Why January 2025 Matters

The so-called “Spec Pack” adopted in January translates the high-level eFTI Regulation (EU 2020/1056) into code lists, data models, and API behaviours that IT systems must follow. From this date Member States can build national eFTI Gates, while the private sector can align transport management systems (TMS) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) tools with the same interface. A follow-up act scheduled for September 2025 will finalise functional requirements for market-facing eFTI platforms and set the official certification scheme.

What Is in the Final Spec Pack

Two legal instruments do most of the heavy lifting:

• Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/2024 – establishes the eFTI common data set and more than 50 thematic data subsets, each mapped to a specific EU or national legal act (dangerous goods, waste shipments, etc.). Every element is given a unique definition, format and code list reference.
• Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1942 – details how competent authorities query, retrieve and validate eFTI data during roadside or terminal checks and how national eFTI Gates must log each access session.

Together, they guarantee that an eCMR consignment, a waste waybill, or a multimodal unit load device record can be exchanged in the same machine-readable envelope, regardless of transport mode.

Mandatory Data Payloads

The delegated act groups the 170-plus data elements into six logical blocks that every eFTI message must expose or reference:

1. Transport References – unique consignment reference (UCR), transport document numbers, transport mode indicator.
2. Actors – legal name, address and VAT/EORI of consignor, consignee, carrier and (when relevant) freight forwarder.
3. Goods & Packaging – commodity description, CN/HS code, dangerous-goods UN number, packages, net and gross mass.
4. Transport Equipment – vehicle registration or wagon/container ID, seal numbers, IMO/ILU or ILN codes.
5. Itinerary & Locations – place of loading/unloading, transit points, border crossings, planned arrival/departure times.
6. Regulatory Declarations – cabotage statement, waste shipment code, phytosanitary certificate ID, customs status.

Only the elements required by the legal act that triggers a control (for example ADR dangerous-goods points) must actually be filled in, but the envelope structure is always the same. This modular approach keeps data exposure to the strict minimum that an inspector needs.

Becoming a Certified eFTI Platform or Service Provider
From September 2025 economic-operator systems wishing to brand themselves “eFTI platforms” must pass a conformity assessment run by an accredited third-party body (a “notified body”) designated by a Member State. The assessment checks:

• compliance with the common data set and subsets;
• implementation of the security and access-control functions defined in the implementing act;
• disaster-recovery and audit-trail capabilities;
• interoperability tests with at least one national eFTI Gate.

Successful platforms receive an EU Certificate of Conformity valid for five years and are listed in a public register managed by the Commission. Service providers (such as freight forwarders running a multi-tenant platform for clients) follow the same path but add proof of organisational fitness and incident-response procedures. Carriers and shippers can outsource to a certified provider or integrate the specs into their own in-house systems, but only certified platforms may expose data to authorities.

Countdown Checklist for Carriers and Shippers

1. Map your paperwork (Q3 2025) – Identify every regulatory document you carry today and match its fields to the eFTI common data set. Pay special attention to ADR dangerous-goods points and waste codes.

2. Choose your platform strategy (Q3 2025) – Decide whether to run your own eFTI node or contract a logistics IT provider that plans to be certified. Ask for evidence of their conformity assessment schedule.

3. Clean your master data (Q3–Q4 2025) – Align product codes, location identifiers, and partner EORI numbers with the code lists referenced in the delegated act.

4. Pilot digital exchanges (October 2025) – Use sandbox connections offered by national eFTI Gates to verify that inspectors can retrieve your data with only a licence plate or consignment reference.

5. Train drivers and dispatchers (November 2025) – Replace the “folder of papers” with a QR code or alphanumeric token that points to the eFTI record. Make sure staff can regenerate the token offline.

6. Go live when authorities open the gate (December 2025) – Keep a small paper fallback for cross-border legs involving non-EU jurisdictions, but within the EU, be ready to show digital-only evidence on demand.

Following these steps will let operators meet the regulation’s late-2025 start of acceptance and glide smoothly toward the full legal obligation for authorities to accept eFTI data from 9 July 2027.

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Advanced Customs Clearance

Known as pre-arrival processing, submitting the required customs documentation electronically in advance can expedite clearance. This involves providing transport and merchandise details such as the carrier’s name and mode of transport, departure and arrival locations, and detailed routing, including any transshipment points. Additional information to submit before reaching the border includes container or trailer identification, a detailed description of the cargo such as commodity or HS code numbers, and a breakdown of freight costs.

