- Madeline Eby
Intermodal Trucking Insurance for Drayage Fleets
Interested in intermodal trucking insurance but overwhelmed by all the options? You're not alone. But don't worry, we've got you covered! Suppose you're a drayage fleet owner hauling intermodal freight. In that case, there are special considerations you need to take when selecting insurance for your fleet, and it's important to work with a company that understands the industry. Here's a quick overview of what you need to know and how to get coverage ASAP.
What Coverages Do I Need for Drayage Trucking?
When it comes to intermodal trucking, it's essential to know that the UIIA (Uniform Intermodal Interchange and Facilities Access Agreement) places additional insurance requirements on fleet owners. The UIIA is a standard agreement between IANA (Intermodal Association of North America) and intermodal trucking companies, ocean, and rail carriers.
What Are UIIA Insurance Requirements?
To haul intermodal freight, you must completely meet the UIIA's insurance requirements. Here are some highlights:
UIIA Insurance Requirements
$1,000,000 General Liability
$1,000,000 Liability Coverage
Trailer Interchange Insurance for non-owned equipment/containers, collision, fire, and theft coverage
Cargo Insurance with specific limits based on the equipment provider
Workers Compensation with statutory limits
Employer's liability coverage (varies-optional)
You can read the complete list of UIIA insurance requirements here.
UIIA Endorsement
In addition to the UIIA's insurance requirements, you will also need a Truckers Uniform Intermodal Interchange Endorsement. The UIAA describes this as "a hold harmless endorsement that must be made part of the auto liability policy." It further specifies that “Any one of the below endorsements is acceptable, but the most current version must be used.”
Perhaps the most crucial factor in determining price is the insurance provider you choose. CarrierHQ stands out as the industry’s only adjustable-rate insurance, and fleet owners can save up to 30% with safe driving discounts.
How Can CarrierHQ Help You with Drayage Trucking Insurance?
At CarrierHQ, we are experts in small fleet commercial trucking insurance and know how to navigate the drayage trucking industry. Our Small Fleet Advantage insurance program was exclusively designed for fleets of 1-20 trucks and offers big-fleet benefits such as:
One-Stop for UIIA Coverage CarrierHQ can provide the required auto and general liability coverages necessary for UIIA endorsement.
UIIA Endorsement at No Cost Once you have all the required coverage options, CarrierHQ can endorse and log your fleet with the UIIA all at no additional cost.
Quote in Minutes Our quote process is simple quick, and no loss runs are required. Get started now!
Quote and Bind Same Day Ready to get started? You can complete the entire process in one day and sign up online.
Safe Driving Discounts With safe driving habits, you can qualify for monthly premium reductions during your first year, saving you up to 30%.
We’re Here for You Whether you’re just starting up your fleet or are a seasoned pro, CarrierHQ can help guide and grow your business. Do you have any questions? Give us a call at (866) 971-5464 or send an email to info@carrierhq.com.
New to Drayage Trucking?
If you’re new to the industry and want to learn more about drayage, then keep reading for an in-depth overview.
Drayage is a term utilized by the shipping and logistics sector to describe the process of transporting goods over short distances. While drayage can be used for minor goods transporting, it is generally confined to use by the container shipping industry. Drayage trucking is different from regional or national shipping. Containers typically stay in the same port, or metropolitan area, and deliveries are almost always completed within a single shift.
According to IANA, drayage can be split into the following categories:
Inter-carrier drayage – This method features the movement of units over a short distance between different carriers, such as trucking and railroad stations.
Expedited drayage – For this method, units are transported over the road in a quick and efficient manner for time-sensitive material goods.
Intra-carrier drayage – A method similar to that of inter-carrier, intra-carrier takes freight from a rail hub to an intermodal hub, all controlled by the same carrier.
Door-to-door drayage – In this method, retail units are taken to a customer through roadways.
Shuttle drayage – During shuttle drayage, an intermodal unit is temporarily taken to a parking lot from its hub of origin, with this method being used for both loaded and empty units when overcrowding in the hub occurs.
Pier drayage – This method utilizing roadways takes an intermodal unit to a dock or pier from a previous rail hub.
Locations and Routes
Intermodal trucking is a somewhat regional industry, as it revolves around picking up containers from cargo ports. Drayage could be at excellent option for you if you live near coastal ports like Long Beach, Houston, or Miami. There are also some large inland markets in Chicago, Kansas City, and Memphis.
Some drayage trucker deliveries can be short distances as little as 100 feet to an intermodal terminal or even another truck. Other cargo deliveries might go a few miles down the road. In most cases, drayage trucking moves goods within the same general metropolitan area.
Types of Trucks
Most small drayage fleets rely on day cab trucks since they aren’t traveling long distances to deliver freight. Day cabs cost less than a sleeper truck and are more functional and efficient when getting around metropolitan hubs and city roads. They also tend to be smaller and lighter, allowing drivers to maneuver them easily. Because they don't have a sleeping compartment, day cab trucks can pack more cargo every trip, allowing them to handle heavier loads.
In addition to trucks, drayage fleets also need a drayage chassis, a special trailer or undercarriage typically used to carry ocean carriers over land. Most small fleet U.S. trucking companies usually do not own their drayage chassis, which means that they must be rented.
Ready to get your drayage fleet started with our Small Fleet Advantage Insurance?
Would you like to speak with our team? Give us a call at (866) 971-5464 or send an email to info@carrierhq.com.