Commercial Trucking Insurance
Protection for the Freight Entrusted to Your Business
Motor truck cargo insurance may protect a motor carrier’s legal responsibility for covered loss or damage to freight while it is in the carrier’s care, custody, or control.
What it may cover
What motor truck cargo may address
- Covered collision losses
- Certain theft events
- Fire
- Certain loading and unloading exposures
- Water damage when covered
- Debris removal when included
- Earned freight charges when included
Important to understand
Coverage depends significantly on the commodities hauled, maximum load values, territory, security practices, limits, deductibles, and exclusions.
Who may consider it
Who may consider it
- For-hire motor carriers
- Owner-operators under their own authority
- Fleets hauling for shippers and brokers
- Operations with contractual cargo requirements
- Specialized freight operations
Coverage in practice
Real-world situations
Freight is damaged in a covered collision
Motor truck cargo may address the carrier’s legal responsibility for certain covered cargo loss, subject to the policy.
A load is stolen
Certain theft events may be covered, subject to security requirements, exclusions, and the policy’s terms.
Temperature-sensitive freight is affected
Refrigerated cargo exposures vary; reefer breakdown may be a separate consideration. Coverage depends on the policy.
Important to know
Coverage varies by commodity
Because cargo coverage varies so much by commodity, review the policy wording carefully with a licensed professional.
- Limits, exclusions, and requirements can vary significantly by commodity and operation.
- Common exclusions may include unattended vehicles, dishonest acts, improper packaging, temperature change, delay, or excluded commodities — these are not universal and depend on the policy.
- Security procedures, storage practices, and maximum load values may affect eligibility and terms.
Related coverages
Coverages often carried together
Prepare for a quote
Information commonly requested
- Commodities hauled
- Maximum value per load
- Operating territory
- Refrigeration or theft-sensitive exposure
- Security and unattended-vehicle practices
- Loading and unloading arrangements
- Insurance history and loss runs
- Requested cargo limit
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does cargo insurance cover the truck?
No. Motor truck cargo generally addresses the carrier’s legal responsibility for covered freight, not the vehicle. Damage to the truck is typically addressed by physical damage.
What cargo limit should I request?
The appropriate limit generally reflects the maximum value you haul and any contractual requirements. A licensed professional can help you evaluate a suitable limit.
Are all commodities covered?
Not necessarily. Some commodities may be excluded or require specific terms. Coverage depends on the policy and the commodities disclosed.
Does cargo coverage include loading and unloading?
Sometimes, subject to the policy. Certain loading and unloading exposures may be addressed; others may be excluded.
Is refrigeration breakdown automatically included?
Not necessarily. Reefer breakdown is often a separate consideration with its own requirements and exclusions.
What happens if the cargo value exceeds the policy limit?
Amounts above the policy limit may not be covered. Selecting an appropriate limit for the freight you haul is important.
Ready to Review This Coverage?
Tell us about your operation and a licensed insurance professional can help you explore available options.