Connect Cargo to Carriers — Without the Risk.
Protecting logistics operations, contracts, and cargo responsibility
Freight brokers and freight forwarders coordinate the movement of goods but often assume significant liability through contracts, shipping agreements, and regulatory requirements. Even without owning trucks, brokers face exposure related to cargo loss, errors in dispatch, contract disputes, and third-party claims. A single mistake in scheduling, documentation, or carrier selection can lead to costly financial loss.
Properly structured insurance helps protect your business, your contracts, and the flow of your logistics operations.
Key Risks in Freight Broker Operations
Freight brokers face exposure related to:
Cargo loss or damage claims
Errors in dispatch or documentation
Contractual liability requirements
Contingent cargo responsibility
Cyber or data breaches
Employee or office liability
Regulatory and licensing issues
Losses can occur even when the broker does not own the truck.
Core Coverages for Freight Brokers
Freight broker insurance programs typically include:
Contingent Cargo Liability — Protects against cargo loss when the carrier’s insurance fails or is insufficient.
Errors & Omissions (Professional Liability) — Covers claims involving dispatch errors, paperwork mistakes, or failure to arrange proper transportation.
General Liability — Protects against bodily injury and property damage claims involving office operations.
Commercial Property — Covers office equipment, computers, and business contents.
Cyber Liability — Protects against data breaches, fraud, and electronic theft.
Surety Bond (BMC-84 / BMC-85)Required federal bond for licensed freight brokers.
Umbrella / Excess Liability — Provides additional limits for severe claims.
What’s Commonly Overlooked
Freight broker insurance programs are often weakened by:
Missing contingent cargo coverage
Inadequate E&O limits
No cyber protection
Failure to review carrier contracts
Gaps between broker and carrier coverage
Not meeting shipper requirements
These issues often appear only after a claim or contract dispute.
Real-World Claim Examples
Cargo is lost and the carrier’s policy denies coverage
A paperwork error causes delivery delays
A shipper files a claim against the broker
A cyber scam results in stolen funds
A contract requires higher limits than carried
Even one claim can disrupt operations.
Why Proper Placement Matters
Freight broker coverage varies based on:
Type of freight handled
Contract requirements
Volume of shipments
Use of independent carriers
Federal licensing rules
Customer insurance requirements
Improper placement can lead to uncovered losses or contract violations.
Our Approach
At Cory Washington & Co., we structure freight broker insurance programs based on the contracts you sign, the cargo you move, and the carriers you work with. We coordinate E&O, contingent cargo, cyber, and liability coverage to ensure your protection follows the entire logistics chain.
When your business moves freight, your protection must move with it.
Not sure your coverage is complete? Run the Freight Broker Coverage Self-Review Checklist — tick what you can confirm, and walk into your next policy review informed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get freight broker insurance through Cory Washington & Co.?
Request a quote or contact our team. We start with a short conversation about your operations, analyze your exposures, then negotiate freight broker insurance across multiple carriers that compete for your account and present options with the trade-offs explained. Cory Washington & Co. LLC is licensed in all 50 states.
What drives the cost of freight broker insurance?
Premiums vary from business to business. The main drivers of freight broker insurance pricing are the nature of your operations, your revenue and payroll, your loss history, and the limits you carry. Rather than quote a flat figure, we negotiate across several markets and walk you through the options, so you only pay for the protection you actually need.
Do I need freight broker insurance?
It depends on your situation. Some coverage is required by law; more often, freight broker insurance is required by a contract, lease, lender, or client before they will do business with you — and even when it is not mandated, it guards against exposures that can be severe. We review your operations and obligations and tell you plainly what you need and why.
What if another agency has already declined or non-renewed my coverage?
Difficult, specialty, and previously-declined placements are a core part of our work. We access excess & surplus (E&S) and specialty markets that many generalist agencies cannot, and we explain the trade-offs clearly so you can decide with confidence.
Available in all 50 states. See how requirements differ in California, Texas, Florida, New York, or choose your state.