Expedited Trade Lanes

Fast or green lanes also expedite crossings and reduce idle times for European logistics providers. These lanes are provided by non-Schengen countries like Serbia and Turkey at key border gates to promote a smoother flow of trade with neighboring countries.

These designated lanes are usually reserved for pre-cleared and low-risk shipments. Pre-cleared cargo is one that has been processed by the customs authorities before its physical arrival at the border and can bypass standard inspection. This pre-clearance is often part of a broader trusted trader program where companies with a history of compliance and security can receive faster processing to avoid delays associated with standard customs checks.

Low-risk shipments, in turn, are assessed based on the potential for cargo to pose security or compliance issues. These shipments present minimal risk of smuggling, contamination, or customs violations and are processed quickly through expedited lanes.

Border Crossing Slots

In regions where trade flow is dense and border delays are a common issue, some border agencies either require or offer the option to book a time slot for crossing. This service is available in European countries such as Estonia at crossings with Russia and in Lithuania for all goods vehicles exiting the country via the external EU border.

Forwarders can book these time slots through designated online portals provided by the border customs authorities. The process typically involves registering the company details, the specific cargo being transported, and the anticipated time of arrival at the border. In addition, forwarders may need to submit information such as special permissions and clearances for oversized cargo, restricted goods, and controlled substances, exact crossing location, and intended route through the border if using designated transit corridors or customs warehouses.

Real-Time Monitoring

Some border crossing points are equipped with real-time monitoring systems that provide up-to-date information on border congestion. This happens through advanced sensor networks, RFID tagging, and predictive analytics platforms that track individual vehicle movements, assess volumes and types of traffic, and predict bottlenecks before they happen. Forwarders can access this information via online portals or mobile apps and adjust schedules or reroute shipments to less congested border crossings if necessary.

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Congestion Fees

Congestion charges are imposed by carriers for additional costs they incur due to external factors such as high traffic volumes, infrastructure limitations, and regulatory procedures. These charges generally compensate for the extended use of equipment, additional labor hours, and prolonged occupancy of storage and handling facilities. Freight forwarders encounter such charges most frequently in major seaports where ships remain anchored for extended periods before unloading. Busy European ports experiencing vessel bunching such as Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Antwerp often impose congestion fees to cover added expenses associated with the use of additional equipment, extra labor shifts, and extended gate hours.

Seasonal Charges

Carriers and terminal operators impose seasonal charges in periods of high shipping volumes such as the pre-holiday season in late autumn and early winter when both e-commerce and retail experience spikes in consumer purchasing. Similarly, seasonal charges can be observed during agricultural peak seasons such as the wine harvests in regions like Bordeaux and Tuscany where there is a need to transport high volumes of sensitive cargo.

Ports, container terminals, airports, and rail operators frequently impose seasonal charges during peak periods. Airports, for example, implement these fees to cover additional labor, extra equipment, and temporary structure enhancements. Extra labor often includes ground handling staff, ramp agents, cargo supervisors, and load planners. Furthermore, airports may use additional equipment for which seasonal charges can be imposed, including pallet jacks, straddle carriers, reach stackers, and aircraft pushback tractors. A variety of structural enhancements are also used by airports during peak seasons. These can include temporary customs inspection stations, mobile security booths and trailers, and pop-up offices to handle the surge in documentation.

Security Charges

Security surcharges are implemented by carriers and operators to address the costs associated with enhancing security measures during periods of increased threat or heightened risk. In Europe, where cargo traffic is dense and the threat of theft and terrorism is a constant concern, these surcharges help maintain stringent security standards.

Such security surcharges may be imposed by seaports, airports, rail operators, trucking companies, and intermodal terminals to protect cargo and comply with regulatory requirements. Rail operators, for instance, may impose security charges on routes that transport high value or hazardous goods, those that pass through border areas, and routes connecting to rail interchange points.

Along these routes, they may invest in secure fencing and controlled access points to prevent unauthorized access. Furthermore, they may deploy extra security personnel such as K9 units, bridge and tunnel inspection patrols, trackside surveillance teams, and perimeter fence monitors.

