International Transport Insurance Guide
OCP, cargo & CMR Convention explained
When transporting heavy machinery worth €50,000 to €500,000+ across international borders, insurance is not optional — it's essential. Yet many companies don't fully understand what their carrier's insurance covers, where the gaps are, and when additional cargo insurance is needed.
This guide explains the three layers of protection in international heavy transport: OCP carrier liability, cargo all-risk insurance, and the CMR Convention. Understanding these ensures your machinery is fully protected from loading point in Poland to delivery anywhere in Europe.
Gonera Transport carries OCP insurance up to €500,000 — among the highest in the Polish heavy haulage industry. Combined with the CMR Convention's automatic coverage, most machinery shipments are fully protected without any additional cost to the customer.
Three layers of transport insurance
OCP (Carrier Liability Insurance)
Coverage limit: €500,000OCP (Odpowiedzialność Cywilna Przewoźnika) is the carrier's mandatory liability insurance. It covers damage caused by the transport company during loading, transit and unloading. Gonera Transport carries OCP insurance up to €500,000 — one of the highest limits in Central European heavy haulage.
What's covered:
- Damage during loading/unloading
- Accidents in transit
- Theft of cargo
- Fire and explosion
- Force majeure events
Cargo Insurance (All-Risk)
Coverage limit: Per shipment valueCargo insurance (also called goods-in-transit insurance) protects the owner of the machinery against all risks not covered by the carrier's OCP. This includes damage from road vibration, weather exposure, or driver error. For high-value equipment (over €200,000), separate cargo insurance is recommended as an additional layer.
What's covered:
- All-risk protection
- Owner-arranged coverage
- Covers carrier exclusions
- Weather and vibration damage
- Total loss / constructive total loss
CMR Convention Coverage
Coverage limit: 8.33 SDR/kg (~€10/kg)The CMR Convention (Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road) applies automatically to all international road transport between signatory states. It limits the carrier's liability to 8.33 SDR per kilogram of gross weight — approximately €10/kg. For a 25-tonne excavator, this means maximum CMR liability of ~€250,000, which may be insufficient for high-value machinery.
What's covered:
- Automatic for international transport
- Liability cap: 8.33 SDR/kg
- Covers loss, damage and delay
- Applies in 55+ signatory countries
- No need for separate policy
When you need additional coverage
Machinery valued over €500,000
OCP limit may be insufficient. Arrange owner's cargo insurance for the full replacement value.
Prototype or irreplaceable equipment
Standard insurance covers replacement cost, not sentimental or development value. Agreed-value policies are available.
Project-critical deadlines
Consequential loss (e.g., project delays) is excluded from OCP and CMR. Project delay insurance is a separate product.
Multiple machines in one shipment
If combined value exceeds €500,000, the single OCP limit applies to the whole shipment, not per item.
CMR consignment note — your key document
The CMR consignment note is the single most important document in international road transport. It serves as proof of contract, receipt of goods, and evidence of condition at loading/unloading. Always inspect your machinery before signing — any reservations must be noted on the CMR.
Gonera Transport Insurance Coverage
OCP limit: €500,000 per shipment
Coverage area: All EU countries + UK, Norway, Switzerland
Includes: Loading, transit, unloading, temporary storage (up to 48h)
Insurer: Major Polish insurance company with A-rating
Claims process: Full support — we handle documentation and insurer liaison
Frequently asked questions
Is my machinery insured during international transport?
Yes. Every Gonera Transport shipment is covered by OCP (carrier liability insurance) up to €500,000. This covers damage from loading through delivery. For machinery valued above €500,000, we recommend the owner arranges additional cargo insurance. The CMR Convention also applies automatically, providing a base layer of protection at ~€10/kg.
What does OCP insurance NOT cover?
OCP typically excludes: (1) inherent vice (e.g., pre-existing mechanical faults), (2) inadequate packaging by the sender, (3) nuclear/war risks, (4) consequential losses (e.g., project delays), (5) perishable goods deterioration. For these risks, separate cargo "all-risk" insurance is needed. Gonera always documents the condition of machinery at loading with photographic evidence.
How do I make a claim after transport damage?
Step 1: Document the damage immediately upon delivery — photos, videos, written notes on the CMR consignment note. Step 2: Notify Gonera Transport within 7 days (or immediately for visible damage). Step 3: We file the claim with our insurer and provide all transport documentation. Step 4: Independent surveyor assessment if needed. Step 5: Settlement — typically 30–60 days. Important: never sign the CMR note as "received in good condition" if you haven't inspected the load.
Do I need my own cargo insurance if the carrier has OCP?
For machinery under €500,000 in value, Gonera's OCP coverage is usually sufficient. For higher-value equipment, we recommend owner-arranged cargo insurance as an additional layer. This provides "first-party" coverage regardless of fault determination, which can be faster to settle than carrier liability claims.
What is the difference between OCP and CMR liability?
OCP is a voluntary insurance policy purchased by the carrier — Gonera's is €500,000. CMR is a legal convention that applies automatically to international road transport and limits liability to 8.33 SDR (~€10) per kilogram. If your 30-tonne machine is worth €400,000 but CMR cap is ~€300,000, the OCP provides the additional €100,000 coverage. They work in parallel, not as alternatives.
Questions about transport insurance?
Our team can explain exactly how your machinery will be protected during transport. Free consultation — no obligation.