Robert Redford's new movie “All is Lost” serves a subtlereminder to the overseas shipping industry of the perils theirbusiness may face. After Redford's sailboat collides with a giantshipping container floating in the ocean, he finds himself in anintense man-against-the-sea drama.

While the shipping container may only play a minor role in thefilm for the average moviegoer, for those who export their goodsoverseas it is a stark reminder that shipping products is a riskybusiness that requires taking prudent precautions up front. This isparticularly true for small businesses that have fewer resources towithstand a catastrophic loss, whether from the dangers of oceantravel or the uncertainties of dealing with foreign partners intrade.

The risks are no surprise to veteran ocean marine insuranceagents, brokers and underwriters. What may catch them unaware,however, is the fast-growing number of small businesses that areentering the export world. Providing expert guidance to theseshipping novices is an opportunity to provide valuable service andstrengthen relationships with small business customers.