How to Choose a Freight Forwarder for DRC and Burundi Shipments
Ten questions to ask, the warning signs to look out for and a simple checklist for comparing freight forwarders for shipments to the DRC and Burundi.
Cargo Insurance in Rwanda
Coverage against all risks of physical loss or damage to freight during the shipment.
Haraka Freight International arranges cargo insurance in Rwanda for goods moving to, from and across East Africa. Cargo insurance provides coverage against all risks of physical loss or damage to freight during the shipment from any external cause during shipping, whether by land, sea or air. Also known as freight insurance, it covers transits carried out by water, air, road, rail, registered post parcel and courier.
What cargo insurance in Rwanda covers
- Cargo insurance covers shipments against perils or risks that might occur during transport, whether by sea or by air.
- Different coverage is available depending on the nature of the goods, the destination and the packaging. Cover on transported goods may be on a Total Loss basis or on a wider basis, up to Full Cover.
Why cargo insurance matters for East African shipments
A container bound for Kigali, Bujumbura or Goma goes through many hands: the origin port, the vessel, the discharge port, the container yard, one or more trucks, border inspections, bonded facilities and the final delivery. Each hand-over is a chance for something to go wrong, including:
- Damage during loading, discharge or handling
- Road accidents on long corridors
- Theft or pilferage
- Water damage, fire or contamination
- Loss of an entire consignment
Carriers' liability for loss or damage is limited and often far below the value of the goods. Cargo insurance protects the full value of your shipment, so one bad event does not wipe out the profit on a whole order.
Levels of cover
| Level | What it means | Suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Total Loss | Pays out only if the whole consignment is lost | Robust, low-value-per-unit cargo |
| Named perils | Covers specific listed risks | Cargo with predictable risks |
| Full Cover ("all risks") | Covers physical loss or damage from any external cause, subject to the policy's exclusions | Most general cargo, high-value or fragile goods |
Every policy has exclusions, such as inadequate packing or inherent vice (deterioration caused by the nature of the goods). We explain them before you buy.
How to arrange cargo insurance with Haraka
- Share the details. Cargo description, value, packaging, route and transport mode.
- Choose the cover. We explain the options and their cost.
- Confirm before departure. Insurance is in place before the goods start moving.
- Keep the paperwork. You receive the insurance certificate with your shipping documents.
- If something happens. Report it immediately, note the damage on delivery documents and keep the evidence. We help you prepare the claim.
Insurance and Incoterms
The Incoterm in your sales contract decides who carries the risk at each stage. Under CIF and CIP, the seller must buy insurance, but often only the minimum cover. Under EXW, FCA and FOB, the buyer carries the risk for most of the journey. The ICC's Incoterms rules (opens in a new tab) set this out. If you are an importer buying FOB from China or Dubai, arranging your own cover with your freight forwarder is usually the safer choice.
Reducing the risk of a claim
- Pack for the journey. Long road corridors mean vibration, heat and repeated handling. Our land freight team offers packaging, repackaging and fumigation services.
- Describe the goods accurately. Correct descriptions avoid disputes later.
- Use sealed containers and record seal numbers at each stage.
- Clear and deliver quickly. Less time waiting means less exposure. See customs clearance.
Why arrange cargo insurance with Haraka
- One booking for freight, clearance and insurance.
- Cover for every mode: sea, air, road and rail.
- Help when it matters, from documenting damage to supporting the claim.
Not sure what level of cover you need? Tell us the cargo, its value, the route and the Incoterm when you request a quote, and we will include insurance options alongside the freight price so you can compare them side by side.
Frequently asked questions
What does cargo insurance cover?
Cargo insurance covers shipments against perils or risks that might occur during transport. Depending on the policy, cover can be on a Total Loss basis or on a wider basis up to Full Cover, protecting against physical loss or damage from external causes.
Isn't my cargo already covered by the carrier?
Carriers' liability is usually limited by law and contract, and often pays far less than the value of the goods, or nothing at all in some situations. Cargo insurance protects the value of your goods regardless of who was at fault.
How much does cargo insurance cost?
The premium depends on the value and nature of the goods, the route, the packaging and the level of cover. Send us the shipment details and we will provide a quote.
When should I arrange insurance?
Before the goods start moving. Cover cannot normally be bought for a shipment that has already been damaged or lost.
Does the Incoterm affect who should insure?
Yes. Under some Incoterms, such as CIF and CIP, the seller must arrange insurance; under others, such as FOB or EXW, the buyer carries the risk for most of the journey and should insure it.
Related articles
East Africa Logistics Corridors: Mombasa, Dar es Salaam and Regional Trade
Our hub guide to the trade corridors that connect the ports of Mombasa and Dar es Salaam with Rwanda, Burundi, the DRC and the wider region, and how businesses use them.