Optional Temperature
Coverage
Peace of Mind Against
Temperature Extremes
Optional Temperature Coverage (OTC) gives WSSA members confidence that temperature-sensitive cargo is protected from damaging heat or freezing. Temperature-controlled containers (reefers) are always protected but can be expensive to ship in. With WSSA’s unique OTC option, you can use insulated containers instead and still receive coverage against heating/freezing damage—so you protect quality while controlling costs from pickup through final delivery.
How OTC Works
- Insulated Equipment + OTC: Ship product in a standard dry container with insulation and add OTC to your insurance.
- Covered Perils: Protection against damage caused by temperature extremes (freezing and overheating) during normal carriage.
- Door-to-Door Protection: Insulation needs to be present from pickup to delivery to maintain the OTC coverage, including inlands and transloads.
- Designed for Cost Control: Achieve protection similar to reefer coverage where maintaining temperature isn’t required.
When to Choose OTC vs. Reefer
Choose OTC when:
- Your cargo is sensitive to heat or freezing but doesn’t require maintaining a set temperature.
- You’re using insulated containers/liners and want added protection against cargo damage caused by temperature extremes. The presence of insulation alone does not guarantee protection against damage caused by temperature extremes; OTC must be added.
- You need door-to-door temperature coverage across multimodal moves without paying for reefer capacity.
Choose a Reefer when:
- Your commodity requires constant active temperature control (e.g., strict cold-chain).
- Buyer or supplier specifications mandate reefer equipment.
- You need precise set-point temperature management for sensitive cargo.
Eligibility & Requirements
- Equipment: Approved insulated containers and/or insulation solutions (e.g., liners, blankets) appropriate for the commodity.
- Packaging: Palletization and product packaging must be suitable for temperature-sensitive goods.
- Commodity Fit: Ideal for goods vulnerable to heat/freeze that do not require active refrigeration.
- Documentation: Keep bills of lading, commercial invoices, photos, and any temperature monitoring data available for claims review.
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FAQs
OTC is an add-on insurance option from WSSA that protects temperature-sensitive cargo shipped in insulated containers against heat and freezing damage—without paying for reefer equipment.
Yes. OTC is designed to respond to loss or damage caused by temperature extremes during the insured movement.
Coverage applies from pickup to final delivery on the insured route as booked, including standard handoffs and intermodal transfers within that movement, provided insulation is present throughout the entire voyage.
No. OTC provides coverage when you ship in insulated containers (or with approved insulation) and meet packaging/commodity requirements.
Yes, they are highly recommended to be present in the container or on the pallets in an LCL shipment. Data from the recorder can speed up claims evaluation and help establish exposure.