A cargo policy insures the goods named in its own definition. A reusable container is a separate asset and falls into a gap if the definition does not mention it; this table sorts out which document to check.
| Asset | Document to check |
|---|---|
| Goods carried | Insured goods and value |
| Vehicle | Carrier policy and terms |
| Reusable container | Policy definition, value and cover |
Recovery from the carrier is capped as well. In domestic carriage the transport provisions of the Turkish Commercial Code make the carrier liable for loss and damage from the moment it takes the goods over until delivery (Article 875); compensation is calculated on the market value at the place and time of acceptance (Article 880) and limited to 8.33 SDR per kilogram of gross weight (Article 882). On a consignment of 600 kg gross the ceiling is 600 x 8.33 = 4,998 SDR; if the container is worth more, the difference stays with you unless the container is on your policy.
Put these questions to your agent in writing:
- Is the container defined as insured property in the policy?
- Is the empty return trip covered?
- How is the container's value determined?
- What are the deductible, exclusions and claim notice period?
Document the value: tie the container ID to its purchase invoice or inventory record, and show loading and return condition with photos, handover records and dispatch data. Equipment without an invoice has a value that can be disputed. Renew the questions when the policy, route, transport method or container fleet changes.
