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A Complete Guide to Perishable Cargo Risk Management

Written by Maria Paula Rodríguez | Feb 3, 2026 8:24:44 PM

In international logistics, perishable cargo represents one of the greatest operational and financial challenges. Products such as food, fruits, medicines or sensitive supplies depend on anuninterrupted cold chain, where any failure can translate into total loss of goods.

Several industry studies indicate that up to 1 in 5 perishable cargoes is compromised during transport, mainly due to refrigeration failures, logistical delays or operational errors. Faced with this scenario, risk management is no longer optional and becomes a critical strategy for logistics operators and cargo generators.

The risk is not only in the product, it is in the journey.

Many companies invest significant resources in product quality, but underestimate the risks associated with international transportation:

  • Temperature variations not detected in time
  • Failure of refrigeration equipment
  • Delays at ports or borders
  • Improper cargo handling
  • Lack of monitoring and contingency protocols.

When any of these factors occur, the impact is not only operational, but alsoeconomic, reputational and contractual .

Cargo insurance: a key risk management tool

A common mistake is to think that any policy covers this type of merchandise. The reality is that not all cargo insurance is designed for refrigerated cargo.

In a correct strategy of risk management, insurance should:

  • Adapt to the type of goods
  • Consider the mode of transport and international journeys
  • Contemplate specific risks of the cold chain
  • Respond to partial damage or total loss

This is why specialized international cargo insurance plays a key role in protecting the entire operation, not just the goods.

Reinsurance: specialized protection for refrigerated cargoes

At JAH Insurance, we understand that insuring perishable cargo is not just about issuing a policy. It is about analyzing the operation, identifying the critical points and designing a coverage aligned to the real risk.

Full Cover was born precisely from that vision: a specialized insurance for refrigerated goods, created to support logistics operators and cargo generators that move sensitive products in international markets.

Our approach combines:

  • Expertise in cargo insurance
  • Comprehensive view of risk management
  • High knowledge of international logistics

Quick guide to avoid losses in the cold chain

Losses in refrigerated cargo do not usually occur from a single cause, but from the sum of small errors along the way. Applying a correct risk management allows you to significantly reduce these impacts.

1️⃣ Identify the critical points of your operation.

Before moving cargo, analyze each stage: manufacturing, transportation, storage and distribution. What is not identified, cannot be controlled.

2️⃣ Verify equipment and temperature at source

Make sure that:

  • Refrigeration equipment is calibrated
  • Initial temperature is correct
  • Packaging is appropriate for the goods

Many losses start before transport.

3️⃣ Monitor cargo throughout the journey

Lack of visibility is one of the biggest risks. Implement controls to detect

  • Thermal variations
  • Logistical delays
  • Operational failures

Acting in time can save the entire load.

4️⃣ Coordinate storage and distribution correctly.

Transfer points are critical. Check:

  • Loading and unloading protocols.
  • Electrical backup in warehouses
  • Waiting times in final deliveries

A break in minutes can generate total losses.

5️⃣ Protect the operation with specialized cargo insurance.

Not all cargo insurance covers cold chain risks. Having aspecialized international cargo insurance for perishable goods is an essential part of a professional risk management strategy.

Making informed decisions is also about managing risk

Getting the right insurance can make the difference between a controlled operation and a million-dollar loss. In an increasingly demanding environment, prevention, analysis and proper protection are part of sustainable growth for any logistics company.

📌 The question is not whether your cargo can suffer an incident, but whether you are prepared to deal with it.

At JAH Insurance, we accompany our clients on every journey, helping them transform risk into a competitive advantage.