Further measures to secure cargo in transit for which surcharges may apply include under-carriage scanning systems at key checkpoints to detect hidden threats or tampering attempts. Additionally, high-risk routes may be equipped with electromagnetic cargo scanning portals which verify container integrity by detecting unauthorized openings or structural modifications while the train is in motion.

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Sharp Ascents

On steep inclines, the load on the locomotive’s driving wheels increases which can lead to wheel slippage. To prevent this, freight operators often use multiple locomotives, either placed at the front or distributed throughout the train as mid or rear helper engines. Yet, this arrangement requires the synchronized work of all locomotives in terms of speed, power output, and braking to prevent derailments.

The need to use multiple locomotives also impacts the volume of cargo that can be transported and reduces the ability to carry complete loads in Europe efficiently. Adding one locomotive which can range from 18 to 23 meters might replace one or two boxcars or flatcars that measure between 12 and 18 meters. Reducing the number of cars also impacts the shipment of certain cargo types. For instance, bulk commodities such as coal, ore, and grain are usually transported in large quantities which becomes challenging with a more limited capacity. This reduction in cars also restricts the ability to ship hazardous goods as these require careful spacing that cannot be met with fewer available cars.

Soil Variability

Mountainous terrains, molded by historical tectonic activity, display varied soil stiffness. In some regions, tectonic forces have pushed rock layers upward intact which has led to minimal soil development and harder soil conditions. In other areas where these forces have fractured rock layers, soil is more fragmented and mixed with organic material.  For trains traversing these mountainous regions where soil composition changes frequently, continuous speed adjustments are needed. This involves increasing speed when entering areas with harder, more stable ground, and reducing speed when passing through softer, more fragmented soil areas.

To address these challenges, engineers and train operators might rely on route planning and real-time operator judgment to adjust speeds based on known terrain variability along the track. This could involve manual adjustments or programmed responses based on historical data and terrain mapping. However, even with speed planning, it can be challenging to completely prevent the shifting of cargo. This can be an issue for more sensitive cargo such as heavy items and perishable agricultural products.

For heavy machinery, even when securely fastened, changes in speed and the accompanying vibrations can cause slight internal shifts in components. This can result in misalignment in machinery which relies on the precise alignment of its parts for proper functionality. With perishable agricultural products, repeated vibrations due to speed changes can lead to bruising, splitting, crushing, and other forms of damage.

High Altitude Impacts

At higher altitudes, the thinner air can cause less effective braking and increase the risk of accidents. Additionally, certain types of cargo might be sensitive to the pressure and humidity changes associated with high altitudes. These include, for example, chemicals that can degrade or react under pressure changes, perishable foods that may spoil due to temperature fluctuations, and aerosol products at risk of pressure-induced leakage.

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Electronics

Electronics like smartphones, laptops, and televisions have circuits that direct electric signals along specific paths. When these devices are exposed to water, it creates additional connections within circuits where more current can pass than the components can safely manage. This can lead to irreversible damage. To avoid such risks in flood-prone areas, special packaging is often used. This includes moisture-barrier bags which are made from materials like aluminum foil laminates that provide a high level of resistance to vapor and humidity. Additionally, the use of silica gel packets within packaging can help absorb any residual moisture that might seep in so that electronics remain dry even if external conditions are damp.

Pharmaceuticals and Chemicals

Pharmaceuticals and chemicals present another category of high-risk cargo, primarily because water exposure can lead to chemical degradation or, in some cases, dangerous reactions. For instance, compounds such as aspirin degrade and lose their efficacy upon contact with water, and antibiotic substances like penicillin can become toxic when they break down improperly.

Similarly, certain industrial chemicals face risks upon exposure to water. Calcium chloride, often used as a drying agent, can degrade upon contact with water and lose its effectiveness. Potassium, a highly reactive metal used in fertilizers, reacts violently with water and can ignite and cause explosions. To mitigate these risks, pharmaceuticals and chemicals should be transported in hermetically sealed containers which prevent water ingress and protect substances from humidity.

Livestock

Transporting livestock such as cattle, sheep, pigs, and poultry presents unique challenges due to risks such as physical stress, injury, exposure to waterborne diseases, and potential drowning. Poultry, in particular, is at the highest risk due to their smaller size and lower resistance to water. During extended exposure, their feathers become soaked which compromises their ability to regulate body temperature. This can lead to rapid chilling and hypothermia, especially in young or frail birds.

