What moves trucking premiums the most
In order: operating authority age, driver MVR and experience, radius, cargo type, and CSA scores. A single preventable accident on your DOT record raises premiums 20–40% for three years. Dashcams and telematics discounts (5–15%) now pay for themselves within the first year at most carriers.
- • Keep your MCS-150 mileage honest — underreported miles trigger audit bills.
- • Reefer breakdown coverage is a separate endorsement from cargo.
- • Physical damage should reflect actual cash value of the unit, not loan balance.
Related guides
Long-form playbooks on the same topic, written by the RevenueLab editorial team.
FAQ
How much is semi truck insurance per month?
An owner-operator with their own authority pays $1,000–1,500/month for one truck (liability, physical damage, cargo). Leased operators pay $250–350/month since the carrier covers liability under dispatch.
Why is new-authority insurance so expensive?
No loss history means maximum uncertainty. Carriers price new ventures 40–80% above standard for the first two years. Survive to year three with clean DOT inspections and premiums drop substantially.
What coverage does the FMCSA require?
Minimum $750K liability for general freight ($1M is the de facto broker requirement), $1–5M for hazmat classes, plus a BMC-91 filing. Cargo insurance isn't federally mandated but brokers universally require $100K.
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