Motor truck cargo insurance is coverage that protects motor carriers or for-hire truckers against liability for loss, theft, or damage to a customer’s freight while it is in their care, custody, or control. It is commonly used in trucking and inland transportation to cover cargo risks during pickup, transit, temporary storage, and delivery. The policy may include exclusions, limits, deductibles, and requirements based on cargo type, route, equipment, and carrier operations. Damage that occurs while freight is moved on or off the truck may require separate loading and unloading coverage.
- Required by most shippers and brokers before tendering freight to a motor carrier
- Coverage limits are negotiated between the carrier and insurer
- Standard limits are typically $100,000 per occurrence; high-value loads require higher limits
- Does not replace the shipper’s own cargo insurance, which covers the full declared value
Learn more about Dedola’s global logistics services. Related terms: Common Carrier, Drayage, Bill of Lading (BOL).
