There are several common methods to determine who will bear the responsibility for goods in transit (and therefore the risk if the goods are damaged or destroyed). In a cash on delivery contract, the seller assumes all responsibility until the goods are delivered to the buyer and paid for. the parties specifically state the point at which the responsibility is passed from the seller to the buyer. the party responsible for the costs and insurance in transit assumes all responsibility. The buyer and seller are jointly responsible for the goods until the goods are at the halfway point between the sellers place of business and the buyers. the buyer assumes all responsibility once the goods leave the sellers place of business