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- March 10, 2024
Shipping involves understanding postal insurance coverage limitations. Many carriers maintain lists of "AT SHIPPER'S RISK" items—valuables unsuitable for standard postal services due to fragility or damage potential. Understanding these exclusions protects your business from unexpected losses and helps you make informed shipping decisions.
Why Insurance Exclusions Exist
Carriers exclude certain items from coverage because:
- High damage risk: Items prone to breaking during normal handling
- High value: Items whose value is difficult to verify or exceeds standard liability limits
- Special handling requirements: Products needing conditions standard shipping can't guarantee
- Fraud potential: Items where value claims are difficult to validate
- Regulatory restrictions: Products with legal limitations on transport
Ten Categories Typically Excluded from Postal Insurance
1. Glassware and Fragile Items
Despite careful handling, standard postal systems involve multiple touchpoints where damage can occur.
Excluded items include:
- Signs, mirrors, and glass panels
- Ceramics and porcelain items
- Crystal and fine glassware
- Electronic screens (TVs, monitors, tablets)
- Framed artwork with glass
- Light bulbs and glass fixtures
Why they're excluded: The fragility of these items makes damage likely even with proper packaging. Carriers cannot guarantee the gentle handling these items require throughout the entire delivery chain.
Alternatives:
- Use specialized freight carriers with crating services
- Purchase third-party insurance for fragile items
- Consider white-glove delivery services
- Ship via carriers offering fragile item handling
2. Collectors' Items
The subjective value of collectibles makes insurance claims difficult to assess.
Excluded items include:
- Rare coins and stamps
- Limited-edition memorabilia
- Vintage collectibles
- Trading cards
- Autographed items
- Comic books
Why they're excluded: Value is often subjective and difficult to verify. Market values fluctuate, and authenticity can be disputed.
Alternatives:
- Use specialized collectible shipping services
- Obtain appraisals before shipping
- Purchase collector-specific insurance
- Consider registered mail for maximum tracking
3. Liquids
Spills during transit can damage not only your shipment but other packages as well.
Excluded items include:
- Beverages of any kind
- Perfumes and fragrances
- Cleaning products
- Personal care liquids
- Paints and solvents
- Oils and lubricants
Why they're excluded: Pressure changes, temperature fluctuations, and rough handling can cause leaks. Liquid damage spreads beyond the original package.
Alternatives:
- Use carriers specializing in liquid shipments
- Ensure triple-layer leak-proof packaging
- Label as containing liquids
- Consider hazmat certification for certain liquids
4. Precious Metals
High value and difficulty in verifying authenticity make precious metals high-risk for carriers.
Excluded items include:
- Gold, silver, and platinum products
- Precious metal jewelry
- Bullion and coins
- Investment-grade metals
- Metal artwork
Why they're excluded: Extremely high value, theft risk, and verification challenges make these unsuitable for standard insurance.
Alternatives:
- Use armored transport services
- Ship via registered mail with full tracking
- Purchase specialized precious metals insurance
- Use vault-to-vault transfer services
5. Temperature-Sensitive Items
Standard shipping cannot guarantee consistent temperature control.
Excluded items include:
- Pharmaceuticals requiring refrigeration
- Biological samples
- Certain chemicals
- Fresh flowers
- Live plants
- Temperature-sensitive electronics
Why they're excluded: Carriers cannot guarantee climate-controlled conditions throughout the delivery chain, especially during transfers and temporary storage.
Alternatives:
- Use cold-chain logistics providers
- Ship via temperature-controlled courier services
- Include temperature monitors in packaging
- Choose expedited shipping to minimize transit time
6. Perishable Items
Foods and beverages needing refrigeration can spoil during shipping.
Excluded items include:
- Fresh meat and seafood
- Dairy products
- Fresh produce
- Prepared foods
- Baked goods with short shelf life
- Frozen items
Why they're excluded: Spoilage risk is high, and carriers cannot control delays that might extend transit times beyond safe limits.
Alternatives:
- Use food-grade shipping specialists
- Ship with cold packs and insulated packaging
- Choose overnight or same-day delivery
- Clearly mark as perishable
- Ship early in the week to avoid weekend delays
7. Improperly Packaged Items
Even insurable items lose coverage if packaging doesn't meet carrier standards.
Packaging failures include:
- Insufficient cushioning material
- Boxes not rated for item weight
- Missing or inadequate void fill
- Improper securing of contents
- Reused damaged boxes
- Insufficient exterior protection
Why this matters: Proper packaging is often a condition of insurance coverage. Claims can be denied if packaging is deemed inadequate.
