PHYSICAL DAMAGE
Trailer Interchange Coverage
Trailer Interchange Coverage
Trailer Interchange coverage from Great West provides motor carriers, owner operators, and truck drivers with Physical Damage insurance for trailers, shipping containers, and frames you don’t own. It provides you with essential financial protection from liability if there is damage to a trailer while it is in your possession. It also can cover your trailers in someone else's possession.
With the growth of freight shipping, it is common for motor carriers to pull trailers owned by other companies. But when you’re hauling another company’s trailer, the trailer’s Physical Damage coverage doesn’t simply transfer along with the container.
When you work under a trailer interchange agreement, the contract transfers financial responsibility for a trailer from one motor carrier to another in order to complete a shipment. The truck driver or trucking company in possession of the trailer is responsible for paying for any damages that happen while they have the trailer.
That means your trucking company needs its own Physical Damage insurance for the trailer when you’re responsible for a leg of a shipment.
What is trailer interchange insurance?
Great West’s Trailer Interchange coverage is an endorsement — or amendment — that modifies your underlying Physical Damage insurance policy. It modifies your Physical Damage coverage to a trailer being hauled under a trailer interchange agreement.
The Trailer Interchange endorsement specifies the names of the companies involved in the delivery, where a trailer transfer will take place, and the transportation fees associated with the delivery.
Who needs trailer interchange coverage?
You need Trailer Interchange insurance to protect your business when you’re in possession of a trailer that belongs to someone else, or if you allow another motor carrier to use your trailer.
Many shippers also require that motor carriers have Trailer Interchange coverage in order to work with them. So, before you contract to pull a load, check with your shipper on their requirements.
What does trailer interchange insurance cover?
Coverage applies to physical damage of all kinds, including:
- Accidents
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Fire
- Cargo shifts that cause damage
- Other physical damage to the trailer
Trailer interchange insurance applies to:
- An unowned trailer (or trailers) in your possession under a written trailer interchange agreement
- A motor carrier’s trailer (or trailers) in anyone else’s possession under a written trailer interchange agreement
How much coverage does my trucking company need?
Under a trailer interchange agreement, your trucking company’s coverage must equal the value of the shipping company’s insurance coverage.
Your Trailer Interchange coverage ideally will be equal to the value of all of the shipping units in your possession, including any empty containers you’re holding and plan to return to the shipper at a later time.
Additionally, you may also be responsible for containers and frames while you’re waiting to load in a shipper’s yard.
Additional Features of Our Trailer Interchange Coverage
Option 1
Trailers can be interchanged based on an oral or written agreement.
Option 1
Trailers can be interchanged based on an oral or written agreement.
Option 2
Coverage can apply on an excess basis — that is, in addition to your policy’s Physical Damage coverage — or as part of the primary coverage. There is no difference in premium for this option.
Option 2
Coverage can apply on an excess basis — that is, in addition to your policy’s Physical Damage coverage — or as part of the primary coverage. There is no difference in premium for this option.
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Insurance Contracts are Underwritten, Administered, and Issued by: Great West Casualty Company, Old Republic Life Insurance Company, and Old Republic Union Insurance Company.
One or more Old Republic companies may provide the products and/or services described. Information presented is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute a contract or advice, including employment advice or advice to motor carriers. Please refer to the relevant insurance policy for actual terms. Products and services may not be available in all states and may be subject to change without notice. © 2026 Old Republic International Corporation. Old Republic® and the Old Republic Circle of Stars monogram are registered trademarks. All Rights Reserved.