Logistics insurance encompasses all the safeguards that protect goods throughout the supply chain: from storage and handling to vehicle loading.
These covers are essential when transporting marble slabs, marble and granite blocks, or crates of high-value porcelain stoneware and ceramics, as most damage occurs during storage, lifting, and stowage. During these stages, fragile and heavy products are particularly vulnerable to impacts and tipping over.
In this guide, the Logistock team explains what logistics insurance covers, who is liable when goods are damaged, and the operational measures we use to minimise risk in our warehouses.
What is logistics insurance and what does it cover?
Under civil law, insurance is a contract where, in exchange for a premium, the insurer agrees to compensate for damage caused by an incident within agreed limits. Applied to the supply chain, this translates to coverage for damage to goods during the various stages entrusted to an operator, including warehouse storage, internal handling, loading and unloading, groupage, and container consolidation.
The most common claims involve breakages and chipping of rigid materials, drop damage during lifting, and the tipping of improperly secured bundles. A single impact can severely compromise a load of marble slabs, leading to exorbitant costs. Therefore, it is crucial to anticipate potential incidents and define in advance what is covered, along with the maximum limits and policy excesses.
What is the difference between logistics insurance and transit insurance?
While transit insurance covers goods during the journey and is tied to the carrier’s liability, logistics insurance also encompasses the static and handling phases before and after transit. For the stone and ceramic industry—where handling heavy, oversize cargo within a warehouse is a high-risk activity—this policy offers the most robust protection.
Who is liable for cargo damage during logistics operations?
Before choosing cover, it is wise to clarify who is liable in the event of damage. Liability varies depending on the roles and contractual agreements, and does not always fall on the policyholder.
The logistics operator’s liability
Anyone taking delivery of another party’s goods is obliged to store them with a reasonable duty of care. When this is a professional service, the required level of care increases proportionally. In general warehousing, the facility manager is liable for the entrusted goods unless they can prove that loss, shrinkage, or damage resulted from an unforeseeable event (force majeure), the inherent nature of the stored product, or defective packaging.
Insurance on behalf of those responsible
Many cargo policies are taken out “on behalf of those responsible”. This arrangement assigns the insurable interest to the owner of the goods at the time the damage occurs, rather than the party storing or moving them. This clear, upfront allocation of roles—establishing from the outset who will receive the indemnity—helps all involved parties coordinate their protection and prevents coverage gaps during handovers.
How we protect cargo handling at Logistock Italia
We operate two warehouses boasting over 10,000 square metres of indoor space and outdoor yards, where blocks, slabs, and crates are neatly arranged before being loaded onto lorries or containers. Naturally, our priority is to prevent damage from occurring in the first place: we treat our customers’ shipments as if they were our own. To achieve this, we implement a series of preventive strategies designed to protect and monitor the goods during every handling phase.
Fully-equipped warehouses and highly trained teams
The indoor and outdoor areas of our facilities are serviced by six cranes—three overhead and three gantry cranes—of varying capacities, alongside two certified weighbridges for Verified Gross Mass (VGM, Method 1) calculations. The most challenging loads are manoeuvred by specialised personnel trained in accordance with current health and safety regulations, using equipment subject to mandatory periodic inspections. We handle containers and tractor trailers swiftly, ensuring drivers aren’t kept waiting.
Bespoke packaging for marble and ceramics
Every product is protected according to its specific characteristics, namely size, weight, and fragility. We build fumigated wooden bundles—either standard or reinforced with long planks, double crossbars, and end caps—even adding side panels when the piece requires it. Before we even begin, we plan the load, suggesting the most efficient layout and the optimal quantity to stow. With our third-party logistics service, we then consolidate consignments from different origins (groupage) to maximise container and vehicle fill rates, cutting shipping costs.
Documentation, customs warehousing, and delivery
During operations, the customer receives completed paperwork in real-time, along with a photographic record documenting each step, ensuring they always have proof of how the cargo was handled. Those wishing to defer customs clearance can leave their materials with foreign status in our Type C customs warehouse until the most opportune moment. Final delivery is then carried out by our group’s own haulage fleet, using rigid lorries, tractor trailers, and crane-equipped vehicles tailored to the heavy and bulky nature of the stone industry.
Impact and tilt indicators
In addition to the photographic record provided once loading is complete, we can apply impact and tilt indicators upon request. These offer tangible added value for those shipping products that must travel strictly upright.
These indicators are attached to the bundle or container and are designed to detect and record excessive cargo tilting. If the product is tilted sideways or completely overturned, the indicator turns red. However, it remains unaffected during normal handling operations. Once applied, no one can tip the material without leaving clear, irrefutable evidence.
By using these tools, we have noticed a significant reduction in transit damage. In a worst-case scenario, they provide indisputable proof of mishandling, which is vital for establishing liability. They also act as a strong visual deterrent for handlers and ensure full traceability, without causing issues in countries with strict import restrictions, including BMSB treatments. Practically speaking, our warehouse staff apply one impact indicator per bundle—or two if the bundle exceeds two metres in length—plus one tilt indicator per container load.
To find out how we can protect your marble and ceramic shipments, please fill in the contact form.
Frequently asked questions
Does logistics insurance also cover international shipments?
Yes, cover can be extended to warehousing, consolidation, and loading operations prior to an international shipment, whether by sea or air. It is important to check the limits and conditions for the entire journey, including warehouse phases and storage before embarkation.
Are fragile goods like marble and stoneware harder to protect?
They require more attention, but this doesn’t necessarily mean prohibitive costs. High value, heavy weight, and oversize cargo increase risk exposure. However, bespoke packaging, appropriate equipment, and documentary records of every step significantly reduce the likelihood of damage and simplify the claims process should a dispute arise.
Are impact and tilt indicators mandatory?
No, their use is not mandatory, but we highly recommend them for goods that must remain upright. The low cost—around a few euros per device—is often negligible compared to the value of a slab or block, and it provides the certainty of being able to prove exactly how any damage occurred.
How much do impact indicators affect shipping costs?
The impact on cost is minimal. The number of indicators depends on the load configuration: typically one per bundle, two if the bundle is over two metres long, plus one tilt indicator per container. For high-value product shipments, the expense is marginal given the level of protection provided.