If cargo is damaged due to its own defects, what happens to the freight payment?

When cargo is damaged due to its own defects, the freight payment is typically required in full as originally agreed in the contract. This principle arises from the understanding that the obligations of the carrier to transport the cargo and the obligations of the shipper to pay for the transportation are separate. If the damage is attributable to the inherent nature of the cargo itself (such as spoilage of perishable goods or defects in the product), the freight remains due because the carrier fulfilled their contractual duty to transport the cargo even though the cargo was not in a suitable condition for transport.

The rationale is that the carrier's obligation is to deliver the cargo, not to guarantee its condition upon arrival. Therefore, while the shipper may have a claim against the seller or manufacturer of the goods for the damage caused by inherent defects, it does not affect the carrier’s right to receive payment for their services.

This principle reflects broader contract law concepts where performance of a contract (in this case, transport) is acknowledged and compensated regardless of the subsequent condition of the subject matter, assuming that performance was executed properly.