Motor Truck Cargo Insurance in the USA
Cargo damage or loss can happen in an instant — and without the right coverage, a single claim can devastate your trucking business. Fifty Bridges helps owner-operators and trucking companies secure reliable motor truck cargo insurance that protects the freight you haul and satisfies broker and shipper contract requirements.
As an independent broker, we match your cargo coverage to what you haul, how far you travel, and what your contracts require — so you're never underinsured or paying for coverage you don't need.
Cargo Insurance for Every Type of Trucking Operation
Motor truck cargo insurance is required by most freight brokers and shippers before you can move a load. We arrange cargo coverage for:
- Owner-operators hauling under their own authority
- Small and mid-size trucking fleets
- Local, regional, and long-haul carriers
- Dry van, reefer, flatbed, and step-deck operations
- Specialized freight including high-value and time-sensitive cargo
- Carriers hauling for Amazon, DAT, Coyote, Echo, and other major brokers
No matter what you haul, we make sure your cargo is insured correctly for the limits your contracts demand.
What Does Motor Truck Cargo Insurance Cover?
Motor truck cargo insurance protects the commercial freight in your care, custody, and control. Coverage typically includes:
- Freight loss or damage — Covers the value of cargo damaged or destroyed in an accident, rollover, or fire
- Loading and unloading incidents — Protection during the cargo handling process at pickup and delivery
- Theft and vandalism — Covers stolen or vandalized freight while in your possession
- Refrigeration breakdown (reefer) — Optional protection for temperature-sensitive loads lost due to mechanical refrigeration failure
- Earned freight — Covers freight charges lost as a result of a covered cargo loss
- Debris removal — Covers cleanup costs following a covered cargo loss
Coverage limits and deductibles are structured to align with your broker and shipper contracts — typically $100,000 to $250,000 per occurrence for general freight.
Broker and Shipper Cargo Insurance Requirements
Before you can book freight with most brokers or shippers, they require proof of motor truck cargo insurance with specific minimum limits. Common requirements include:
- $100,000 minimum cargo coverage for general freight
- $250,000+ for high-value or specialty freight
- Named broker or shipper as additional insured in some contracts
- Certificate of insurance (COI) issued quickly for new loads
- Coverage tailored to specific commodity exclusions
Fifty Bridges ensures your cargo policy meets every requirement in your broker packets so you never lose a load over insurance.
Cargo Insurance FAQs
What is the difference between cargo insurance and freight insurance?
Motor truck cargo insurance and freight insurance refer to the same coverage: protection for the goods in a trucker's care, custody, and control. “Cargo insurance” is the term used by the trucking industry; “freight insurance” is more commonly used by shippers purchasing coverage on their own goods.
Is cargo insurance required by the FMCSA?
The FMCSA does not mandate motor truck cargo insurance for most dry freight carriers — but virtually every freight broker and shipper requires it contractually before they will tender a load. Household goods movers are required by FMCSA to carry cargo coverage.
How quickly can I get a cargo insurance certificate?
Fifty Bridges can issue cargo insurance certificates the same business day in most cases once coverage is bound. We submit certificates directly to brokers and shippers on your behalf to keep your load board access open.
Why Choose Fifty Bridges for Cargo Insurance
- Access to multiple top cargo insurance carriers
- Competitive cargo insurance rates — shopped across the market
- Coverage aligned with broker and shipper contract requirements
- Fast certificates of insurance — same day in most cases
- Clear explanation of exclusions so you're never surprised at claim time
- Licensed in 17 states — AZ, CA, CO, GA, IL, IN, NC, NJ, NV, OH, OR, PA, SC, TX, UT, VA, WA
Complete Protection for Your Operation
Cargo insurance is often paired with commercial truck insurance and truck liability coverage to ensure full protection on and off the road. Owner-operators should also review owner-operator insurance programs that bundle multiple coverages together.
Get Your Cargo Insurance Quote Today
Don't lose loads because of an insurance gap. Fifty Bridges gets you the right cargo coverage — fast, affordable, and compliant with your broker requirements.