Final answer:
Before tendering your first load to a carrier, it's essential to verify the carrier's insurance to protect your goods during transit and manage risks. (option a)
Step-by-step explanation:
Before tendering your first load to a carrier, you should verify the carrier's insurance. Ensuring that the carrier has adequate insurance coverage is crucial for protecting your goods during transit and managing potential risks. Negotiating rates, completing a background check, and issuing a bill of lading are also important steps but verifying insurance stands out as a primary measure to take before engaging their services. It is a safeguard that should be in place to address any liabilities that may arise if the cargo is damaged or lost while in the carrier's possession.
To calculate the risk, you should request and review the carrier's insurance certificates, confirming that they meet or exceed the minimum insurance requirements. This typically includes liability coverage for cargo damage, bodily injury, and property damage. By verifying the carrier's insurance, you mitigate the financial risks associated with potential accidents, theft, or damage to your cargo during transit.
Negotiating rates, completing a background check, and issuing a bill of lading are important steps in the shipping process, but verifying the carrier's insurance takes precedence as it directly addresses the potential financial exposure and protects your interests in case of unforeseen events.