Underwriting Guide
What Underwriters Ask About Trucking & Transportation
Trucking is one of the most heavily regulated commercial classes. Underwriters require DOT numbers, driver MVRs, safety ratings, and commodity information before quoting. Federal filing requirements (MCS-90 endorsements) add complexity, and loss history on both auto liability and cargo claims drives pricing significantly.
Commercial Auto / Trucking LiabilityMotor Truck CargoPhysical DamageWorkers' CompensationGeneral LiabilityExcess/Umbrella
Operations
What type of trucking operation — for-hire common carrier, contract carrier, private carrier, or owner-operator?
Why they ask: Carrier type determines regulatory requirements, minimum liability limits, and MCS-90 filing obligations.
What commodities are hauled?
Why they ask: Commodity type is a primary rating factor. Hazmat, refrigerated goods, livestock, and oversized loads each require specific coverage.
What is the operating radius — local, regional, or long-haul (interstate)?
Why they ask: Interstate operations trigger FMCSA minimum liability requirements ($750K to $1M depending on commodity). Local/regional carriers may face different rules.
What states does the carrier operate in?
Why they ask: Multi-state operations create regulatory complexity. Some states have additional filing requirements beyond FMCSA.
Does the carrier transport hazardous materials (HAZMAT)?
Why they ask: HAZMAT carriers face FMCSA minimum limits of $1M-$5M depending on material class, and must hold a HAZMAT endorsement.
Fleet & Drivers
How many power units (tractors/trucks) are in the fleet?
Why they ask: Fleet size directly determines premium. Provide year, make, model, VIN, and stated value for each unit.
Provide a driver list with name, date of birth, license number, CDL class, and years of experience.
Why they ask: Each driver's MVR is pulled and scored. New drivers, drivers with violations, or drivers without CDLs for required vehicles significantly affect pricing.
Pull MVRs for all drivers — any DUI, reckless driving, or at-fault accidents in the last 3 years?
Why they ask: Drivers with serious violations (DUI, reckless, multiple at-faults) may be excluded or result in account declination.
What is the carrier's current DOT safety rating?
Why they ask: Satisfactory, Conditional, or Unsatisfactory ratings affect eligibility. Conditional or Unsatisfactory ratings significantly limit market options.
Loss History
Provide 5 years of auto liability and cargo loss runs.
Why they ask: Trucking losses can be catastrophic. Multiple at-fault accidents or large cargo claims often result in declination.
Have there been any DOT or FMCSA out-of-service orders or violations in the last 3 years?
Why they ask: Federal violations indicate compliance problems that predict future losses. Carriers with high OOS rates face limited markets.
Prior carrier history and reason for shopping.
Why they ask: Non-renewal or cancellation by a prior carrier is a significant red flag in trucking.
Answers that raise red flags
⚠DOT safety rating of Conditional or Unsatisfactory
⚠Drivers with DUI or reckless driving violations in the past 5 years
⚠HAZMAT transport without proper endorsements and higher limits
⚠Multiple at-fault accident claims in the prior 3 years
⚠Prior coverage cancellation for non-payment or fraud
⚠Significant fleet expansion without proportional revenue growth
Tips for presenting this risk favorably
✓Provide complete, current MVRs for every driver — not just drivers you expect to have violations
✓Include the DOT safety rating and a SAFER report showing inspection history
✓Detail the commodities hauled with specific weight limits and trailer types
✓Explain any prior losses: what happened, who was at fault, and what changes were made to prevent recurrence
✓Confirm whether the carrier needs MCS-90 filings and in which states
Collect all this information automatically
AgencyAssist sends your client a plain-English intake link and maps every answer to the correct ACORD fields — including all the questions above.