Motor Truck Cargo Policy Feature Checklist
What to confirm in a motor truck cargo policy — what's standard, what's often limited, and what to add if needed — plus the gap most often missed.
Pull out your current cargo policy and check the box next to each feature you can confirm it includes — anything unchecked is worth a quick conversation with your advisor.
Tick each feature you can confirm your policy includes — anything left unticked is a good question for your next policy review.
| Confirm? | Policy feature | What to confirm | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Limit Matches the Most Valuable Load | Confirm the per-vehicle limit covers the highest-value load, not the average. | Standard | |
| Fictitious Pickup / False Pretense Losses | Loads handed to impostors are often excluded — the fastest-growing type of cargo theft. | Often limited | |
| Theft Conditions (Unattended Vehicle, Parking) | Many policies limit theft coverage when a truck is unattended or parked in an unsecured lot. | Often limited | |
| Commodity Exclusions | Confirm electronics, alcohol, tobacco, or pharmaceuticals aren't excluded or sublimited. | Often limited | |
| Reefer Breakdown | Covers spoilage when refrigeration equipment fails — excluded unless added. | If needed | |
| Terminal Coverage | Covers cargo stored at terminals or drop yards. | If needed | |
| Trailer Interchange | Covers damage to trailers owned by others while in your possession. | If needed |
The gap most often missed in this coverage
The most commonly missed gap in this coverage is theft by deception. Cargo theft losses rose 60% to about $725 million in 2025, driven by impostors posing as legitimate carriers — and many cargo policies exclude loads voluntarily handed over under false pretenses. Carriers and brokers should confirm fictitious-pickup coverage, match limits to the most valuable load, and verify every change by calling a known contact.
Send us the checklist and we'll review your motor truck cargo coverage line by line, then market it across multiple carriers that compete for your account.
Related: Cargo Insurance · Motor Truck Cargo Supplemental (apply) · All coverage checklists
Frequently asked questions
What should a motor truck cargo policy include?
Standard features to confirm in a motor truck cargo policy include Limit Matches the Most Valuable Load. This checklist also flags the features that are often limited or sublimited and the ones to add if needed, with a plain-English note on each.
Is this checklist insurance advice?
No. It is a free educational tool to help you have a more informed conversation with a licensed professional. It affords no coverage and is not insurance, legal, or financial advice — only your actual policy language governs what is and isn't covered.
Can Cory Washington & Co. review my motor truck cargo coverage?
Yes. Share your checklist and we'll review your program line by line, market your account across multiple carriers, and explain the trade-offs in plain English. Cory Washington & Co. LLC is licensed in all 50 states.
This checklist is a free educational tool from Cory Washington & Co. to help you review your own coverage and have a more informed conversation with a licensed insurance professional. It is general information only — not insurance, legal, or financial advice, and not a recommendation to buy, change, or cancel any policy. Coverage terms, availability, limits, and requirements vary by policy, carrier, and state, and only the language in your actual policy governs what is and isn’t covered. Checking or leaving blank any item above does not indicate that you are adequately insured or under-insured. Using this checklist does not create a client, agency, or fiduciary relationship. Always consult a licensed professional about your specific situation.