Why Work With Great Southern Agency?

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• Licensed Nationwide – Serving trucking operations in all 48 lower states

• Carrier Reach – With up to 59 insurance companies to shop with, we can find the correct program for your insurance needs

• Industry Knowledge – Familiar with DOT/FMCSA requirements and carrier needs

• Custom Coverage – Programs built for fleets of all sizes, from one truck to hundreds

• Claims Support – Helping you get back on the road quickly after a loss

 

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Frequently Asked Questions — Trucking Insurance

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What insurance is required for a trucking business?

At minimum, commercial trucking operations require Commercial Auto Liability, which is mandated by the FMCSA for interstate carriers. Most operations also need Physical Damage Coverage, Motor Truck Cargo Insurance, and General Liability. Owner-operators leased to a carrier have different requirements than those operating under their own authority.

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What is the difference between operating under my own authority versus being leased to a carrier?

Owner-operators running under their own FMCSA authority are responsible for their own full insurance program — primary liability, cargo, physical damage, and general liability. Those leased to a motor carrier are typically covered under the carrier's primary liability while on dispatch, but need Non-Trucking Liability (bobtail) coverage when operating the truck outside of dispatch and their own physical damage coverage for the truck itself.

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What is bobtail or non-trucking liability coverage?

Bobtail coverage — also called Non-Trucking Liability — covers an owner-operator when they are driving their truck without a trailer and not under dispatch. The motor carrier's policy does not cover you in this situation. If you are involved in an accident while bobtailing between loads or returning home after a delivery, bobtail coverage is what protects you.

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What is Motor Truck Cargo Insurance and is it required?

Motor Truck Cargo Insurance covers the freight you are hauling against loss or damage from accidents, theft, or fire while in transit. It is not always legally required but is almost universally required by shippers and brokers as a condition of hauling their freight. Limits and exclusions vary — certain commodities like electronics, pharmaceuticals, or refrigerated goods may require specialized cargo forms.

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Do freight brokers need their own insurance?

Yes. Freight brokers need Contingent Cargo Liability and General Liability at minimum. Many also need a Surety Bond as required by the FMCSA. Brokers are increasingly being held liable when carriers they place have accidents, making broker-specific liability coverage an important consideration.

 

What are FMCSA insurance requirements for interstate trucking?

The FMCSA requires minimum primary liability limits that vary based on the type of freight being hauled — $750,000 for general freight, $1,000,000 for hazmat, and $5,000,000 for certain hazardous materials. Many shippers and brokers require limits well above these minimums. An umbrella or excess liability policy is often the most cost-effective way to meet higher contractual requirements.

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Does my trucking policy cover hazmat or oversized loads?

Standard trucking policies may exclude or sublimit hazmat and oversized load operations. These specialty hauling operations require specific endorsements or standalone policies that address the unique liability and cargo exposures involved. We build programs that reflect what you actually haul — not a generic trucking program that leaves gaps.

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What physical damage coverage does a trucking company need?

Physical damage coverage for trucks and trailers typically includes Collision and Comprehensive. For owner-operators, this is coverage for your most valuable business asset. For fleets, blanket physical damage programs can cover all units under one policy. Stated value versus actual cash value is an important distinction when insuring older or customized equipment.

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Can Great Southern Agency insure fleets of all sizes?

Yes. We work with single owner-operators through large multi-truck fleets. We are licensed in all 48 lower states and have access to trucking-specific markets that can accommodate a wide range of operations, commodities, and driving radius.

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This page is for owner-operators, long-haul trucking companies, local delivery fleets, freight brokers, and specialized haulers seeking commercial trucking and transportation insurance in Georgia and nationwide.