MOTOR TRUCK
CARGO COVERAGE
Protect your freight against loss or damage. Accidents, theft, and unforeseen disasters can be devastating without the right coverage.
Common Commodities We Cover
Some of the insurance markets we work with
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Carrier availability varies by state, operation type, fleet size, and underwriting requirements.
What Is Motor Truck Cargo Insurance?
Motor truck cargo insurance protects the goods you haul for others while they are being loaded, transported, and unloaded. It helps pay for cargo that is lost, damaged, or destroyed due to covered causes such as collision, fire, theft, vandalism, or equipment failure.
If you haul someone else's property for a fee, cargo insurance is a core part of your trucking insurance program. For-hire truckers using the following vehicle types commonly need cargo coverage:
Why You Need This Coverage
Trucking companies and owner-operators take on a huge financial responsibility every time they pull a load. A single accident, theft, load shift, or refrigeration breakdown can wipe out the value of the cargo and your profit on the job if you are not properly insured.
Cargo insurance serves as a financial safety net by helping cover losses to the freight you haul and related expenses like debris removal, reloading, and earned freight charges when a load cannot be delivered.
The Underinsurance Problem
Freight in transit is frequently underinsured or not insured at all, leaving motor carriers, brokers, and shippers dangerously exposed. TruxSurance helps you close that gap with higher cargo limits designed for today's freight and contract requirements:
- Up to $2,000,000 limit for a single conveyance
- $100,000 limits available for LTL shipments
Key Motor Truck Cargo Features
Our cargo solutions are built around real-world trucking operations and the problems you actually face on the road:
Earned Freight Charges
Up to $2,500 separate from other limits
Debris Removal
Up to $5,000 for cleanup expenses
Reloading Expenses
Up to $5,000 to transfer cargo to another unit
Loading & Unloading
Included when work is adjacent to the covered vehicle
Broad Transit Definition
Coverage can extend to reasonable stops, delays, and transfers while in the ordinary course of transit
Specialized Endorsements
Available for auto haulers, couriers, and other specialized operations
Cargo Insurance Coverage Types
Motor truck cargo coverage is available in different forms depending on your operations and the type of commodities you haul.
Motor Truck Cargo
For for-hire truckers, motor carriers, and logistics providers hauling property of others. Helps cover loss or damage to cargo due to covered causes such as collision, fire, theft, vandalism, and certain equipment failures.
Motor Truck Cargo with Refrigeration Breakdown
Adds protection for loss to temperature-sensitive cargo (e.g., food, plants, certain electronics) caused by sudden and accidental breakdown of refrigeration or heating units on the covered vehicle. Broader "all risk" or more limited "named perils" options may be available depending on commodity and contract requirements.
Specialized Cargo Programs
Target Classes
Owners, Manufacturers, Distributors of goods, Logistics Providers, Freight Brokers, Freight Forwarders, NVOCCs, Shippers, Freight Boards
Coverage Limit
Target Classes
Manufacturers, Distributors, Retailers, Wholesalers & more
Coverage Limit
Target Classes
Freight Forwarders, Shippers, NVOCCs, Freight Boards, Logistics Companies & more
Coverage Limit
Target Classes
Manufacturers, Distributors, Retailers, Wholesalers & more
Coverage Limit
Per location and for goods in transit
Target Classes
Inter and Intra State Motor Carriers, Freight Brokers, and Freight Forwarders
Coverage Limit
What Cargo Insurance Typically Excludes
No cargo policy covers everything. Certain commodities and situations are commonly excluded in the motor truck cargo marketplace:
Precious or semi-precious metals, art, jewelry, money, negotiable papers
Marijuana, contraband, certain pharmaceuticals, tobacco, alcohol
All live animals regardless of species or purpose
Transported or relocated structures
Cargo under another carrier's custody or control
Property or goods owned by the insured
Cargo not listed on the bill of lading
Storage beyond ~72 hours (defined in policy)
When insured separately as equipment
Explosive or radioactive materials
Property carried without charge (no freight earned)
Outside TruxSurance's current risk appetite
TruxSurance will review your commodities, contracts, and routes to make sure you understand how these exclusions apply to your operation.
Or Call Us:
888-254-0089Outside Risk Appetite
- Ammunition, Firearms, Explosives
- Cash and financial instruments
- Bulk shipments
- Live animals
- Prescription pharmaceuticals
- Luxury goods / Jewelry
- Fine art / Precious metals & stones
- Valuable papers and records
- Inventory and storage
Pricing Factors
How Much Does Cargo Insurance Cost?
Cargo insurance pricing depends on your risk profile and the specifics of your operation. We work with you to structure limits and deductibles that match your shipper contracts and balance cost with protection.
Type of Cargo
High-risk or theft-prone commodities generally cost more to insure than stable, low-hazard goods.
Limits & Deductibles
Higher limits and lower deductibles increase premium; adjusting them can reduce cost but may leave you exposed.
Radius & Routes
Long-haul routes, high-crime corridors, and congested areas can drive rates higher.
Loss History
A clean loss record usually leads to more favorable pricing; frequent or severe losses will increase premiums.
Risk Controls
Secure yards, GPS tracking, driver training, and cargo-handling procedures can improve insurability and pricing.