Container Transport Insurance
Hauling containers between ports and railyards brings some unique risks. From suspending containers while loading and offloading to proper securement, you can meet hazards all along the way. Here’s why and when you might need intermodal truck insurance.
What kind of coverage do container chassis fleets need?
Intermodal transport doesn’t rely on a sturdy bed to hold the weight, so you must count on careful loading, reliable locking mechanisms, and good driving habits to ensure the cargo arrives safely.
When there’s a lot to monitor, there can be more room for mistakes – and more to consider when it comes to insurance coverage. We’ve developed a policy tailored to container chassis operators, including features like:
- Commercial Automobile Coverage
- Cargo Insurance
- Commercial General Liability
- Warehousemen’s Legal Liability
- Property Insurance
Need more? No problem.
We have other handy coverages, like our Select Endorsement: this extends coverage to include your operations as a freight forwarder or load broker.
When you deal with shipping contracts, you’ll welcome the features of this coverage, including Declared Value of Cargo, Brands and Labels, and Control of Salvage. Your broker can walk you through all the advantages of Select Endorsement!
When can intermodal truck insurance come to your rescue?
Are you sure all the lock pins are engaged? The lifting arms are connected securely to the frames to distribute weight? There’s a lot to remember when transporting containers, and that’s one reason why the UIIA places extra insurance requirements on intermodal truck operators.
Your insurance should be broad enough to respond in a range of situations that could arise between point A and point B, but also deep enough to ease the costly burden of a covered loss. Here are a few scenarios where specific features can come into play.
Coverage for unruly containers
Securing your container is crucial, but oversize loads could collide with objects or infrastructure on the road, compromising the cargo. A missing pin and sudden swerve might be all it takes to send your container flying off its frame.
In this case, you’d look to your cargo insurance coverage to help with the cost of the lost cargo, or if you’re found liable for the damage the container sustains.
When containers collide, you’ll need some support
Losing control of a heavy load can put your cargo – and those around it – at risk. What would happen if a container fell from the frame and crashed into traffic? The damage could be severe, and it could affect multiple vehicles.
When you operate a commercial vehicle, you need coverage to match. Commercial auto insurance can cover your vehicle and drivers if they’re involved in a collision, helping to bear the cost of third-party damage that your truck or your container may have caused.
Stay protected while you wait
If you’re transferring your container, there’s a chance it will need to sit before moving along to its destination. Your cargo policy may cover you if it’s a short waiting period (up to 30 days), but if the container is stored for more than a month – and something happens to it during that stretch – you may be on your own.
Warehouseman’s legal liability coverage is designed to pick up where your cargo coverage ends: after the 30-day mark, you would still be covered for damage or loss while the cargo is held or stored before it continues its journey.
Assistance at every step of the way
On top of our comprehensive core coverage and exceptional customer service, your business insurance policy grants you access to our Assist services for extra peace of mind.
Learn more about how and when our Assist services can come to your rescue!
Commercial Truck Filings
Proving that you have enough liability insurance to meet all federal requirements isn’t an option – it’s a necessity. That’s why we help complete and expedite federal filings for our customers who do business in the U.S.
Plans change, and last-minute arrangements can be stressful. When you’re short on time, we can get things moving right away, arranging your financial proof of responsibility quickly so you can stay on track without risking a penalty when you cross the border.
Managing Risk
We know that risk differs across industries. We also know that your container chassis operation is unique, and the challenges you face deserve careful consideration and a personalized approach. Insurance plays an important role, but it’s not everything – you can lean on our transportation industry expertise, library of focused resources, and confident guidance to take your protection and loss prevention to the next level.
