What if a $10,000 shipment only qualified for a payout based on pennies per pound? It happens when customers rely only on basic carrier liability. If you ship high-value or fragile items, that gap can be expensive.
This guide explains the difference between carrier liability and cargo insurance, and how uShip’s Protection Plan offers a cargo-insurance-like layer of protection that can help cover your item’s declared value during transit. You’ll learn what’s included, what’s excluded, and how to set yourself up for fast, successful case resolutions.
Carrier Liability vs. Cargo Insurance
Shipping something valuable can feel risky. Many customers assume that the “insurance” provided by a carrier will make them whole after damage or loss, but basic carrier liability was never designed to guarantee full value recovery.
1) Carrier liability: what it is
Carrier liability is a carrier’s legal responsibility for loss or damage while your freight is in its possession (in the U.S., governed by the Carmack Amendment). Payouts are typically calculated by weight and may exclude many causes of loss. Claims also require proving the carrier’s responsibility, which can be a time-consuming and documentation-intensive process.
Why it’s limited
- Payouts are commonly weight-based, not value-based
- Exclusions often include weather, inadequate packaging, and third-party handling
- Multi-leg moves complicate responsibility
2) Cargo insurance: how it differs
“Cargo insurance” (in general) aims to protect a shipment’s declared value, with broader covered causes and a more straightforward claims experience. This is why many customers layer it on top of basic carrier liability for valuable or fragile shipments.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Carrier Liability | Cargo Insurance or uShip Protection |
|---|---|---|
| Payout basis | Often cents per pound | Declared value |
| Fault requirement | Must prove carrier fault | Typically proof of loss or damage, subject to terms |
| Typical scope | While in carrier possession | Door-to-door transit windows, per terms |
| Exclusions | Common | Still exist; must check terms |
Bottom line: Carrier liability can be fine for low-value, bulky goods. For higher-value or fragile items, customers often add value-based protection.
The uShip Protection Plan (Our Version of Cargo Insurance)
The uShip Protection Plan is an optional add-on at checkout that helps protect your shipment beyond basic carrier liability. It functions much like cargo insurance from a shipper’s point of view: you declare the item’s value, pay a competitive fee, and get all-risk protection for physical loss or damage from external causes, subject to terms and exclusions.
Key benefits
- All-risk protection for damage and loss during shipping, subject to exclusions
- Competitive, value-based pricing at checkout
- Simple, guided online case submission with support from the uShip team
How it works
- Add protection at checkout and declare the item’s full, true value
- Your shipment is protected against covered, unexpected events during transit
- If needed, submit a case from your uShip account within seven business days of delivery
What it generally covers
- Theft during transit
- Accidental damage, including mishandling during loading or unloading
- Impact-related losses in transit, such as jolts or collisions
Important scope notes
- Available for most shipments booked by U.S.-based customers
- Cases must be submitted within seven business days of delivery
- Subject to eligibility, item/category restrictions, and other terms
Property Damage Protection Add-On
Protect more than the shipment itself. The uShip Property Damage Protection Add-On helps cover accidental damage to pickup and delivery locations (for example, wall scuffs or floor scratches) up to $10,000, with a straightforward documentation process. It’s a smart extra layer when movers must navigate tight spaces.
What’s Typically Not Covered
Understanding exclusions helps you pack, plan, and avoid surprises.
- Improper packaging or preparation: Damage tied to insufficient packing is excluded
- Normal wear and tear or deterioration: Rust, fading, or long-term storage effects are not covered
- Inherent defects: Pre-existing faults in the item are excluded
- Certain large-scale events: War, civil unrest, nuclear risks, and similar per common standards
- Eligibility and route limits: Shipments that begin or end outside the U.S. are not eligible; vehicles operated under their own power are excluded; additional category exclusions include live animals, perishables, jewelry, precious metals, pharmaceuticals, used engines and other listed items
When in doubt, review the restricted items list and terms before checkout to confirm eligibility.
Liability Layers: Why Adding Protection Matters
Think of coverage in layers:
- Layer 1: Carrier liability (weight-based, exclusions apply)
- Layer 2: uShip’s Protection Plan (value-based, all-risk protection subject to terms)
For high-value shipments, layering helps close the gap between weight-based payouts and your item’s declared value.
Best Practices to Ensure You’re Covered
- Declare the accurate value: Your declared value drives the maximum recovery amount
- Package for the journey: Use sturdy cartons or crates, cushioning, and proper sealing
- Document condition: Photograph packing and the item’s condition before pickup
- Inspect at delivery: Note any issues on the delivery receipt or BOL before signing
- File on time: Submit any case within seven business days of delivery through your uShip account
FAQs
Is basic carrier liability enough?
Often not for fragile or high-value items. It’s commonly weight-based and excludes many risks.
How is the uShip Protection Plan different from “cargo insurance”?
uShip offers a Protection Plan that similarly helps protect your declared value with all-risk protection during transit.
What does the Protection Plan cover?
Physical loss or damage from external causes during transit, including theft, accidental damage, and non-delivery, is subject to terms and exclusions.
How do I file a case?
Log in to your uShip account, locate the shipment, and select “Submit a Case” within seven business days of delivery. You’ll be guided to upload photos, the BOL, and a short incident description. A case manager will follow up.
Does it cover delays?
No. Coverage applies to physical loss or damage, not to late delivery or missed deadlines.
Are some items ineligible?
Yes. Examples include live animals, plants, perishables, jewelry and watches, precious metals, cash, pharmaceuticals, used engines, and self-propelled vehicles. Shipments that begin or end outside the U.S. are not eligible.
What about property damage at my home or office?
Add the Property Damage Protection Add-On to help cover accidental damage at pickup or delivery locations, up to $10,000, with a simple documentation process.
How much does protection cost?
Pricing is based on item type and the value you declare at checkout. You’ll see the exact cost before you pay.
Takeaways
- Carrier liability is limited and often weight-based
- The uShip Protection Plan adds a cargo-insurance-like layer of protection for your declared value
- Know the terms and exclusions, pack well, document thoroughly, and file any case within seven business days
Ready to protect your next shipment? Add the uShip Protection Plan at checkout, and consider the Property Damage Protection Add-On for your home or office. You’ll compare carriers, book confidently, and ship with greater peace of mind.