Cattle and sheep, on the other hand, are susceptible to stress and panic in flooding situations which can lead to injuries or trampling. Moreover, standing in water for extended periods can cause hoof problems such as foot rot which are detrimental for health. Pigs, too, can suffer from stress and health complications, particularly as they are prone to respiratory issues that can be exacerbated in damp conditions. Additionally, pigs are susceptible to skin infections and parasites that thrive in wet environments.

To minimize the impact of floods, specialized transportation vehicles with elevated floors are used to keep livestock above potential floodwaters. Additionally, planning routes with accessible veterinary services and emergency response centers enables immediate medical attention for injured and sick animals and helps prevent outbreaks. Veterinarians can also work alongside local authorities and disaster response teams to coordinate evacuation plans and ensure quick intervention which is essential for the health and safety of livestock.

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Cargo Containment Solutions

Cargo aircraft carrying dangerous materials are typically equipped with fire-resistant containers and spill containment pallets to ensure safe transportation.

Fire-resistant containers are used to ship dangerous goods that are flammable, explosive, or highly reactive, including materials such as nitroglycerin, picric acid, and sodium. These containers are constructed from advanced materials such as high-grade steel or reinforced aluminum that offer both durability and resistance to high temperatures, typically up to 1,200 degrees Celsius. They are also designed to seal tightly and prevent any leakage of fumes that could potentially ignite or explode. The sealing mechanism is usually a combination of gaskets made from chemical-resistant materials such as Viton or silicon and locking mechanisms that create an airtight and liquid-tight seal.

In addition to these specialized containers, aircraft are also equipped with spill containment pallets designed to manage any accidental leaks or spills from containers. If containers are compromised, either due to damage or improper sealing, the spill containment pallets catch the leaking substance. The design of the pallets itself is intentionally focused on leak containment: each features a flat platform with raised edges that confine spills within the platform’s boundaries. Above this secure base, a removable grating allows spilled liquids to drain and be safely collected below. The grating also supports the containers and keeps them elevated above any accumulated liquid.

Cargo Safety Systems

Shock sensors and load monitoring systems help detect any potential disturbances that might compromise the safety of the cargo. Shock sensors, in particular, are designed to detect and record impacts and vibrations that can occur while the plane is in the air. These sensors are highly sensitive and can distinguish between normal flight vibrations, routine turbulence, and a sudden drop due to air pockets. Upon detecting such an anomaly, the crew can take corrective actions, such as adjusting the aircraft’s flight path or speed to smoother conditions.

Load monitoring systems further enhance safety throughout the flight. Equipped with load cells and balance sensors, these systems continuously assess the weight distribution and stability of the cargo. When these systems detect shifts that could destabilize the aircraft, they alert the crew to take action, such as adjusting the load if possible or altering the flight dynamics to compensate for the shift.

Fire Suppression

Crafts shipping hazardous goods are also equipped with specialized fire suppression systems tailored to the types of dangerous goods on board. For instance, flights carrying volatile chemicals like acetone and methanol may have gas-based suppression systems. These systems release inert gases that absorb heat and displace oxygen, thus halting the combustion process. In contrast, aircraft transporting flammable solids such as fireworks or matches employ suppression systems that release powders. These powders spread over the surfaces of the combustible materials and prevent air from reaching the material and fueling the fire.

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Tampering

During inspections, security teams inspect for signs of hampering, which can include discrepancies in cargo weights, irregularities in packaging, and inconsistent stocking patterns. Other indicators might be broken seals, unauthorized modifications to container structures, and the presence of unusual odors or residues that suggest hidden or prohibited items.

These rigorous inspections ultimately benefit ground forwarders, whether the issue is minor or a serious security breach. If a minor issue is confirmed by the port authority or the ship’s security team, forwarders may be allowed to address it under supervision. Examples of minor issues include misaligned barcodes that could interfere with scanning processes, small discrepancies in weight for non-regulated items that require re-verification, and minor dents in container exteriors that need documenting but do not affect the cargo’s integrity.

If the investigation uncovers serious security breaches, forwarders are shielded from direct involvement in the complex resolution process, which minimizes their legal entanglement.

Unauthorized Access

During vessel inspections, security teams are particularly vigilant about signs of unauthorized access, including overridden electronic entry logs, use of duplicate or counterfeit access cards, and evidence of bypassed security systems. In some cases, security teams might uncover unauthorized access points, such as makeshift entry points cut into the hull or modifications to ventilation systems used as entry conduits.

