Commercial Auto • Cargo Coverage • 2026
Cargo Insurance — Protect Freight, Goods & Loads in Transit (2026)
Cargo insurance protects the freight you haul—not the truck itself. Whether you run hotshot loads, last-mile delivery, moving jobs, LTL, or regional routes, cargo coverage pays for lost, stolen, or damaged goods while they’re in your care, custody, or control. We compare carriers on limits, theft wording, commodity restrictions, and contracts so you can haul with confidence.
Cargo insurance coverage snapshot
Coverage varies by class, commodity, vehicle, and underwriting. We’ll confirm exact forms before you accept loads.
| Coverage | What It Protects | Key Things to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Truck Cargo | Goods you haul for others while in your care, custody, or control. | Limits, per-vehicle vs. per-load, deductible, excluded commodities, unattended vehicle rules. |
| Theft | Stolen cargo from a covered vehicle or secured location (subject to conditions). | Locked-vehicle requirements, alarm systems, yard fencing, documented police reports. |
| Loading & Unloading | Damage to freight while being moved on or off the truck. | When coverage starts/ends, who is responsible at docks or job sites. |
| Reefer Breakdown / Temperature | Spoilage of temperature-sensitive cargo from breakdowns or power loss. | Reefer exclusion language, maintenance log requirements, permitted commodities, set-point rules. |
| Debris Removal | Cleanup expense after a cargo spill following a covered loss. | Limit amounts, environmental rules, and whether towing/dump fees are included. |
| Earned Freight | Lost freight charges if damaged cargo can’t be delivered. | Loss calculation method and maximum payable amount per loss or policy term. |
What affects your cargo insurance cost
- Commodity: Electronics, alcohol, luxury goods, and high-theft items usually rate higher than basic freight.
- Vehicle & operation: Box trucks, hotshot rigs, pickups with goosenecks, and straight trucks all rate differently.
- Radius & routes: Local vs. intermediate vs. long-haul, plus region and crime rates along your lanes.
- Limits & deductibles: Higher cargo limits and lower deductibles increase premium.
- Theft controls: Cameras, GPS, locked yards, and no-overnight-parking rules can reduce risk and cost.
- Loss history: Prior cargo claims, spills, and thefts will influence pricing and deductible options.
How our cargo quote process works
- Tell us what you haul: Main commodities, average load value, and maximum value per trip.
- Share vehicles & routes: VINs, garaging locations, states you run, local vs. long-haul.
- Upload contracts or broker requirements: Shipper demands, minimum limits, and special wording.
- We shop multiple markets: Combine cargo with commercial auto and liability where possible.
- Bind & issue COIs fast: Certificates for brokers, shippers, and load boards so you can get back on the road.
Cargo insurance — FAQs
Is cargo insurance required?
Many brokers, shippers, and load boards require cargo insurance with specific limits and theft wording before they will dispatch loads to you.
Does cargo insurance cover my truck or trailer?
No. Cargo covers freight only. Your truck and trailer are insured under commercial auto and physical damage policies.
Are all commodities covered?
No. Items like alcohol, electronics, firearms, pharmaceuticals, and high-value art may be excluded or tightly limited. We’ll check restrictions before you accept those loads.
Do I automatically have reefer breakdown coverage?
Not usually. Refrigeration or temperature coverage is often an endorsement with special rules. You may need maintenance logs and evidence of proper settings.
Will cargo insurance cover theft anywhere I park?
Coverage depends on security conditions—locked doors, fenced yards, lighted lots, and length of time unattended. We’ll review your carrier’s theft wording so you know what is and isn’t allowed.
Independent agency: Blake Insurance Group LLC compares carriers for commercial auto, cargo, and trucking coverage. Availability, limits, and eligibility vary by state, class of operation, and commodity. Trademarks belong to their respective owners. Licensed insurance producer (NPN 16944666).
