Marine Transit Insurance

Protect Your Belongings Throughout Your International Move

Moving overseas is an exciting experience, but it's natural to wonder what will happen to your belongings along the way. Your shipment will travel through different stages, from professional packing and transportation to customs clearance and final delivery before it reaches your new home

Marine Transit Insurance

Protect Your Belongings Throughout Your International Move

Moving overseas is an exciting experience, but it's natural to wonder what will happen to your belongings along the way. Your shipment will travel through different stages, from professional packing and transportation to customs clearance and final delivery before it reaches your new home

Why it matters

Why Marine Transit Insurance Matters

At My Global Delivery, we understand that you're not just moving boxes. You're moving the things that matter most to you, from family furniture and treasured keepsakes to everyday essentials. That's why we offer Marine Transit Insurance, giving you added protection against unexpected loss or damage while your belongings are in transit.

An international move involves much more than simply transporting your belongings from one country to another. Your shipment will be packed, loaded, transported, cleared through customs, and delivered to your new home, with temporary storage if required.

While every move is carefully managed, unexpected incidents can happen. Marine Transit Insurance gives you added peace of mind by helping protect your belongings throughout the moving process.

Why it matters

Why Marine Transit Insurance Matters

At My Global Delivery, we understand that you're not just moving boxes. You're moving the things that matter most to you, from family furniture and treasured keepsakes to everyday essentials. That's why we offer Marine Transit Insurance, giving you added protection against unexpected loss or damage while your belongings are in transit.

An international move involves much more than simply transporting your belongings from one country to another. Your shipment will be packed, loaded, transported, cleared through customs, and delivered to your new home, with temporary storage if required.

While every move is carefully managed, unexpected incidents can happen. Marine Transit Insurance gives you added peace of mind by helping protect your belongings throughout the moving process.

wherever you're moving

Move With Confidence

No matter where you're moving, whether it's the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, or another destination around the world, we're here to help you move with confidence. With the right insurance in place, you can focus on settling into your new home, knowing your belongings have an extra layer of protection throughout their journey.

COVER

What Marine Transit Insurance Covers

  • Professional export packing

  • International sea freight

  • Inland transportation

  • Fire damage

  • Theft involving forced entry

  • Loading and unloading

  • International air freight

  • Temporary storage (up to 90 days in approved warehouses)

  • Water damage from insured events

  • Collision or impact damage

Claims are generally settled through repair or replacement, subject to policy terms.

What isn't covered

The most common exclusions are listed here. The full list is in the FAQs below.

  • Owner-packed cartons

  • Normal wear and tear

  • Delay or consequential financial loss

  • Fragile items not professionally packed

  • Mechanical failure unrelated to transit

Before you ship

What Affects Your Cover

Professional Packing Requirements

Insurance protection relies on professional packing using export-grade materials by approved packers. Owner-packed cartons (PBO) or items listed as Condition Unknown (CU) may receive limited or no cover. Certain mechanical and electrical items may need to be tested before packing.

Mechanical & Electrical Cover

Standard cover does not automatically include internal mechanical or electrical failure unless caused by an insured transit event. Optional Mechanical & Electrical Cover may be available.

Protection for Pairs & Sets

Without optional Pairs & Sets Cover, claims are generally settled only for the individual damaged item. Additional protection may be arranged before shipment.

Declared Value Requirements

  • Every item must appear on the inventory.

  • The full shipment should be insured.

  • High-value items must be individually declared.

  • Receipts or valuations may be required.

Temporary Storage Cover

Insurance generally includes temporary storage for up to 90 days in approved warehouses as part of your international move.

Before you ship

What Affects Your Cover

Professional Packing Requirements

Insurance protection relies on professional packing using export-grade materials by approved packers. Owner-packed cartons (PBO) or items listed as Condition Unknown (CU) may receive limited or no cover. Certain mechanical and electrical items may need to be tested before packing.

Mechanical & Electrical Cover

Standard cover does not automatically include internal mechanical or electrical failure unless caused by an insured transit event. Optional Mechanical & Electrical Cover may be available.

Protection for Pairs & Sets

Without optional Pairs & Sets Cover, claims are generally settled only for the individual damaged item. Additional protection may be arranged before shipment.