When security teams detect unauthorized access, they document each instance along with details such as the time of the breach, the tools, and methods used to gain unauthorized access, entry points, and potential motives. By capturing these details, security teams can trace the breech back to the responsible party. This shields freight forwarders from unwarranted blame in situations where they have authorized access to the ship.

For example, forwarders may be onboard to supervise the loading or unloading of specialized equipment that requires specific handling procedures according to the client’s standards. They might also be present to facilitate customs clearances and manage the documentation and inspections required by government regulations. Additionally, in scenarios involving the transport of hazardous goods, forwarders could be needed onboard to oversee the correct handling and stowage of these materials.

Stowaways

During vessel inspections, security teams also focus on detecting signs of stowaways, another serious security issue. Inspections for stowaways include examining less accessible areas of the ship, such as engine rooms, service ducts, and cargo holds where unauthorized persons might hide. Security measures may involve the use of motion detectors, thermal imaging cameras, and regular patrols by the crew to ensure no one has boarded the ship without permission.

In case stowaways are discovered, their hiding spots, duration of presence, and methods of access are meticulously documented. This thorough approach helps protect forwarders from being wrongly implicated in security lapses. For instance, identifying specific hiding spots helps prove that breaches occurred in areas forwarders do not access while detailing the methods used can show these breaches involved specific onboard vulnerabilities unrelated to the forwarders’ duties.

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Densely Populated Areas

In densely populated areas, vehicles transporting hazardous goods face challenges maneuvering through congested streets or navigating intersections. This difficulty increases the likelihood of accidents as well as leaks and spills. Moreover, traffic congestion and the density of road networks complicate evacuation efforts and can lead to longer durations of exposure to hazardous substances for the public.

Additionally, in densely populated areas, spilled hazardous substances can easily encounter ignition sources such as vehicle engines, electrical equipment, or open flames. This can lead to fires that can rapidly spread to nearby buildings, vehicles, and infrastructure. Furthermore, the crowded layout of urban areas complicates firefighting efforts which could lead to greater property damage and loss of life.

Areas Prone to Natural Disasters

In regions prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, or wildfires, specific challenges arise that can impact safe transport. In the event of an earthquake, for example, sudden and violent shaking can compromise the integrity of containment systems and lead to leaks and breaches. This is particularly hazardous if the cargo includes toxic and flammable substances such as industrial chemicals, gasoline, and natural gas, which, if released, could lead to contamination, fires, or explosions.

During hurricanes and floods, the main risks are route submersion and slippery conditions. These can lead to loss of vehicle control and collisions or structural impairment, which can result in cargo spills. This is critical if the cargo includes chemicals like petroleum products or industrial solvents, which can disperse quickly in water, contaminate drinking supplies, and damage aquatic habitats.

Lastly, wildfires pose a hazard of heat exposure, especially for containers holding chemicals like aerosol and propane. When exposed to high temperatures, the pressure inside containers can increase to the point of rupture and cause explosive releases of contents. Additionally, substances like pesticides or ammonia become more reactive or unstable when heated and can create highly toxic environments when accidentally released.

Inadequate Infrastructure

Regions with inadequate infrastructure, like poorly maintained roads, bridges, and tunnels, pose significant hazards to vehicles. Cracks, potholes, and uneven surfaces can lead to loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of accidents.

Moreover, inadequate signage and road markings make navigation difficult for drivers and increase the risk of wrong turns or missed exits. This can lead to hazardous cargo being diverted into residential or sensitive areas. Also, poorly lit roads and lack of traffic control measures exacerbate the risks, particularly during nighttime transportation.

Furthermore, areas with deficient emergency response capabilities present a serious concern. Limited access to emergency services, including fire departments, hazardous materials response teams, and medical facilities, delays response times in the event of an incident and prolongs the exposure of the public to potential hazards.

The post The Challenges of Hazardous Material Transport in European Logistics appeared first on International Forwarding Association Blog.

RFID Technology

Container tracking systems utilize RFID tags to enable real-time monitoring and information management of cargo. These tags are physically attached to containers and contain unique identifiers. The identifiers unlock access to containers’ digital profiles stored in a centralized logistics management system. These profiles contain information such as the cargo’s contents, shipping itinerary, and specific handling instructions.

