Carrier Liability Limit Calculator
Calculate carrier liability limits under international conventions. Understand your coverage gap and get insurance recommendations for complete cargo protection.
Carrier Liability Calculator
Calculate carrier liability limits under international transport conventions
2-3 SDR/kg
Hague-Visby / Rotterdam
17-22 SDR/kg
Warsaw / Montreal
8.33 SDR/kg
CMR Convention
15-17 SDR/kg
CIM / SMGS
Transport Mode
Liability Convention
Most widely adopted international convention for sea carriage
Cargo Value
Weight & Packages
Package unit: cartons
Maximum Carrier Liability
$45,000.23
33,333.50 SDR
Calculation Breakdown
Weight-based Limit
2 SDR/kg × 5,000.00 kg
$13,500.00
10,000.00 SDR
Package-based Limit
666.67 SDR/package × 50 packages
$45,000.23
33,333.50 SDR
Applied Limit (Higher of two)
Coverage Gap Analysis
Cargo Value
$100,000.00
Carrier Covers
45.0%
Uncovered Gap
55.0%
High Insurance Gap
Carrier liability covers less than half your cargo value. Insurance is strongly recommended.
Sea Freight
Hague-Visby: 2 SDR/kg
Hamburg: 2.5 SDR/kg
Air Freight
Montreal: 22 SDR/kg
Warsaw: 17 SDR/kg
Road Transport
CMR: 8.33 SDR/kg
European standard
Rail Transport
CIM: 17 SDR/kg
SMGS: 15 SDR/kg
International conventions limit carrier liability to balance the interests of all parties involved in cargo transportation:
- Predictability: Carriers know their maximum exposure
- Affordable Rates: Lower freight costs due to limited liability
- Insurance Solution: Encourages cargo insurance for full coverage
- Uniform Rules: Standardized international framework
Carriers may limit or avoid liability entirely by proving certain defenses:
- Act of God: Natural disasters, extreme weather
- Inherent Vice: Natural deterioration of goods
- Shipper Fault: Improper packaging or declaration
- Negligent Navigation: Errors in vessel management (sea only)
Written Notice
3-21 days
From delivery date. Varies by convention. Essential for preserving claims.
Legal Action
1-2 years
Statute of limitations. Claims time-barred after this period.
Insurance Notice
30 days
Typical requirement. Check your policy for specific deadlines.
Survey Report
3-7 days
Arrange joint survey promptly. Independent survey strengthens your case.
Always Insure High-Value Cargo
Carrier liability rarely covers full cargo value. Insurance fills the gap.
Declare Correct Value
Under-declaration may reduce carrier liability and void insurance coverage.
Inspect Upon Receipt
Check cargo immediately and note any damage on the delivery receipt.
Document Everything
Photos, survey reports, and correspondence are crucial for claims.
Understand Your Convention
Different conventions apply different limits and notice periods.
Consider Package Count
For sea freight, liability may be per package - count matters.
Important Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates based on standard convention limits and approximate SDR exchange rates. Actual liability may vary based on contract terms, jurisdiction, and specific circumstances. For precise legal advice or claims, consult with a maritime lawyer or insurance professional. SDR rates fluctuate daily - verify current rates with the IMF for precise calculations.