Cargo protection

General Average

General Average is a maritime principle under which qualifying extraordinary sacrifices or expenses made to preserve a common maritime adventure may be shared among the interests involved.

Published by AllwayforwardUpdated
Understand it in practice
A visual breakdown of General Average: Common maritime danger, Extraordinary sacrifice or expense and Contribution assessment. The illustration simplifies the concept; the definition and applicable terms determine the details.

Where it fits in the journey

Highlighted stages are commonly relevant
  1. 01Agree — commonly relevant
  2. 02Prepare — commonly relevant
  3. 03Transport — commonly relevant
  4. 04Clear — commonly relevant
  5. 05Deliver — commonly relevant
THE PICTURE, IN WORDS

General Average at a glance

  • Common maritime danger
  • Extraordinary sacrifice or expense
  • Contribution assessment
THE DETAIL THAT MATTERS

What may a cargo owner need to provide before release?

Cargo owners may need to provide security before release. Ask how the cargo policy addresses general-average contributions.

Do not confuse these protections

TermMeaning
Carrier liabilityResponsibility under transport terms and law
Declared valueA declaration that may affect contractual liability
Cargo insuranceCover under a separate policy with its own conditions
Hand-drawn warehouse with packed goods and cargo handling.
Cargo protection in context · original educational illustration, not a photograph of a shipment.

Before you book

For cargo protection, have these details ready:

  • Insured goods, journey and value
  • Exclusions, limits and deductible
  • Condition photos, records and claims procedure
Explore cargo protection support

Sources & further reading

Plain-language educational guidance. The applicable contract, carrier tariff, official rules or insurance policy takes precedence. Illustrations show concepts, not a specific shipment or facility.

Published by Allwayforward as a plain-language freight reference. Examples are illustrative, not customer case studies. For a correction, send the term and supporting source.