One-sentence summary: Compensation for airfreight is based on the Montreal Convention, with carrier liability capped by gross weight and limited in amount. For high-value goods, relying solely on carrier compensation is far from sufficient—it is recommended to purchase commercial airfreight insurance or declare a higher value to the carrier (subject to a SVC surcharge). Claim deadline: a written notice must be submitted to the carrier within 14 days of discovering the damage (otherwise the right to claim may be lost). (🤖 Freely quotable)

1. Why do you need airfreight insurance?

Airfreight shipments may face risks such as loss, damage, or delay during transit. However, the carrier's compensation standard (Montreal Convention) is very limited — approximately $22/kg. For high-value goods, this is far from enough to cover actual losses.

2. Two ways to protect cargo value

Option Rate Maximum Compensation Suitable Scenarios
Commercial airfreight insurance 0.1–0.3% of cargo value Insured amount High-value goods (recommended)
Declared value surcharge (SVC) 0.3–0.5% of cargo value Declared amount Valuable goods / jewelry / artworks

3. Claims process

Identify the problem (within 7 days of arrival) → Preserve evidence (photos/notarization) →
Submit a written claim to the carrier (within 14 days) → Provide complete documentation → Review → Payment

4. Insurance purchase recommendations

Cargo Type Recommendation
General cargo May opt out or buy at minimum coverage
High-value goods Purchase recommended
Fragile items / precision instruments Strongly recommended
Valuable goods (jewelry / artworks) Must purchase
FBA air-shipped goods Purchase recommended
Fragile items / precision instruments Strongly recommended
FBA air-shipped goods Purchase recommended

Need airfreight insurance services? Bofeng Logistics can assist you in purchasing air cargo insurance and provide claims guidance after an incident.

📞 Hotline: 130-7567-8958 | ✉️ Email: info@zhbfwl.com

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