Insurance

C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa provides comprehensive freight and cargo insurance solutions that safeguard shipments across air, sea, road, rail, and warehousing operations. From departure to delivery, our freight insurance coverage protects against loss, damage, or unforeseen events, ensuring every shipment moves with confidence.

Our insurance services are delivered in partnership with Sinergi Risk (Pty) Ltd, an authorised Financial Services Provider (FSP No. 51595) within the C. Steinweg Global network. Together, we deliver tailored freight insurance and cargo insurance solutions designed to reduce exposure, speed up claims resolution, and protect the value of goods in transit.

Need protection for your next shipment? Speak to our insurance specialists for a customised quote today.

Key Benefits

What is Freight Insurance?

Freight and cargo insurance provides financial protection for goods while they’re being transported, stored, or handled as part of local or international trade. It covers physical loss or damage caused by external factors such as theft, collision, fire, or natural disasters — giving importers, exporters, and logistics providers confidence that their cargo is protected throughout the journey.

In South Africa’s dynamic trade environment, where goods move daily through major ports such as Durban, Cape Town, Gqeberha, and Richards Bay, reliable freight insurance coverage is essential. C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa offers tailored freight cargo insurance that safeguards shipments end-to-end, helping clients manage risk, recover quickly from disruptions, and protect the value of their global and domestic supply chains.

C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa’s Freight Insurance Solutions

Through Sinergi Risk (Pty) Ltd, our authorised financial services partner (FSP No. 51595), we help clients secure comprehensive freight and cargo insurance coverage that supports business continuity, reduces risk, and protects shipments across every stage of transport.

Comprehensive Coverage for Every Mode of Transport

Our freight cargo insurance policies provide all-risk protection for goods transported by air, sea, road, and rail. Coverage includes loss, theft, damage, fire, collision, and natural disasters, as well as general average and salvage charges. Whether you ship bulk commodities, manufactured goods, or high-value cargo, we deliver flexible, cost-effective insurance to cover every stage of transport — from port to warehouse to final destination.

Goods in Transit (GIT) Insurance

Goods in transit insurance protects your shipments while on the move, whether carried by your own vehicles or third-party transporters. Policies cover theft, collision, accidental damage, and handling incidents during loading or unloading. Tailored to each business, this coverage ensures continuous protection across your local and cross-border road networks, reducing exposure throughout your logistics cycle.

Marine Liability Insurance

Our marine liability insurance safeguards vessel owners, charterers, and cargo owners against third-party claims arising from property damage, bodily injury, or pollution. With international reach and access to specialist marine claims handlers, this coverage ensures confidence in global marine operations and compliance with maritime liability requirements.

Stock Throughput Insurance

Stock throughput insurance combines cargo, storage, and processing coverage into a single streamlined policy. This all-inclusive solution protects goods from the moment they leave your supplier until they reach your customer — including warehousing, handling, and interim storage. By consolidating multiple policies, clients benefit from simplified administration, reduced costs, and seamless end-to-end protection.

Heavy Commercial Vehicle (HCV) Insurance

C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa, together with Sinergi Risk, offers specialised heavy commercial vehicle insurance designed for fleet and logistics operators. Coverage protects vehicles, drivers, and cargo against road accidents, cross-border incidents, and liability exposures unique to heavy-duty transport operations. With our expertise in freight and logistics risk, we ensure your fleet remains compliant, covered, and road-ready.

Rapid Claims Handling and Support

In partnership with Sinergi Risk, we offer fast and transparent claims management to minimise business disruption. Our in-house specialists coordinate every stage of the process — from incident reporting to settlement — ensuring efficient turnaround and consistent communication. This hands-on approach allows clients to recover losses quickly and maintain confidence in their logistics operations.

Seamless Integration with Logistics Operations

As part of C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa’s end-to-end logistics network, our freight and cargo insurance services integrate directly with freight forwarding, warehousing, and trade finance operations. This coordination allows us to manage documentation, risk assessment, and claims processing within a single streamlined workflow — providing clients with complete visibility and control over their insured shipments.

Risk Advisory and Industry Expertise

With extensive expertise in logistics, trade, and marine risk, our specialist team provides freight broker insurance and freight forwarder insurance guidance to help clients identify vulnerabilities and improve supply chain resilience. We offer proactive risk assessments, loss-prevention advice, and insurance structures suited to complex or high-value cargo, ensuring every client receives both protection and strategic insight.

Complementary Insurance Solutions

Beyond standard freight and cargo insurance, our partner Sinergi Risk (Pty) Ltd provides a range of complementary insurance solutions tailored to the broader logistics environment in South Africa. These include Sasria insurance to protect against civil commotion, riots, and terrorism; liability insurance to safeguard businesses from third-party and operational risks; and business asset insurance to cover buildings, machinery, and equipment against fire, theft, and natural disasters. Together, these solutions strengthen resilience across your logistics and supply chain operations.

Related Services: How Freight and Cargo Insurance Fit Into Your Supply Chain

C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa’s freight and cargo insurance forms an integral part of our end-to-end logistics offering. By combining insurance, freight forwarding, warehousing, and trade finance under one coordinated framework, we help clients reduce risk, simplify administration, and maintain full visibility from origin to destination.

Why Partner with C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa?

C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa stands apart for its independence, financial integrity, and custodial reliability — qualities that make our freight and cargo insurance solutions trusted by leading importers, exporters, and financiers across Southern Africa. Backed by more than 178+ years of global experience through the C. Steinweg Group, we combine world-class governance with local agility and risk expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between cargo and freight insurance?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, cargo insurance focuses on protecting the goods themselves from loss or damage, whereas freight insurance may also cover the transportation costs, carrier liability, and risks associated with moving those goods. Together, they provide complete supply-chain protection.

Who needs freight and cargo insurance?

Any business moving goods locally or internationally benefits from freight insurance coverage. This includes importers, exporters, freight forwarders, logistics operators, and manufacturers seeking protection from financial losses caused by accidents, theft, or unforeseen disruptions.

Does C. Steinweg Logistics SA’s freight insurance cover warehousing and storage?

Yes. With our stock throughput insurance solutions, coverage can extend beyond transport to include goods held in bonded warehouses, depots, or distribution centres. This ensures continuous protection from supplier to customer, even during temporary storage.

Can freight insurance be customised?

Yes. Policies can be structured to your specific cargo type, route, and risk profile. Options include tailored freight forwarder insurance, high-value cargo protection, and add-ons for temperature-controlled or hazardous shipments. For a personalised assessment, please request a quote from our insurance specialist team.

What risks are not covered by freight insurance?

Standard freight insurance coverage typically excludes losses caused by poor packaging, inherent cargo defects, delays, or willful misconduct. However, specialised policies can include extended protection for strikes, war, and other exceptional risks through tailored endorsements.