It’s easy to overlook the nuances of general liability when operating a medium-sized trucking fleet. While commercial auto policies primarily address the perils associated with the road, general liability covers exposures that arise when the wheels aren’t turning.

Key Exposures in Trucking Operations

Loading and Unloading Challenges

Loading and unloading are activities that come with their own set of risks, distinct from driving. Imagine the scenarios where property damage might occur—perhaps a forklift inadvertently damages goods during offloading. These incidents are precisely where general liability steps in.

Premises Liability at Terminals

Terminals act as the hub of your operations and, like any business location, they present premises liability exposures. Accidents might occur—visitors slipping or tripping is not uncommon. Ensuring safety on-site is vital, yet sometimes incidents happen, making coverage a prudent choice.

Customer Facility Exposures

When your fleet interacts with customer sites, general liability extends beyond the confines of your terminal. Each facility has its own environment and potential for mishaps. Whether it’s accidental property damage or bodily injury, these risks are real.

Beyond Commercial Auto Coverage

It’s important to recognize that general liability spans beyond what commercial auto policies cover. The realm of non-driving bodily injury or property damage is a vast one, where nuances come into play, from independent contractor actions to equipment-related issues.

There’s a measured elegance in understanding that insurance coverage exists to manage these varied exposures. Knowing the scope and limits of such coverage confers a quieter confidence in operating a fleet.

Andria Baunee is the principal broker at National Heritage Risk – a boutique insurance brokerage that caters exclusively to medium-sized fleets in the United States. For more information, email Andria@NationalHeritageRisk.com or call (716) 402-8686.