The Value of Cargo Insurance

In the News: Environment Ranked #1 Issue by Logistics Executives

Important Announcement: New Location for Reilly
International Europe

Six Questions About Gwen Aspinal

The Value of Cargo Insurance

Insuring your cargo is a simple, but often overlooked best practice in international shipping. Cargo Insurance helps you reduce unnecessary business risk in your international supply chain, protecting your financial interests while your cargo is exposed to the risks of transit.

International cargo is not automatically fully insured. Depending on the value of your shipment, the predetermined carrier liability limit may actually be far below the value of your freight.  

What are the risks? During transit, freight may be damaged in a storm or fire, be involved in a collision, or just mishandled. You may also be required to share in a General Average Loss if the vessel is forced to jettison a portion of its cargo in order to avoid imminent peril or if the vessel is otherwise damaged.

Feel free to ask any of our friendly employees about cargo insurance. We can help you obtain cost-effective coverage or review your current policy and suggest alternatives. With an Open Cargo policy through Reilly International, you’ll not only manage your risk, but should you have a claim, we’ll be there to make it easier for you by helping you through the process.

In the News: The Environment Ranked as #1 Transportation and Logistics Issue for 2008

According to the Journal of Commerce’s Annual Review & Outlook (just released), the number one issue of 2008, as identified by more than 200 transportation and logistics executives worldwide, is the environment.

The transportation and logistics sector is feeling pressure to make its operations environmentally sustainable. "How do we continue to accommodate growth in global trade and secure our facilities with limited financial resources and at the same time, minimize the impact on the environment and nearby communities?" commented contributor Michael A. Leone, port director of the Massachusetts Port Authority.

Other hot-button topics of concern include freight rates, fuel costs and carriers' surcharges, West Coast port labor negotiations, and the nationwide introduction of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). The full report is available for purchase at www.joc.com

Important Announcement: New European Office Location

Reilly International is pleased to announce the relocation of our Scotland office. The new home to Reilly International Europe provides immediate airport access and fully secure and bonded warehousing.

This improved physical facility and prime location allows us to serve the import and export needs of the whole of Scotland and the northern region of England. Most importantly, it’s still home to the same outstanding team of passionate Reilly employees who work hard every day to make it easier for you!

Six Questions About Gwen Aspinal

Each member of our staff is a dedicated, hard working individual. But what else do you know about us? Below are six questions we asked Gwen Aspinal. Gwen is the Export Team Leader for Reilly International.

What is your role at Reilly International?
I am the Export Team Leader, managing both air and ocean exports.

What one thing do you like most about your job?
Helping our customers when they have a problem and making it a non-issue for them. I love to find solutions and make exporting easy for our customers.

What three words would others use to describe you?
Just three?  It probably depends on whom you ask!  : ) 

1. Sincere
2. Cheerful
3. Dedicated
4. Couldn’t leave this one out—Known for my laugh

How have you been spending most of your free time lately?
Recently, it’s been a lot of sitting—reading or watching movies—as I just broke my ankle, and the wheelchair and crutches make it tough to get around!

Otherwise, I love walking my dogs, swimming, relaxing in a hot tub, trying out new recipes, decorating, shopping and just spending time with family and friends.

If you won the lottery, what would you do?
I would retire and move to Florida. I would buy a home near or on the ocean, with an addition for my mom, with a pool, hot tub and a Catamaran boat. I would take the time to enjoy the beauty in the sunset, the calming sounds of the ocean, and long walks along the shore. I would put money into a trust for my two children—Andrew who is graduating college, and Ashley, who will be just starting college. I would also start a scholarship fund for kids who are less fortunate but show a desire to succeed. I would continue to donate to the American Diabetes Association, the American Cancer Society and other great charities.

If you could have dinner with any famous person, who would it be? 
Oprah. I think she is an interesting person who has a knack for understanding people and situations of all kinds. Her generous support of less fortunate people in the world intrigues me.

What is your favorite line from a movie?
Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're gonna get.