Insurance for International Hauliers
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THE international group of the Road
Haulage Association has issued a revised version of its memorandum giving details on insurance for continental traffic on trailers.
With reference to CMR, the memorandum stresses that if the place of origin or destination of goods is in a country which is a signatory to CMR, these conditions must take precedence over insurance conditions and the liability insurance should afford such protection accordingly. CMR conditions differ from those in normal use in the United Kingdom, particularly in respect of the liability of the carrier in amount which is higher than under English law. It must also be noted that in view of the imminent ratification of CMR by the British Government all hauliers running to the Continent will be bound by these CMR insurance provisions.
On TIR, it is pointed out that trailers are generally operated on the Continent under a TIR carnet which can involve the owner or sub-contractor, or both, in liabilities for Customs duties in respect of the goods. The carrier should, therefore, ensure that his insurance covers all such liability in so far as it can be insured, although it is not possible to obtain cover in respect of fines or penalties which he may incur.
Where British hauliers collaborate with Continental counterparts regarding semitrailer traffic, there is the possibility that the Continental haulier may fall short in some way so far as liability is concerned, and the memorandum advises British hauliers to word their policies so as to pick up any liability which is not covered under the Continental policy.
Attention is also drawn to the fact that insurance may be needed for duty and/or purchase tax on parts required to effect necessary repairs to vehicles on the Continent. For traffic to countries beyond the Iron Curtain, special arrangements acceptable to Russians must be made for third-party liability.