Negligence plays a big role in cargo loss ‘Act as if you’re not insured’ JOY ORLEK DESPITE INTENSIFIED efforts to tighten up security at Johannesburg International Airport, insurers have seen no evidence in their claims ratio to reflect that the initiatives are working. “It’s still a big problem,” says Prestmarine marine marketing manager Susan Bester. “Where security companies are being utilised to accompany the cargo, there’s been an improvement, but specialised crime remains a very big problem. And the public who buy these grey goods are creating the market.” But with insurance companies clamping down, Bester believes several shippers are becoming more proactive. “Insurers are refusing some risks or imposing very high excesses. Theft excesses have increased and armed robbery and hijackings have always had high excesses.” Where there are security measures like armed escorts in place, excesses are reduced, which is why it makes sense for clients to work in partnership with the insurer, says Bester. And skilful pilferage is not a uniquely South African problem. “In many cases the theft has taken place at the source, but is only picked up when the container arrives in South Africa.” But according to claims specialist Leonie van Rooyen, last year’s claims pattern involved the loss of complete parcels and shipments rather than pilferage from containers. And this was particularly prevalent among airfreight shipments and consolidations. "It’s largely due to incorrect labelling or incorrect reading of seal numbers," says Van Rooyen, "which is often a case of pure negligence." “We always advise our clients to act as if they’re not insured. By paying careful attention to elements like packing, transport and security, the likelihood of an insurance claim is minimised," says Bester. "Ultimately that’s in the best interests of the client, the insurer and the country, which needs to build on its reputation as a reliable trading partner." “Any shipper would prefer to have his cargo intact rather than receive a cheque to cover the loss or damage.”
