Trucking Insurance
Motor Truck Cargo
Covers the freight you haul if it’s damaged or lost in transit, within your policy’s limits.
What It Is
Motor truck cargo coverage pays for loss of or damage to the freight in your care while you’re hauling it. Federal law (the Carmack Amendment) generally holds carriers liable for cargo loss or damage in interstate shipments, and this coverage helps you meet that responsibility.
What It Typically Covers
- Freight damaged in an accident, fire, or rollover
- Theft of freight, subject to the policy’s conditions
- Many policies include debris removal and some loading and unloading losses
Common Gaps to Watch For
- Excluded commodities. Many policies exclude or limit high-value or high-theft freight such as electronics, alcohol, tobacco, or pharmaceuticals.
- Reefer breakdown is usually not covered unless you add it.
- Unattended vehicle conditions. Theft from an unattended truck may be excluded or restricted, depending on where and how it was parked.
- Load value above your limit. If a load is worth more than your per-load limit, the difference is yours.
- Named perils versus broader forms. Some policies cover only listed causes of loss; others cover all causes except exclusions.
Who Usually Needs It
Every for-hire motor carrier. Brokers and shippers commonly require it, often with a $100,000 limit or more.
What Underwriters Consider
- What you haul and its typical and maximum value
- Your cargo loss history
- Theft prevention practices and parking
- Reefer equipment and maintenance, if applicable
- Driver experience
- Lanes and destinations
Questions to Ask
- Are any of the commodities I haul excluded or limited?
- Is my per-load limit high enough for my most valuable loads?
- Am I covered for reefer breakdown?
- What are the conditions for theft coverage, including unattended vehicles?
- Does my policy cover named perils only, or all causes except exclusions?
All coverage is subject to policy terms, conditions, and exclusions.
Last reviewed: November 1, 2026
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Licensed in Illinois.