In the world of wholesale and distribution, your business relies on the safe, secure and timely movement of goods. Whether products are coming from a supplier, traveling between facilities or heading to retailers, every mile introduces risk. Cargo losses—from theft, accidents, weather, improper handling or warehouse incidents—cost distributors billions of dollars every year. That’s why Cargo and Inland Marine insurance has become a foundational coverage for any distributor, wholesaler or logistics-driven business. At Skyscraper Insurance, we help businesses protect inventory in transit and in temporary storage, ensuring continuity even when unexpected disruptions occur.
Why Inland Marine Still Matters
Despite the old-fashioned name, Inland Marine is one of the most essential modern coverages for distribution businesses. It protects goods while they move over land—whether by truck, van, freight carrier or rail. Standard commercial property policies only cover items at your main location and exclude goods once they leave the premises. That means every shipment becomes uninsured the moment it hits the road unless you carry dedicated Cargo or Inland Marine coverage. For distributors operating in fast-moving, supply chain–dependent industries, this exposure is far too severe to overlook. Inland Marine ensures your products are protected from point A to point B and everywhere in between.
Common Risks Distributors Face in Transit
Goods in transit face a wide range of threats. Theft is one of the most frequent losses—especially at unattended stops, rest areas and unsecured parking locations. Accidents, truck rollovers, collisions, bridge strikes and weather-related incidents also contribute to large losses each year. Even minor incidents, like shifting loads, improper packing or water intrusion, can result in significant product damage. Temperature-sensitive goods face refrigeration breakdown risks, while high-value items can be targeted for organized cargo theft. Each type of product has its own vulnerabilities, making a customized policy essential for proper protection.
Temporary Storage: The Overlooked Gap
Many distributors don’t realize that goods stored away from their main facility—such as in warehouses, cross-docking terminals, temporary holding facilities or in staging areas—may not be covered under a standard property policy. Inland Marine fills this critical gap. Whether your goods are sitting for a few hours or several days, this coverage protects them from losses such as theft, fire, water damage and loading/unloading incidents. For businesses that regularly work with third-party logistics providers, offsite storage or contractor warehouses, this coverage is invaluable.
Who Needs Cargo & Inland Marine Coverage?
Any business that ships, stores or transports goods should consider this protection. That includes wholesalers, importers, exporters, distributors, manufacturers with frequent shipments, logistics companies, contractors with materials in transit, and businesses that rely on third-party carriers. Even companies using their own vehicles face exposures that auto insurance does not cover. If your products spend any portion of their journey off your property, you have a coverage gap that must be addressed.
Building the Right Coverage Strategy
Cargo and Inland Marine policies can be tailored to your unique operation. Coverage can include theft, fire, collision, overturn, loading and unloading, refrigeration breakdown, spoilage, water damage, mysterious disappearance, employee dishonesty and more. High-value loads, fragile products and temperature-sensitive goods may require additional endorsements. At Skyscraper Insurance, our specialists work with top-rated carriers to assess your transit routes, product types, storage processes and operational structure to design a program that protects your bottom line. With increasing supply chain pressures, insurance needs to match the complexity of your distribution model.
Why Distributors Trust Skyscraper Insurance
Our team understands the fast-paced environment distributors face. We help businesses identify hidden exposures, secure competitive policies and ensure seamless claims support when a loss occurs. We also advise clients on best practices such as driver safety, warehouse controls, tracking technology and documentation—reducing both risk and insurance costs over time. With Skyscraper Insurance, you gain a partner who understands logistics, product flow and the unique vulnerabilities of wholesale distribution.
Protect Your Goods and Strengthen Your Supply Chain
Cargo and Inland Marine insurance is more than a policy—it’s business continuity. A single loss can disrupt deliveries, damage vendor relationships and create financial strain. With the right coverage, your products stay protected at every stage of their journey. As your distribution grows, expands or changes, we’re here to make sure your coverage grows with you. Connect with our team today to review your transit exposures, strengthen your insurance program and protect your operation from costly disruptions.
