Attention General Freight Haulers: Your Insurance Should Work as Hard as You Do!

Freight never sleeps — and neither should your protection. Whether you’re hauling pallets, dry goods, or mixed loads, you need flexible, affordable, and rock-solid insurance coverage tailored to the unique demands of general freight trucking.

The Owner-Operator’s Guide to Freight Insurance

Introduction – Why Insurance Knowledge Saves You Money

If you’re hauling general freight, you’re not just driving — you’re running a business on wheels. Insurance isn’t just a legal requirement — it’s your financial safety net.

Too many freight haulers are either underinsured, overpaying, or not covered for what really matters. This guide simplifies the five core coverages you need to stay safe, compliant, and profitable.

Five (5) Essential Freight Insurance Coverages

1. Auto Liability:
   Legally required and protects you if you cause an accident that injures others or damages property.
   📝 Minimum: $750,000–$1,000,000 (most brokers require $1M).
2. Motor Truck Cargo Insurance
   Protects the freight you’re hauling from loss, theft, or damage in transit.
   ➡ Required by most brokers and shippers.
3. Physical Damage
   Covers your truck and trailer for accidents, theft, fire, or vandalism.
   ✔ Recommended for owned and financed equipment.
4. Non-Trucking Liability (Bobtail)
   Covers you when you’re driving without an active load or dispatch.
   🎯 Many drivers mistakenly skip this — don’t.
5. Trailer Interchange Coverage
   If you pull trailers that aren’t yours (e.g., under a trailer interchange agreement), this policy covers physical damage.

Avoid These Costly Mistakes

• Not having bobtail coverage when off-duty
• Forgetting to update your policy after buying or leasing equipment
• Paying for coverage you don’t need or duplicating policies
• Missing out on multi-policy discounts
• Letting policies lapse and restart at higher premiums

Quick Protection Checklist

• Do you have at least $1M in Auto Liability?
• Is your Motor Truck Cargo coverage adequate?
• Are you protected when not under dispatch?
• Have you reviewed your policy this year?
• Are you getting every discount available?

If you answered “no” to any of these — we should talk.

About Cal-Society Insurance Services, Inc.

At CAL Society Insurance Services, we help general freight haulers across California and beyond stay protected and profitable. Whether you’re just getting your authority or running a fleet, we tailor coverage to your operation.

Let us help you build smarter protection.
📞 Call: 1-800-773-1663
🌐 Visit: www.calsociety.com
📩 Email: [email protected]