Declared Value Requirements

  • Every item must appear on the inventory.

  • The full shipment should be insured.

  • High-value items must be individually declared.

  • Receipts or valuations may be required.

Temporary Storage Cover

Insurance generally includes temporary storage for up to 90 days in approved warehouses as part of your international move.

ClaimS

How to Make a Claim

01

Inspect your shipment.

02

Note damage on the delivery paperwork.

03

Keep damaged items and packaging.

04

Take photographs.

05

Notify the delivery agent immediately.

06

Submit your claim within 45 days of delivery.

ClaimS

How to Make a Claim

01

Inspect your shipment.

02

Note damage on the delivery paperwork.

03

Keep damaged items and packaging.

04

Take photographs.

05

Notify the delivery agent immediately.

06

Submit your claim within 45 days of delivery.

CLAIMS SUPPORT

We're Here When You Need Us

Making a claim can feel overwhelming, especially after an international move. If your shipment has been damaged during transit, our experienced team is here to guide you through the process with clear advice and professional support

We'll explain what information is required, answer your questions, and work with you to help make the claims process as straightforward as possible.

Why Choose My Global Delivery?

  • Experienced support throughout the claims process

  • Clear guidance on the required documentation

  • Prompt and professional communication

  • Dedicated Move Managers ready to assist

Air Freight Charges

Volumetric Weight vs Actual Weight: Understanding How Air Freight Charges Work

June 19, 20264 min read

One of the most common questions customers ask when sending items by air is:

"Why is my shipment being charged based on a weight that's heavier than what my scale shows?"

The answer usually comes down to understanding the difference between actual weight and volumetric weight.

Whether you're sending personal belongings, commercial goods, or urgent packages overseas, knowing how air freight charges are calculated can help you avoid surprises and better estimate shipping costs.

At My Global Delivery, we believe that understanding the basics of international shipping helps customers make smarter and more cost-effective decisions.

What Is Actual Weight?

Actual weight, sometimes referred to as gross weight, is the physical weight of your shipment when placed on a scale.

For example:

  • A box of clothes weighing 15kg has an actual weight of 15kg.

  • A carton containing books weighing 8kg has an actual weight of 8kg.

This measurement only considers how heavy the shipment is and does not take its size into account.

What Is Volumetric Weight?

Volumetric weight, also known as dimensional weight, measures how much space a shipment occupies inside an aircraft.

Even if an item is relatively light, it may still take up a significant amount of cargo space.

Examples include:

  • Pillows

  • Lightweight furniture

  • Stuffed toys

  • Large but lightly packed boxes

Because cargo space on aircraft is limited, airlines use volumetric weight calculations to ensure shipping charges fairly reflect both weight and space usage.

How Is Volumetric Weight Calculated?

For air freight, volumetric weight is typically calculated using the following formula:

Length × Width × Height (cm) ÷ 6,000

For example:

A box measuring:

  • 60cm × 50cm × 40cm

Calculation:

60 × 50 × 40 = 120,000

120,000 ÷ 6,000 = 20kg

Even if the actual weight of the shipment is only 12kg, the volumetric weight is 20kg.

In this case, the airfreight shipment would usually be charged based on 20kg.

Which Weight Is Used for Shipping Charges?

Air freight providers compare:

  • Actual weight

  • Volumetric weight

The higher of the two becomes the chargeable weight.

For example:

Example: How Chargeable Weight Is Determined

Example 1

  • Actual Weight: 15kg

  • Volumetric Weight: 20kg

  • Chargeable Weight: 20kg

Example 2

  • Actual Weight: 25kg

  • Volumetric Weight: 18kg

  • Chargeable Weight: 25kg

Example 3

  • Actual Weight: 10kg

  • Volumetric Weight: 10kg

  • Chargeable Weight: 10kg

Simple Rule: The higher value between the actual weight and volumetric weight becomes the chargeable weight used for air freight pricing. This is why a large but lightweight package can sometimes cost more to ship than a smaller, heavier one.

This system helps airlines allocate cargo space efficiently while maintaining fair pricing.

