The sea freight price calculator above lets you quickly find competitive international shipping costs for commercial and household goods. Select your destination country to receive instant ocean freight quotes.

Marine cargo insurance is available in the online freight calculator for shipping goods from the USA

This online freight calculator allows you to request marine cargo insurance for shipping goods from the USA to overseas destinations.

Most cargo shipped from the U.S. reaches its international destination safely. However, you can secure maritime shipping insurance to provide additional financial protection for your items during overseas transport. Purchasing transit coverage adds a small percentage to your overall costs but offers valuable peace of mind. Proper coverage ensures not just safety but also a smooth and affordable logistics experience.

You can choose any international shipping company or insurance provider to cover your shipment. You can also select the insurance option in the online freight calculator, and we will obtain an official cargo insurance certificate on your behalf. Transit coverage for commercial freight shipped from the USA costs 1-2% of the merchandise value. Shipping personal belongings from the USA can cover up to 3% of the value listed on the shipper’s valued packing list.

The insurance certificate will usually be in the consignee's name, the person receiving the goods. If the shipper wants the certificate in a different name, they must notify us in advance.

Please note that we are not an insurance provider. If your cargo is damaged or lost during shipping, the consignee should contact the claims agent designated in your policy.

Ocean freight carriers' liability

When shipping cargo internationally by sea, ocean freight carriers are typically responsible for up to $500 per shipping unit and up to $1,500 for the entire shipment under standard carrier liability.

A shipping unit can be a box, pallet, or entire multimodal sea freight container, depending on what is stated in the shipping documents.

If you do not have documented freight protection, you should direct any claims for damage or loss of cargo to the steamship line used for that shipment.

'All Risk' and 'Total Loss' cargo insurance coverages

The All-Risk coverage policy for shipping cargo from the USA covers any loss or damage to your shipment during transportation. This includes fire, water damage, theft, partial loss, and breakage. It is the most comprehensive maritime liability coverage available for international cargo transportation.

The Total Loss coverage policy applies only when your entire shipment is lost or destroyed. It does not cover any partial loss or damage.

Insurance certificates issued to shippers are typically under an All-Risk policy. This applies only to professionally packed goods. Goods should be in their original manufacturer's packaging or packed by certified professionals who can provide proof of their work. Certain conditions may apply. The coverage may be changed to a Total Loss policy if the items are not professionally packed.

*Certain conditions (for reference only)

In the international shipping industry, your goods are protected against physical loss or damage according to specific clauses: Institute Cargo Clauses (A) CL252, Institute War Clauses (Cargo) CL255, Institute Strikes Clauses (Cargo) CL256, Institute Radioactive Exclusion Clause CL370, and Institute Cyber Attack Exclusion Clause CL 380. Other clauses include Institute Classification Clause 1.1.82 and Institute Replacement Clause CL372.

Please note that electrical and mechanical problems are not covered unless caused by an insured risk. For automobile shipments, we provide all-risk coverage, excluding losses due to pre-existing conditions. This includes existing scratches, marring, denting, and chipping. You are required to submit a preloading condition report for all auto shipments, and a USD 500 deductible applies. Radios are not insured, and auto coverage applies only while the vehicle is in transit between ports.

Household goods that professionals pack are also covered for all risks; however, losses from pre-existing damage, such as scratches, marring, denting, and chipping, are not covered. You must provide an itemized inventory before shipping. If you pack your goods yourself, they are only insured for total loss.

Certain items are not covered, including antiques, collectibles, banknotes, cellular phones, computer chips and memory modules, dangerous goods (red label), hazardous materials, fine art, heirlooms, flammables and explosives, fruits and vegetables, jewelry, laptops and other portable computers, LCD plasma TVs and monitors, live animals, nuclear fuel, precious metals and stones, securities, stocks and bonds, tobacco products, valuable papers, manuscripts, and glass. These items cannot be insured.

All preexisting damages and conditions are excluded from coverage. It must be clear in the condition reports that any damage occurred during transit. If you repair cars, boats, or yachts before a licensed surveyor checks them, coverage will not apply. Household goods packed by professionals are insured for all risks, except for any pre-existing damages, such as scratches, marring, denting, and chipping, which are excluded. Household goods are covered based on actual cash value (ACV), and you must provide proof of value, like invoices or bills of sale, when claiming. We do not cover storage for household goods shipments; coverage is only available on a door-to-door basis. If there are exceptions, please note them on the delivery receipt from the destination trucker at the time of delivery. Additionally, an itemized inventory is required before shipment. If you pack your goods yourself, they are only insured for total loss. Coverage ends once goods are delivered to the warehouse or your home.

Additionally, in international sea freight shipping, the following items are also excluded from coverage:

Repainting cars
Jewelry, currency, valuable papers, and items of intrinsic value are NOT covered for any reason. Do not pack or leave these items during your move.
Damage to items in cartons packed by the owner (PBO) or prepackaged items that you cannot visually inspect.
Items received or transported in manufacturer- or retailer-provided packaging.
Damage caused by mold, moths, vermin, or mildew.
For pairs and sets, you can claim only the value of the damaged item, not the entire set.
Damage to electrical equipment unless there are signs of mishandling.
Damage caused by riots, war, terrorism, acts of God, or government actions.
Musical instruments are excluded from coverage, as is any loss in market or appraised value.
Any breakable items or electronics, including computers and cell phones, are not covered without prior agreement from the underwriters.
Fine arts, antiques, and heirlooms require an appraisal before coverage can be issued.
Household goods shipments are insured on an actual cash value basis and are not covered for full replacement.