IL 60173
CANADA CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
390 Bay Street
Munich Re Centre, 22nd Floor
Toronto, ON M5H 2Y2
Solutions that Go the Distance.
© 2024 Roanoke Insurance Group Inc.
