Box Truck Insurance

Box trucks (straight trucks) are the backbone of local and regional freight, moving, and delivery work. They’re heavier than a van, often require a DOT number and, in California, a Motor Carrier Permit, and they carry cargo that belongs to your customers. Pacific Southwest Insurance Services helps box truck owners get the right coverage for their operation, from a single 16-foot truck to a fleet of 26-footers.

Get a free quote today. Call (818) 701-1033 or email info@pswinsurance.com. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

Who We Insure

We write box truck coverage for businesses of every size, from a single vehicle to fleets of 10 or more. New ventures are welcome. Our clients include:

• Local and long-distance movers
• Freight and expedited delivery companies
• Furniture and appliance delivery
• Amazon Relay and freight-broker loads
• Food and beverage distribution
• Refrigerated (reefer) box trucks
• New authority and start-up trucking businesses

Coverage Options

• Primary auto liability: Covers injuries and property damage you cause. We can file the proof of insurance required for your DOT, FMCSA and California MCP filings.
• Motor truck cargo: Protects the freight or household goods you haul. Reefer breakdown coverage is available for refrigerated units.
• Physical damage: Collision and comprehensive for the truck and box, including liftgates.
• General liability: Covers claims that happen off the road, such as damage to a customer’s home during a move or a loading-dock injury.
• Non-trucking liability: For owner-operators leased to a motor carrier, covers the truck when it’s not under dispatch.
• Towing, rental and downtime options: Help keep you running after a covered loss.

What Affects Your Premium

Every operation is different. Carriers typically look at:

• Local vs. interstate operation and radius
• Type of cargo hauled
• Gross vehicle weight (GVW) and truck value
• Years in business and years with authority
• Driver CDL status, experience and MVRs
• Loss history and safety ratings
• Limits and deductibles

As an independent agency, we compare options from multiple insurance companies to find the right coverage at a competitive price.

Why Choose Pacific Southwest Insurance Services

• Family-owned and serving California since 1965, now writing coverage nationwide
• Access to multiple commercial auto carriers, including markets for new businesses
• Fast certificates of insurance, additional insureds and filings
• One agency for your commercial auto, general liability, bonds and more
• A real person answers the phone and knows your account

Common Claims We See

• Low-clearance strikes: Hitting bridges, overpasses, awnings and drive-thru canopies is one of the most frequent box truck claims.
• Liftgate injuries and damage: Liftgates can fail or injure workers and bystanders during loading.
• Cargo damage and theft: Shifting loads, water damage and theft of goods in transit lead to cargo claims.
• Wide-turn collisions: Long wheelbases cause right-turn accidents with cars and cyclists in city traffic.

Tips for Box Truck Owners

• Post the truck’s height in the cab and plan routes around low clearances.
• Inspect and maintain the liftgate regularly and train drivers to use it safely.
• Set your cargo limit to cover your most valuable typical load, not your average one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a DOT number for my box truck?

Generally, trucks used in interstate commerce with a GVWR over 10,000 lbs need a USDOT number, and California has its own requirements for intrastate carriers. Requirements depend on your operation, so confirm with the FMCSA and California DMV. We handle the insurance filings once you know what’s required.

Can you insure a new box truck business?

Yes. We work with markets that write new ventures and new authorities.

Does cargo coverage protect household goods in a move?

A motor truck cargo policy can be written for household goods. We’ll match the cargo limit to the value of the loads you typically carry.

Am I covered when I haul for a freight broker or Amazon Relay?

You can be, but brokers and load boards usually require specific auto liability and cargo limits and a certificate naming them. Tell us who you haul for and we’ll set limits that meet their requirements.

Is my liftgate covered if it breaks?

Physical damage coverage can pay for a liftgate damaged in an accident or other covered loss. Mechanical breakdown from wear and tear usually isn’t covered.

Other Vehicles We Insure

• Pickup Truck Insurance
• Cargo Van & Sprinter Van Insurance
• Dump Truck Insurance
• Food Truck Insurance
• Pump Truck Insurance
• Cherry Picker, Bucket & Lift Truck Insurance
• Flatbed Truck Insurance
• Stake Bed Truck Insurance
• Commercial SUV Insurance
• Landscaping Truck Insurance
• Plumbing & HVAC Service Van Insurance

Don’t see your vehicle? We insure most commercial vehicles, from pickups to long-haul tractors. See all commercial auto coverage.

Get a Box Truck Insurance Quote

Tell us about your vehicles, drivers and operations and we’ll shop the market for you. Call (818) 701-1033, email info@pswinsurance.com, or visit our office at 9036 Reseda Blvd., Suite 105, Northridge, CA.