Trucking and Logistics Insurance

In short

Trucking and logistics companies usually need commercial auto liability with the right federal and state filings, motor truck cargo, physical damage, general liability, workers’ compensation and often an umbrella. Freight brokers and shippers set cargo limits and additional insured terms. SF Coverage reviews broker and shipper agreements for free, checks that filings match your operations and explains every renewal change line by line within three business days.

Who sets your insurance requirements

FMCSA: Minimum liability for interstate carriers filed on your authority, with the MCS-90 endorsement where it applies.
California DMV and CHP: Proof of insurance on file for the Motor Carrier Permit and a CA number for regulated intrastate operations.
Freight brokers: Auto liability and cargo limits, certificates naming the broker and notice of cancellation.
Shippers and warehouse clients: Cargo or warehouse legal liability limits, general liability and additional insured terms.
Equipment lessors and lenders: Physical damage coverage and lienholders named on the policy.

Coverage trucking and logistics companies usually carry

Commercial auto liabilityCovers injury and damage to others and carries the required filings.Motor truck cargoCovers freight in your care, often at limits set by brokers and shippers.

Physical damageCovers tractors and trailers against collision, fire and theft.

General liabilityCovers premises and loading dock claims that auto policies do not.Workers’ compensationCovers drivers and warehouse staff and is required for California employees.UmbrellaAdds limits above auto liability when contracts require it.

Exposures to get right

Severe auto claims

Large verdicts and repair costs keep commercial auto difficult and expensive to place.

Filing mismatches

A policy that does not match your authority, vehicles or operating radius can lead to a lapse notice or a denied load.

Cargo exclusions

Unattended vehicle, reefer breakdown and commodity exclusions can leave a load uncovered.

Driver classification

Owner operators and leased drivers raise workers’ comp and liability questions.

In California

California motor carriers that operate regulated vehicles generally need a Motor Carrier Permit from the DMV, which requires proof of insurance on file, and a CA number from the CHP.
Interstate for hire carriers must keep minimum liability on file with FMCSA, which is $750,000 for most general freight vehicles over 10,001 pounds.
California applies the ABC test under AB 5 to decide whether a driver is an employee, which affects workers’ compensation for owner operator arrangements.

How SF Coverage works for trucking and logistics companies

Contracts checked before you signEvery insurance clause in a lease, subcontract or client agreement cited and checked against your policy wording.Certificate requests checked the same dayEach holder request matched to your policy the same business day when it arrives by 3 pm Pacific, with a complete request drafted for your broker.Renewals explained line by lineA free second opinion within three business days, with every change in premium, limits and exclusions explained before you decide.Audits reviewed before you payWorkers’ comp audits reconciled to your payroll and subcontractor records, with the dispute deadline tracked.

Have these ready

USDOT, MC and CA numbers
Vehicle schedule with values and garaging addresses
Driver list with license numbers and experience
Broker and shipper agreements with insurance sections
Commodities hauled and operating radius
Loss runs for the last five years

Insurance for trucking and logistics companies, answered

What insurance does FMCSA require?

Interstate for hire carriers of general freight in vehicles over 10,001 pounds must keep at least $750,000 of liability on file. Higher minimums apply to some hazardous materials and passenger carriers. Brokers and shippers often ask for more, commonly $1 million, plus cargo coverage.

What is the MCS-90 endorsement?

MCS-90 is a federal endorsement that guarantees payment to the public up to the required minimum, even when the policy would not otherwise respond. The carrier may have to repay the insurer. It protects the public, not your business, so it does not replace proper coverage.

Why do freight brokers reject my certificate?

Common reasons are a cargo limit below their minimum, exclusions for the commodity hauled, unscheduled vehicles or a missing certificate holder name. SF Coverage reads the broker agreement against your policy and lists exactly what the certificate and policy need to show.

Why is my trucking renewal so expensive?

Commercial auto has been unprofitable for insurers nationally, and severe claims, repair costs and driver records move pricing. Send the renewal with your expiring policy and SF Coverage explains every change in rate, vehicles, drivers, limits and deductibles within three business days, so you can decide what to change.

How does SF Coverage check trucking filings and coverage?

It compares your FMCSA and DMV filings with the auto, cargo and physical damage policies behind them, then reads each broker and shipper agreement for cargo limits and additional insured terms. Every mismatch is named with the exact change to request.

General information. Coverage depends on the policy an insurer issues.

Insurance for trucking and logistics companies