Below is a concise, practical guide to the top insurance options for haulage and goods‑in‑transit (U.S. context), who they’re for, typical features/exclusions, leading carriers, and quick selection tips.

1. Primary policy types (what they are and when you need them)

• Motor‑truck cargo insurance — covers loss or damage to goods while on the truck (including loading/unloading in most forms). Primary for for‑hire carriers and owner‑operators. (progressivecommercial.com, northlandins.com)
• Marine/inland‑marine (cargo) insurance — “goods‑in‑transit” coverage for shippers/importers across modes (ocean, air, inland). Often sold as “all‑risk” or “named perils.” Best for shippers who want to protect their financial interest rather than rely on a carrier’s liability. (freightamigo.com, guardianofrisk.com)
• Contingent cargo insurance — covers a seller/buyer when the primary carrier’s/broker’s insurance is absent or inadequate (useful for brokers, sellers under CIF/FOB arrangements). (freightamigo.com)
• Freight‑forwarder / logistics liability (FFL) and brokers’ errors & omissions — covers legal liability and professional mistakes by freight forwarders/brokers (separate from cargo cover). (freightamigo.com)
• Warehouseman’s legal liability / storage coverage — protects goods while in storage/warehouse (warehouse‑to‑warehouse wording and time limits matter). (investopedia.com)

2. Key coverage choices and clauses to understand

• All‑risk vs named‑perils: All‑risk covers any peril except specified exclusions; named‑perils covers only listed causes. All‑risk is broader but costlier. (investopedia.com, freightamigo.com)
• Valuation (full invoice vs actual cash/salvage): determines settlement amount — confirm declared value and coinsurance clauses. (freightamigo.com)
• Territorial/time definitions (warehouse‑to‑warehouse, 72‑hour storage limits, transit start/end): critical to avoid coverage gaps. (investopedia.com, progressivecommercial.com)
• Refrigeration/spoilage endorsements, theft from unattended vehicle, trailer interchange, named shipper coverage, and primary vs contingent wording — buy endorsements that match your cargo profile. (northlandins.com, hudsoninsgroup.com)

3. Typical exclusions to watch for

• Wear & tear, inherent vice, deliberate misconduct, war/political risks (unless endorsed), strikes, and often valuables/precious metals unless specifically insured. Also many policies limit storage duration (e.g., 72 hrs). (shipuniverse.com, geico.com)

4. Leading carriers / markets (U.S. & global) frequently used for haulage & transit risks

• U.S. carriers and specialist transportation markets: Progressive, The Hartford, Zurich, Hanover, Hudson Insurance, Northland, Sentry, Great American — commonly write motor‑truck cargo/inland marine and have tailored endorsements for truckers/fleets. (progressivecommercial.com, ntassoc.com, hudsoninsgroup.com)
• Global corporate cargo/large‑risk markets: Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS), AIG, Chubb, AXA XL, Travelers, TT Club — good for international, project cargo, high‑value, and complex supply‑chain programs. (freightamigo.com)

5. Selecting the right option — quick checklist

• Who needs it? Carriers/truckers → motor‑truck cargo; shippers/importers → marine/inland‑marine (all‑risk if high value); brokers → contingent cargo + broker E&O; warehouses → warehouseman’s liability. (progressivecommercial.com, freightamigo.com)
• Limits: set limits to declared value per shipment and an annual aggregate where needed.
• Deductible: balance premium vs frequency/severity.
• Endorsements: refrigeration, theft from parked trailers, loading/unloading, trailer interchange, named‑shipper. (northlandins.com, hudsoninsgroup.com)
• Certificates & contractual language: require the correct COI wording and primary/waiver of subrogation if contractually needed.
• Claims handling & financial strength: prefer carriers with marine/cargo claims specialists and strong AM Best ratings. (freightamigo.com, ntassoc.com)

6. Practical buying tips

• Shop multiple markets (some insurers specialize in small truckers, others in large fleet or international cargo). (ntassoc.com, freightamigo.com)
• Use a broker experienced in transportation/inland‑marine — they can combine motor‑truck cargo, contingent cargo, and appropriate endorsements. (freightamigo.com)
• For commodities with special risks (food, pharma, electronics, live animals, high value), add specific endorsements (refrigeration breakdown, temperature monitoring, higher limits, named‑shipper wording). (northlandins.com, progressivecommercial.com)

7. Bottom line (short)

• For haulage carriers: motor‑truck cargo is the standard. For shippers moving goods across modes: an inland‑marine/marine cargo all‑risk policy is usually the most protective. Brokers/third parties should add contingent cargo and professional liability as needed. Choose carriers/brokers based on the size of your operation, commodity type, territory, and claims service — and always confirm specific policy wording (time/territory, valuation, exclusions). (progressivecommercial.com, freightamigo.com)

If you’d like, I can:

• produce a one‑page checklist tailored to your operation (trucker, shipper, broker), or
• compare 3–5 specific carriers/quotes if you tell me whether you’re a carrier, shipper, or broker and what you move (commodity, typical routes, annual tonnage/value).