Why Volumetric Weight Matters

Many customers assume that shipping costs depend entirely on physical weight. However, oversized shipments often cost more because they occupy more cargo space.

Understanding volumetric weight helps:

  • Estimate shipping costs more accurately

  • Avoid oversized packaging

  • Optimise shipment sizes

  • Reduce unnecessary freight charges

For businesses shipping products regularly, this can lead to significant savings over time.

Need Help Understanding Shipping Costs?

Explore My Global Delivery Services

How to Reduce Volumetric Weight Charges

There are several ways to improve shipping efficiency and potentially reduce costs.

Use Appropriately Sized Boxes

Avoid packaging that is much larger than the contents inside. Empty space increases dimensions and can result in a higher volumetric weight.

Pack Efficiently

Consolidating items into fewer, properly sized cartons can help reduce overall shipment volume.

Avoid Excessive Packaging

Protective materials are important, but overpacking can increase dimensions unnecessarily.

Consult Shipping Experts

Experienced freight providers can help identify packaging strategies that balance protection and cost efficiency.

Why Air Freight Uses Volumetric Weight

Aircraft have limited cargo capacity, making space extremely valuable.

Unlike sea freight, which often accommodates larger volumes of cargo, air freight prioritises both weight and available cargo space.

This is why large but lightweight items can sometimes cost more to ship by air than expected.

In some situations, sea freight may be the more economical option for oversized shipments with flexible delivery timelines.

Making Smarter Shipping Decisions

Understanding the difference between actual weight and volumetric weight can help individuals and businesses make better shipping decisions.

Whether you're sending personal effects, business inventory, or urgent cargo, knowing how chargeable weight is calculated allows you to:

  • Budget more accurately

  • Compare shipping options effectively

  • Optimise packaging

  • Avoid unexpected freight costs

The more informed you are about freight calculations, the easier it becomes to choose the right shipping solution for your needs.

Take the Guesswork Out of International Shipping

International shipping doesn't have to be complicated. With the right guidance and a better understanding of how freight charges work, you can avoid surprises and plan shipments more confidently.

At My Global Delivery we help individuals and businesses navigate international shipping with practical advice, reliable support, and tailored freight solutions.

Ready to ship smarter and understand your freight costs better?

Contact My Global Delivery Today

Volumetric WeightAir Freight ChargesActual WeightInternational FreightOverseas ShippingInternational Shipping CostsAir Freight Pricing
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Need Assistance With Your Claim?

If you have any questions or need help submitting a claim, our team is ready to assist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Marine Transit Insurance compulsory?

No, but it is strongly recommended.

Does insurance cover furniture?

Yes, when professionally packed and declared.

Are electronics covered?

Yes, for insured transit damage. Optional Mechanical & Electrical Cover may be available.

What if I pack my own boxes?

Owner-packed cartons may have limited or no cover.

How long is storage covered?

How long is storage covered?

Do I need to declare expensive items?

Yes, high-value items should be individually declared.

What isn't covered?

- Owner-packed cartons

- Unknown condition items

- Normal wear and tear

- Gradual deterioration

- Mechanical failure unrelated to transit

- Fragile items not professionally packed

- Mould or mildew

- Insect or vermin damage

- Inherent defects

- Prohibited or undeclared goods

- Customs confiscation

- Government seizure

- Delay or consequential financial loss

GET STARTED

Ready to Protect Your Move?

Marine Transit Insurance provides valuable protection against unexpected events during your international relocation.

*We respect your privacy. Your details are safe with us.

*We respect your privacy. Your details are safe with us.

My Global Delivery

Moving What Matters Worldwide.

We make it easy, clear, and manageable, from start to finish.

Contact Us

  • +63 (0)9458721868

  • M1 Tower Big, 141 H.V. Dela Costa, Salcedo Village Makati City, 1277, Metro Manila, Philippines

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© 2026 My Global Delivery. All rights reserved.

Terms & Conditions

Moving What Matters Worldwide.

We make it easy, clear, and manageable, from start to finish.

Contact Us

  • M1 Tower Big, 141 H.V. Dela Costa, Salcedo Village Makati City, 1277, Metro Manila, Philippines

© 2025 My Global Delivery. All rights reserved.

Terms & Conditions