Motor Truck Cargo Insurance in Massachusetts

WHAT IS IT? WHO NEEDS IT? COVERAGES OFFERED

Motor truck cargo insurance is specialized liability coverage for transported goods. Should freight be lost or damaged, the insurance may provide compensation accordingly.

Most Massachusetts businesses that transport substantial goods should have motor truck cargo coverage. This generally applies to businesses with tractor-trailers, cargo vans and straight trucks. Businesses that operate dump trucks, cement mixers, duallys and other hauling vehicles might also want the coverage.

Accidents involving multiple vehicles
Collisions with animals and structures
Running over people or things
Theft and vandalism
Hijacking

What is motor truck cargo insurance?

The goods that freight companies transport should be protected against damage and loss. One way Massachusetts businesses can protect the goods they move is by purchasing motor truck cargo insurance.

Motor truck cargo insurance is specialized liability coverage for transported goods. Should freight be lost or damaged, the insurance may provide compensation accordingly.

What Massachusetts businesses should have motor truck cargo coverage?

Additionally, businesses that transport substantial goods should consider motor truck cargo coverage regardless of how large or small their operation is. Local delivery businesses, owner-operator truck drivers, regional freight transporters and national freight transporters all might benefit from the coverage’s protections.

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What types of incidents are covered by motor truck cargo coverage?

Motor truck cargo coverage normally protects against certain situations where cargo is damaged and/or lost. The exact situations covered are dependent upon a policy’s terms and conditions, but they can include incidents such as the following:

Accidents involving multiple vehicles
Collisions with animals and structures
Running over people or things
Theft and vandalism
Hijacking

What costs does motor truck cargo coverage pay for covered incidents?

The exact costs that motor truck cargo coverage pays for also vary depending on terms and conditions. Should there be a covered incident, policies might cover expenses such as:

Attorney fees and court fees
Settlements and judgments
Contractual penalties
Moving equipment
Debris removal
Pollution cleanup
Uncollected freight fees

Does motor truck cargo coverage protect cargo while it’s in a parked truck?

Motor truck cargo coverage primarily protects loads while they’re in transit, and coverage normally continues to apply when trucks are parked while in transit. For instance, coverage normally applies when trucks are parked at gas stations, rest stops, weighing stations, and even hotels or roadsides while drivers rest.

When cargo is being loaded and unloaded, motor truck cargo might apply. Some policies include coverage when trucks are parked at loading bays, often restricting coverage to a maximum amount of time (e.g. 72 hours). Other policies don’t provide coverage during loading and unloading.

Cargo usually isn’t covered in other situations where a truck is full but parked. These are atypical situations that most businesses don’t encounter very often.

Businesses can get a clear understanding of when a policy’s coverage does and doesn’t apply, by talking with an insurance agent who specializes in motor truck cargo policies. A knowledgeable agent can help review individual policies’ terms, and check when their coverage would apply.

What types of cargo can be insured with motor truck cargo coverage?

Motor truck cargo coverage is readily available for most cargo. Raw materials, equipment, consumer goods, specialty parts, and many other items can all be insured with these policies.

Certain types of cargo are harder to insure, but policies usually can still be found if working with a knowledgeable agent. Businesses should consult a specialized agent if they need coverage for collectibles, artwork, live animals, firearms, radioactive material, or other goods that are difficult to find coverage for.

How can Massachusetts businesses get motor truck cargo insurance?

For help insuring cargo loads while they’re in transit, contact the independent insurance agents at Paul T. Murphy Insurance. Our agents have worked with Massachusetts businesses that transport many different goods. We’ll make sure you find motor truck cargo insurance that’ll protect your business’ transported loads well.

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This material is for informational purposes only. All statements herein are subject to the provisions, exclusions and conditions of the applicable policy, state and federal laws. For an actual description of coverage, terms and conditions, please refer to the applicable insurance policy or check with your insurance professional. The illustrations, instructions and principles contained in the material are general in scope and, to the best of our knowledge, current at the time of publication.