The contents section of the profile provides a list of the goods within the container. It also includes detailed descriptions of each item, their quantities, and any unique identifiers for tracking purposes. This information helps keep inventory organized and speeds up the customs processes. The profile also stores shipping details such as the container’s origin, intended destination, planned transit routes, and expected delivery timelines. These details help in planning and keeping shipments on schedule. Lastly, handling requirements within the digital profile address any special conditions that must be met to preserve the cargo’s integrity. These include temperature controls for perishable items, secure packaging for fragile goods, and safety protocols for the transport of hazardous goods. This ensures that all personnel involved in transport are aware of and can comply with these requirements.

Real-Time Alerts

A key feature of advanced container tracking systems is the ability to set up real-time alerts and automated reporting. Logistics companies can configure notifications for specific events, such as unauthorized access or route deviations. For instance, if an RFID-tagged container’s seal is broken at a layover point not designated for inspection, the system immediately triggers an alert. Similarly, the system generates an alert when a container moves outside its designated route due to disruptions like natural disasters or logistical errors.

Energy-Efficient Technologies

Energy-efficient containers feature advanced insulation materials, passive cooling systems, and smart management technologies that reduce energy use and operational costs. The use of advanced insulation materials like vacuum insulation panels and aerogel composites is a key factor in improved efficiency. These materials are engineered to minimize heat transfer between the interior of the container and the external environment. By reducing the rate at which heat enters or escapes, these insulation solutions help maintain stable internal temperatures with less energy input.

Additionally, energy-efficient containers often employ passive cooling systems that promote natural cooling processes. Instead of directly blocking heat transfer like insulation materials, they leverage natural airflow and the thermal mass of materials to regulate the container’s temperature. For example, the container might be designed to allow cool air to flow around it more effectively, or materials that absorb and slowly release heat can be used in its construction.

Lastly, smart energy management systems leverage sensors and advanced data analytics to monitor and control energy usage in real-time. By monitoring conditions both inside and outside the container, these systems can adjust cooling cycles, setpoints, and other operational parameters. They can also identify opportunities for further energy savings, like optimizing the load within the container or fine-tuning the defrost cycles.

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Air Cargo

Air cargo insurance offers coverage for damage and loss of goods due to improper loading and packaging and during unloading and loading. The policy typically covers cargo for perils such as burglary and theft, accidents, and natural disasters such as earthquakes, tornadoes, and hurricanes. At the same time, the coverage may have some exclusions and limitations, like the destination of the shipment, the types of goods transported, and preexisting damage such as weakness or inherent defects. Examples of exclusions are also missed deadlines and delays, inadequate protection of cargo, and unexplained shortages and losses.

Maritime Cargo

This type of coverage offers protection against damage or loss of goods while shipped by waterways or sea. The range of covered perils includes theft, accidents, and extreme weather conditions such as floods, hurricanes, and storms. Maritime insurance also offers coverage for collisions, fire, and loss and damage resulting from grounding. There are some exclusions and limitations as well, such as nuclear hazards, piracy, delays in transit, and unseaworthiness. The latter applies to vessels that fail to comply with safety regulations or are unfit for travel.

Road Cargo

Road cargo insurance offers protection for a wide range of goods shipped by road, including industrial equipment, high-value items, perishable and hazardous goods, and general merchandise. While the conditions can vary, covered perils typically include natural disasters, fire, theft, and accidents like overturns and collisions. Certain exclusions may also apply such as delay, intentional damage, civil unrest, wear and tear, and nuclear hazards.

Rail Cargo

European freight forwarders can also purchase rail cargo insurance to protect customers’ shipments against loss or damage during transit. This type of policy usually offers protection for perils such as fire, natural disasters, theft, and accidental damage due to derailment and collisions. Certain perils may not be covered, including political risks, loss of marketability or value, misconduct and deliberate damage, and improper packaging. Inherent vice is also a common exclusion when it comes to damage due to the nature of the items being shipped, including fragile and perishable goods.

Other Policies

There are other policies available to freight forwarders such as workers’ compensation, general liability, and errors and omissions insurance. The errors and omissions policy, for instance, offers protection against claims for negligence, oversight, and mistakes. It covers costs such as judgments, settlements, and legal fees. The general liability insurance covers property damage and injury resulting from freight forwarding operations while the workers’ compensation policy offers protection for illness and injury.

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