Motor Truck Cargo Insurance for the Freight You Haul

Motor Truck Cargo Insurance is designed to help protect covered freight while it is being transported, subject to policy terms, commodity eligibility, limits, deductibles, and exclusions. It is generally different from Primary Liability, Physical Damage, General Liability, and Trailer Interchange.

No. Cargo policies commonly contain commodity exclusions — specific types of cargo that are not covered under the standard policy. Common exclusions include cash and currency, jewelry, fine art, live animals, alcohol, tobacco products, and electronics. Specialty commodities like pharmaceuticals or hazardous materials may also be excluded or may require specific endorsements. Not every cargo policy accepts every commodity — verify that the commodity types you typically haul are covered under that policy's terms before binding.

Theft coverage is included in many cargo policies, but the terms matter. Some policies cover theft only if there is evidence of forced entry into a locked vehicle. Others may exclude theft from an unattended vehicle or from an unsecured location. The definition of "mysterious disappearance" — cargo that is unaccounted for without a specific, documented theft event — is often excluded. Ask us to walk through the theft provisions of any policy you are reviewing.

A reefer breakdown endorsement may cover certain cargo loss caused by a covered refrigeration-unit malfunction, subject to its terms, conditions, and exclusions — not from an accident or other standard covered cause. Without this endorsement, a standard cargo policy would likely not cover temperature-sensitive cargo that spoils because your reefer unit failed. If you haul produce, dairy, meat, pharmaceuticals, or other temperature-sensitive freight, reefer breakdown coverage is worth discussing with our team.

This varies by policy. Standard cargo policies often exclude or limit coverage for damage that occurs specifically during the loading and unloading process. Some policies include this coverage; others require an endorsement. If loading and unloading activities are part of your regular operations, discuss this specifically with our team so you understand the coverage you will actually have.

It depends on the policy. Coverage for cargo in a stationary, parked, or unattended vehicle — including at drop yards or overnight stops — varies significantly by policy and may be limited or excluded. If you regularly use drop yards or store freight overnight, review this specifically with our team before you rely on coverage being in place.

No. Motor Truck Cargo does not cover the tractor or trailer itself — that exposure is generally addressed by Physical Damage coverage, which in turn does not cover cargo. These are separate coverages that should each be reviewed on their own terms.

There is no universal answer. Common cargo limits are often selected based on the value of the loads you expect to haul, your contracts, and your hauling profile — a low limit may not be enough for every load. Confirm the requirements of the shippers and brokers you intend to work with, and discuss your typical load values with our team.

Required limits vary by broker, shipper, contract, and commodity — there is no universal minimum. If a broker requires a higher limit than your current policy provides, you may need to increase your limit, subject to underwriting and availability, before that broker will tender loads to you. Confirm limit requirements with each party you intend to work with before committing to a load.

Documentation requirements vary by insurer, but cargo claims typically require: the bill of lading, the delivery receipt or proof of delivery (with noted exceptions if cargo was received damaged), photographs of the damaged cargo, a damage inspection report, any shipper or consignee's written claim, and your own incident report. Keeping accurate paperwork throughout each load is important — claims are significantly more difficult to substantiate without complete documentation.