Question 1

How much trucking liability does the FMCSA require?

Accepted Answer

FMCSA minimum limits depend on commodity class. General freight requires $750,000; household goods movers require $750,000; hazardous materials haulers require $1,000,000 to $5,000,000 depending on the hazmat classification. Most shippers and freight brokers contractually require $1,000,000 minimum regardless of the federal floor, so most carriers bind at $1M.

Question 2

What is bobtail insurance and do I need it?

Accepted Answer

Bobtail (non-trucking liability) covers a tractor-trailer operator when driving the cab without a trailer or when operating outside the scope of a motor carrier's dispatch — personal errands, repositioning between loads. If you are leased to a carrier, their primary liability only applies while you are under dispatch. Bobtail coverage fills that gap. Owner-operators leased to large fleets almost always need it.

Question 3

Can I get trucking insurance as a new-venture operator?

Accepted Answer

Yes, though options are more limited and premiums are higher for accounts with no prior operating history. Many E&S carriers write new-venture authorities with restrictions on driver age (typically 23+), radius, and commodity class. A clean CDL history of 3–5 years, newer equipment, and a basic safety management plan meaningfully improve placement options.

Question 4

What does cargo insurance exclude?

Accepted Answer

Standard motor truck cargo exclusions include contraband, currency and precious metals, live animals, temperature damage from mechanical breakdown (unless refrigeration breakdown is endorsed), and unattended vehicle theft unless the trailer is locked in a secured yard. Always review the commodity exclusions before binding — certain high-theft commodities like electronics and pharmaceuticals require special underwriting.

Question 5

How is trucking insurance different from commercial auto?

Accepted Answer

A standard commercial auto policy is designed for non-for-hire vehicles — service vans, delivery trucks, company cars. Trucking policies are purpose-built for for-hire motor carrier operations and include cargo coverage, FMCSA filing capabilities, bobtail/deadhead gap coverage, and underwriting factors specific to the freight industry. A commercial auto policy will not respond to a cargo loss or satisfy FMCSA financial responsibility requirements.

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