Flatbed coverage for open-deck freight.
Auto liability, motor truck cargo, physical damage and trucking general liability for carriers hauling steel, lumber, building materials and machinery on open decks.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
Securement is the underwriting
Flatbed freight is open to weather and shifting, and federal rules set how each load is tied down. Carriers look at what you haul, how heavy and wide it gets, and whether your drivers have open-deck experience.
I place flatbed carriers by commodity. Lumber and building materials go to different markets than machinery or oversize loads, and I check the cargo form for tarping, weather and loading exclusions.
- Auto liabilityWith the federal filing for interstate freight.
- Motor truck cargoOpen-deck loads, with the exclusions read.
- Physical damageTractors and flatbed trailers.
- Trucking general liabilityLoading, unloading and premises claims.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Authority: USDOT and MC numbers.
- Units: tractors and trailers by type, with years and values.
- Commodities: your top loads, weights and any oversize.
- Radius: local, regional or long haul.
- Drivers: names, dates of birth, CDL class and open-deck experience.
- History: loss runs and your safety record.
Flatbed trucking insurance, answered
Does cargo insurance cover a load that shifts?
Usually, if it's a covered cause and the load was secured. Improper securement and some weather damage are common exclusions, so I read the form.
Are oversize loads harder to insure?
Yes. Oversize and heavy haul go to fewer markets and need permits on every trip.
Do I need trucking general liability?
Shippers and receivers often require it for loading and dock work. It covers claims that aren't caused by driving.
What securement rules apply?
FMCSA sets cargo securement rules for every commercial load, with extra rules for lumber, metal coils and machinery.
Do you offer flatbed trucking insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. Sam Alishahi is licensed in all 50 states and Washington, DC and places policies there directly. The shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see truck insurance by state or insurance requirements by state.
Official sources
Send your units and loads. I'll shop it.
Your USDOT number, a unit and driver list, and your top commodities are enough to start.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued. Some policies may be placed with nonadmitted (surplus lines) insurers, which are not members of the California Insurance Guarantee Association (CIGA).
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. Your next step comes by email, and you get an update at every step until your quotes are ready.
(877) 711-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
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Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.