Best practices:
- Use new, appropriately-sized boxes
- Include at least 2 inches of cushioning on all sides
- Use double-boxing for fragile items
- Fill all voids to prevent shifting
- Reinforce boxes with proper tape
- Follow carrier packaging guidelines
8. Prohibited Articles
Items illegal to ship are automatically excluded from insurance.
Prohibited items include:
- Explosives and fireworks
- Hazardous materials without proper certification
- Illegal substances
- Weapons without proper licensing
- Compressed gases
- Radioactive materials
Why they're excluded: These items violate shipping regulations and pose safety risks. Attempting to ship them can result in legal consequences.
Compliance requirements:
- Review carrier prohibited items lists
- Obtain necessary certifications for hazmat
- Use licensed shippers for weapons
- Understand international restrictions
- Properly declare all shipment contents
9. Artwork and Antiques
Items requiring specialized handling often exceed standard carrier capabilities.
Excluded items include:
- Original paintings
- Sculptures
- Antique furniture
- Historical artifacts
- Museum-quality pieces
- One-of-a-kind items
Why they're excluded: Irreplaceable nature and subjective value make standard insurance inadequate. Special handling requirements exceed normal carrier capabilities.
Alternatives:
- Use fine art shipping specialists
- Obtain professional appraisals
- Purchase fine arts insurance
- Consider custom crating
- Use white-glove delivery services
10. Jewelry
Fine pieces with precious metals or gemstones represent high value in small packages.
Excluded items include:
- Diamond and gemstone jewelry
- Precious metal jewelry
- Watches over certain values
- Designer jewelry
- Custom-made pieces
- Family heirlooms
Why they're excluded: High value, small size (easy to lose), difficulty verifying authenticity, and theft risk make jewelry problematic for standard insurance.
Alternatives:
- Use registered mail with signature confirmation
- Purchase specialized jewelry insurance
- Ship via armored courier services
- Obtain professional appraisals
- Use discreet packaging (don't mark as jewelry)
Important Considerations
Carrier Variations
This list may vary depending on the carrier and the specific terms and conditions. Always:
- Review your specific carrier's exclusion list
- Read insurance terms and conditions carefully
- Ask questions before assuming coverage
- Understand claim filing requirements
- Know documentation needed for claims
Consultation Opportunities
Supership recommends reviewing carrier policies before shipping and offers consultation support for their 3PL clients. We can help:
- Identify appropriate carriers for specific items
- Recommend packaging improvements
- Suggest alternative shipping methods
- Coordinate specialized shipping services
- Navigate insurance options
What to Do When Shipping Excluded Items
1. Disclose Item Type
Always accurately describe what you're shipping:
- Be honest about contents
- Don't mislabel to avoid restrictions
- Provide necessary safety information
- Follow declaration requirements
2. Research Specialized Options
Many excluded items have specialized shipping solutions:
- Industry-specific carriers
- White-glove delivery services
- Courier services with special handling
- Armored transport for valuables
3. Invest in Proper Packaging
Even if insurance doesn't cover an item, proper packaging reduces risk:
- Follow industry-specific packaging standards
- Use professional packaging services
- Test packaging before shipping
- Document packaging procedures
4. Purchase Third-Party Insurance
When carrier insurance is unavailable:
- Research third-party shipping insurance providers
- Compare coverage and costs
- Understand claim procedures
- Keep all documentation
5. Consider Alternative Delivery Methods
Sometimes avoiding traditional shipping is best:
- Hand delivery for local destinations
- Bonded courier services
- Customer pickup options
- Professional transport services
Documentation for Claims
If you do ship insured items and need to file a claim:
- Keep all shipping receipts
- Photograph items before shipping
- Document packaging procedures
- Save insurance purchase confirmations
- Keep all correspondence with carriers
- Obtain professional appraisals for valuable items
Conclusion
Understanding postal insurance exclusions is essential for protecting your business and managing customer expectations. While many common ecommerce items are fully covered by standard shipping insurance, high-value, fragile, or specialized products often require alternative approaches.
Before shipping items that might fall into excluded categories, research your options, invest in appropriate packaging, consider specialized carriers, and purchase adequate insurance coverage. When in doubt, consult with shipping professionals who can guide you toward the best solution for your specific needs.
Have questions about shipping specific items or need guidance on insurance options? Contact Supership for personalized consultation on shipping solutions that protect your products and your business.
