Intermodal Insurance and UIIA Coverage
America’s economy relies on truckers moving freight from ports and railyards. Ports handled 40% of international freight value in 2022 according to the Department of Transportation. But, how do you get setup with intermodal truck insurance? First, you need to learn how to setup your company to operate in ports and railyards. The next step is to contact an insurance agent with expertise in trucking and intermodal hauling to purchase coverage.
Intermodal Trucking Insurance
Intermodal truckers require additional and unique insurance coverage to protect their companies when operating in ports and railyards. Working with an insurance agent who specializes in trucking insurance is a must to protect your semi truck. Most carriers who haul containers lease the intermodal chassis while owning their tractor. Trucking companies that are hauling intermodal containers need special insurance to cover their intermodal operations. Most carriers will need to purchase Hired and Non-Owned Liability, General Liability, Trailer Interchange, and Cargo. The coverage limit will depend on which Equipment Provider is used.
The majority of intermodal carriers need trailer interchange if they lease a chassis. Trailer Interchange coverage will protect your company against any damage to the containers and chassis such as cracks, chips, dents, and breaks that may occur during transport.
What is IANA and UIIA?
IANA stands for Intermodal Association of North America. IANA is a transportation trade association that represents the interests of the intermodal freight industry. UIIA stands for Uniform Intermodal Interchange and Facilities Access Agreement, a standard contract between truckers and equipment providers for water and rail. IANA administers the UIIA program.
Intermodal Insurance Requires Different Coverage
It is not enough to purchase intermodal insurance on your truck insurance policy. The Intermodal Association of North America requires a Truckers Uniform Intermodal Interchange Endorsement on all truck liability policies. This endorsement will show up on your UIIA Certificate of Insurance. Contact your insurance agent to make sure your intermodal insurance policy includes this endorsement.
How Do I Apply for Intermodal/UIIA Participation?
The first step is to meet the registration requirements. Registrants need to provide their USDOT and MC Number and their SCAC Code. You can register for your SCAC code online at www.NMFTA.org, if your trucking company does not already have a code. In addition, you must pay the UIIA annual fee.
You need to contact a trucking insurance agent to purchase all required insurance coverage. Each equipment provider has their own insurance requirements. Click Here for a list of each equipment provider’s insurance requirements. The auto liability policy must cover “scheduled and hired” liability and include the UIIA/Intermodal Endorsement. It is important to work with a trucking specialist who can guide you through each coverage and register your insurance policy with the Intermodal Association of North America. Have questions? Contact an trucking insurance agent today.
Next, register online to purchase a Uniform Intermodal Interchange and Facilities Access Agreement. Once registered, you will have 30 days from the day you reregistered to activate your account with the UIIA office.
Congratulation! You’ve registered to haul intermodal containers. Now, you can log into your UIIA account and click “Reason for Pending Application Status” to check if additional documentation is required to complete your account setup.
Once your account is active, your company will need to contact any equipment provider on the UIIA list to do business with them. You may have to complete additional applications or submit additional documentation before doing business with certain equipment providers. You can Click Here for a list of contact information for equipment providers.
How Much Does UIIA Intermodal Insurance Cost?
Intermodal insurance costs can increase depending on the coverages you add to your policy. Policy prices are usually based on the location of your business, ownership, experience, and driver records. New venture intermodal carriers or truckers with little experience with intermodal trucking may have higher premium. Also, some insurance companies with cheap rates may offer intermodal insurance in a few select states while other state have very few insurance options for intermodal.
Remember that insurance rates are personalized and your insurance rate will differ from any other policy. Contact a licensed insurance agent that specializes in truck insurance and intermodal insurance for a quote.
Discover the Trucking Insurance Services Advantage
When you purchase a policy with Trucking Insurance Services, you are getting more than an experienced truck insurance agent, you are getting a business partner that will help you see around the corner. We are a family-owned business with decades in trucking. We aren’t in the insurance industry, we are in trucking.
Certificates At The Speed of Light
We know how important it is to send certificates of insurance to your brokers in a timely manner. Our team of dedicated certificate processing agents will have your certificate of insurance out the door within minutes. Need special verbiage or additional coverage? An agent will quickly update your policy and issue your certificate.
We Know Intermodal Truck Filings and UIIA Registration
We get it. Filings are complex. And knowing who needs what filing can make your head spin. Don’t worry, our team of truck insurance experts will arrange to have your filings issued. Are you a new venture trying to activate your ICC/MC number? A member of our team will walk you through the process.
In addition, our experienced trucking insurance agents will register your insurance in the UIIA system. We’ll send you a 5C to complete and submit the appropriate insurance documentation same-day.
Covering Truckers All Across The United States
Our licensed agents can cover your friends all across the United States. Find out more about Trucking Insurance Services and where we write coverage.