Add-ons at quote time: insurance, brokerage & bonds

Your freight quote covers moving the cargo; add-ons cover everything around it. The three you'll see most often are cargo insurance (protects the value of your goods), customs brokerage (clears your goods through customs), and a customs bond (a guarantee US Customs requires to import). You can request these alongside your quote so they're arranged before your cargo moves.

Freight is moved under the carrier's limited liability, which is based on weight — usually far less than what your goods are worth. Cargo insurance covers the actual value of your shipment against loss or damage in transit.

• When you need it: any time the value of your goods is more than you're willing to lose.

• How it's priced: on your total insured value (TIV) — typically the cargo value plus freight.

• How to add it: request it at quote time or in the portal. See Request cargo insurance in the portal.

Learn more in Why insure your cargo & how cost is calculated. Already have a policy? See Using your own cargo insurance.

A customs broker files your entry with the destination customs authority so your goods can legally enter the country. This includes classifying your goods, calculating duties, and submitting the paperwork.

• When you need it: on most commercial imports — customs clearance is required to release your cargo.

• What it covers: the filing and clearance service. Duties and taxes themselves are separate and paid to the government. See The customs clearance process.

A customs bond is a financial guarantee to US Customs and Border Protection that your duties and fees will be paid. US imports above a value threshold require one.

• Single-entry bond — covers one shipment.

• Continuous bond — covers all your entries for a year; usually more economical if you import regularly.

For the related filings that go with importing — such as the Importer Security Filing (ISF), power of attorney (POA), and importer of record (IOR) — see ISF, POA & IOR basics.

You can arrange these add-ons when you request your booking, so insurance, brokerage, and any required bond are in place before your cargo sails or flies. They're quoted or billed separately from freight — see What's included in your quote (and what isn't).

• What's included in your quote (and what isn't)

• Why insure your cargo & how cost is calculated

• The customs clearance process

• ISF, POA & IOR basics

• Freight & shipping glossary