Transport & Logistics Insurance Guide
Transport & Logistics Insurance Guide — guidance and information from Ipswich Insurance Brokers, a Steadfast and CBN member broker.
What is transport and logistics insurance?
Transport and logistics insurance is a combination of cover types designed for businesses involved in moving goods — freight carriers, couriers, warehouse operators and logistics providers. A comprehensive program typically includes commercial motor, goods in transit (carrier liability), warehouse liability and potentially business interruption.
What this cover may include
Cover availability and terms vary between insurers and depend on individual circumstances. Subject to acceptance, a policy may include:
- Commercial motor for the fleet
- Goods in transit — goods while being transported
- Carrier legal liability — liability for goods entrusted to your care
- Warehouse liability (where storage is involved)
- Business interruption linked to physical damage events
Common exclusions to be aware of
The following are commonly excluded under standard policy wordings. Specific exclusions vary between insurers — always review the Product Disclosure Statement before purchasing.
- Deliberate misdelivery or fraud
- Temperature-sensitive goods without appropriate conditions declaration
- Certain prohibited cargo
- War and strikes (unless specifically included)
- Consequential losses beyond the cargo value
How to arrange transport and logistics insurance through Ipswich Insurance Brokers
- Submit a quote request or contact us directly to discuss your requirements
- We collect relevant information and approach appropriate markets
- We compare policy terms and conditions across insurers and present options
- We arrange binding and issue documentation once you confirm instructions
As a Steadfast and CBN member broker, Ipswich Insurance Brokers has access to a broad panel of approved insurers. We act on your behalf — not on behalf of any insurer. Our remuneration is disclosed in our Financial Services Guide.
General guidance — not personal advice
The information on this page is general guidance only. It does not constitute personal advice and does not take into account your individual circumstances. Before arranging any insurance, you should consider your specific needs and read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement. Our Disclaimer applies to all content on this site.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between goods in transit and carrier liability insurance?
Goods in transit insurance covers the physical goods themselves — loss or damage to the cargo regardless of fault. Carrier liability insurance covers the legal liability of the carrier for goods in their care — it responds when the carrier is legally liable for a loss. Both types may be relevant depending on the operator’s contractual position.
Does transport insurance cover warehouse risks?
Storage and warehousing risks are typically addressed separately from transit risks. A comprehensive transport and logistics program may include a storage extension or separate warehouse liability policy covering goods in storage between transit movements. We review the full logistics chain when placing cover for operators who combine transport and warehousing.
What is chain of responsibility and does insurance cover it?
Chain of responsibility (CoR) provisions under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) extend liability for road transport safety breaches to all parties in the supply chain — consignors, schedulers, loaders and managers, not just drivers. CoR compliance is a regulatory matter — insurance does not replace the obligation to comply, but liability arising from CoR breaches may be covered under certain policy structures.
What to look for when comparing transport and logistics insurance policies
When reviewing options, the following points are worth considering. This is general guidance — the right approach depends on your specific situation.
Review the full logistics chain — transit, storage and handling — to ensure all exposures are addressed. Confirm the basis of cargo liability — whether you operate under standard trading conditions and what your actual liability is for goods in your care. Review the fleet schedule for completeness. Consider chain of responsibility obligations under the HVNL and how these interact with the liability sections of your policy.
For more detailed information, see our Transport And Logistics Insurance page.
About Ipswich Insurance Brokers
Ipswich Insurance Brokers is a Steadfast and CBN member broker operating under an Australian Financial Services Licence. We act on your behalf — not on behalf of any insurer. We compare options across a broad panel of approved insurers, arrange cover, provide documentation and support claims. We are remunerated by commission from the insurer, disclosed in our Financial Services Guide. All information on this page is general guidance only — see our Disclaimer.
Transport and logistics businesses face a complex risk environment — multiple vehicles, multiple freight types, storage exposures and regulatory obligations all interact. A comprehensive program requires careful coordination across motor, cargo, property and liability sections. See our Truck Insurance and Motor & Fleet Insurance pages for more information on the motor and fleet components.