Cargo protection

Cargo protection & liability

Who is responsible for your goods while they’re on the road, what the law says about compensation, and when you should arrange your own cover.

Onshore is not an insurer

Onshore is a marketplace. We do not sell, arrange or advise on insurance, and bookings do not include insurance cover from us. Optional cargo cover through a regulated insurance partner is coming soon — until then, the protections below are what apply.

In transit

The carrier is responsible for your goods

From collection to delivery

The carrier who accepts your booking is responsible for loss of, or damage to, your goods from the moment they collect them until they hand them over and record proof of delivery.

Goods-in-transit insurance is the carrier’s

Carriers must hold goods-in-transit insurance and motor insurance, and upload proof before they can take paid work. We recommend carriers hold at least €50,000 of goods-in-transit cover per vehicle.

Payment held until delivery

Your payment is held by Stripe and only released to the carrier after delivery. If you report a problem within 48 hours, the payout stays on hold while we review it.

Evidence on every job

Live tracking while the goods are on the road, and photo or signature proof of delivery with the recipient’s name.

The legal limits

Why declared value matters

Road carriers’ liability is limited by law, usually by weight. For light, valuable goods — a case of fine wine, an electronic part — the legal limit can be far below what the goods are worth.

Typical legal liability limits for road carriers
Journey	Rules that usually apply	Typical limit
International road transport (e.g. Monaco → Genoa, Nice → Monaco)	CMR Convention	8.33 SDR per kg of gross weight (about €10/kg), unless a higher value is declared and agreed
Within France	French standard road-haulage contract terms (contrats types)	Per-kg limits with a cap per package or shipment, unless a value is declared
Within the UK	The carrier’s conditions of carriage (often RHA conditions)	Commonly a limit per tonne (around £1,300/tonne under RHA conditions)
Within Spain or Italy	National road-transport law	Per-kg limits set by national law

A general guide, not legal advice. The exact rules depend on the journey and the carrier’s terms, and limits don’t apply in some cases (for example wilful misconduct).

What you should do

Protecting valuable goods

Declare the value of your goods when you book, so the carrier knows what they’re taking on and can decline if it exceeds their cover.
Arrange your own cargo insurance for high-value goods (fine wine, electronics, technical parts). Many businesses and yachts already have marine or goods-in-transit policies that can be extended.
Pack properly and photograph the goods before collection.
Check on delivery and note any visible damage before signing. Report problems from the booking within 48 hours, with photos.
Don’t send cash or valuables worth more than €5,000 without the carrier’s written agreement in advance.

Questions

Cargo protection FAQ

Does my booking include insurance?

No. Onshore does not sell insurance. Carriers hold their own goods-in-transit insurance and are liable for goods in their care within the legal limits above.

Something was damaged. How do I claim?

Open a dispute from your booking within 48 hours of delivery, with photos and a description. The carrier’s payout is held while we review the evidence from both sides. If you have your own cargo insurance, tell your insurer too.

Can I buy extra cover through Onshore?

Not yet. We are working with a regulated insurance partner to offer optional cargo cover. Until it launches, please arrange cover with your own insurer or broker.

Who do I contact about a claim against the carrier?

Start with a dispute on the booking. If you need help, email support@onshoredelivery.com.

Book with the facts in front of you.

Find van space Report a problem