Don’t Overlook Insurance: Protecting Freight, Business, and Peace of Mind 

June 28th marks National Insurance Awareness Day, a timely reminder that in the freight world, insurance isn’t just a requirement; it’s a lifeline. Whether you’re a carrier hitting the road every week, a broker managing contracts, or a shipper ensuring delivery, having the right insurance means protecting your business, your freight, and your peace of mind.

At Truckstop, we’ve seen how quickly risks can pile up, from cargo theft and fraud to damage claims and liability lawsuits. That’s why insurance remains one of the most essential tools in your operational toolkit. And it’s also why we launched the Truckstop Partner Marketplace on this very date in 2022 – to bring you a trusted network of insurance providers, all vetted and ready to help you keep freight moving with confidence.

Why insurance still matters in freight

The transportation industry has always carried risk, but today’s environment is more volatile than ever. Fraud and theft are rising. Freight rates fluctuate. And federal compliance rules are constantly evolving.

As Graham Gonzales, Executive VP of Sales at Reliance Partners, put it:

“In the worst epidemic of fraud and theft in our nation’s history, insurance has never played a more crucial role in running a business.”

Whether you’re protecting your equipment, securing high-value loads, or trying to meet broker or shipper requirements, the right policy keeps you covered when the unexpected happens, and helps you stay competitive when things are going right.

What kind of coverage do you need?

Understanding what’s required and what’s wise is key. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Carriers typically need:

• Auto liability: Required by FMCSA; minimum $750,000 to $1 million.
• Cargo insurance: Often required by brokers or shippers, even if not mandated by FMCSA.
• General liability and physical damage: For non-vehicle-related risks and protection.

Brokers need:

• BMC-84/BMC-85 surety bond or trust: Minimum $75,000.
• Contingent cargo liability: Required by many shippers.
• Errors & omissions: To protect against costly mistakes.

For more details, check out our guide on freight broker insurance requirements.

Choosing the right insurance partner

Shopping for insurance can feel like another item on an already overloaded to-do list, but asking the right questions can save you money and future headaches:

• Does the policy fit your operation’s size and risk level?
• Are there seasonal or short-term coverage options?
• What’s excluded from coverage?
• Does the provider understand the freight industry?

Chad Eichelberger, President of Reliance Partners, explained it best:

“You’ve got to look at the whole operation. Where are their potential liabilities? What is their level of comfort for that?”

The power of the Truckstop Partner Marketplace

We launched the Truckstop Partner Marketplace to make it easier for you to find insurance providers who know freight.

Whether you’re looking for trip-based coverage, long-term fleet policies, or fraud protection, our partners are here to help:

• BetterBind
• Canal Insurance Company
• Certificial
• Elevate
• InsuranceHub
• Loadsure
• LogRock
• Lucky Truck
• Maguin Insurance Group
• Matterhorn Protects
• Midwest Trucking Insurance
• Milepost Insurance
• Overhaul
• Roanoke
• Redkik
• Reliance Partners
• Tailored Insurance Group
• Ten Four Truck
• The Montague Agency
• TripExcess (Crum & Forster)
• United Commercial Insurance

Mitigating risk with RMIS

Insurance providers are paying closer attention to whether brokers are actively mitigating fraud, and they’re increasingly turning to tech like Truckstop’s RMIS (Registration Management Information System).

RMIS isn’t just about compliance. It’s a front-line defense against identity fraud, double brokering, and unsafe carriers. By using RMIS, brokers gain access to:

• Identity verification using biometric and government ID checks
• Real-time risk assessment that flags suspicious behavior
• Continuous monitoring that keeps tabs on carrier data
• Secure document management and FMCSA compliance insights

Want a deeper look? See how RMIS helps brokers fight freight fraud.

Know your COIs

A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is your proof that coverage exists and knowing how to read one is essential. It lists the policy numbers, dates, limits, and named insureds. Having COIs on hand builds trust and streamlines onboarding with new partners.

In 2024, Truckstop received over 500,000 carrier COIs through the Certificial integration. Rob Blanchette, co-founder of Certificial weighed in with:

“Truckstop has been at the forefront of introducing digital insurance monitoring to the transportation industry, streamlining carrier connections, and automating data collection. This innovation has led to cutting-edge insurance monitoring and a more trusted network. Over our two-year partnership, Certificial has facilitated tens of thousands of smart COIs, enhancing both the speed and accuracy of carrier insurance information. Together, we’ve successfully advanced digital insurance monitoring in the transportation sector.”

Protect your freight. Protect your future

Insurance may not be the most exciting part of the job, but it’s one of the most important. National Insurance Awareness Day is your cue to:

• Review your coverage
• Ask the tough questions
• Partner with someone who knows your world

With 30 years of experience supporting the freight industry, Truckstop is proud to partner with insurance and risk management providers who understand your business and protect what matters most.

Need to explore new options? Visit the Truckstop Partner Marketplace to get started.