What it is
Trailer interchange covers damage to a trailer or chassis you're pulling under a written interchange agreement but do not own. That agreement makes you responsible for someone else's equipment — and a standard trucking policy won't pay for it.
Who needs it
- Drayage and intermodal carriers — pulling containers on chassis owned by a rail line, steamship line or pool
- Drop-and-hook operations — running another carrier's or shipper's trailers
- Anyone who has signed an interchange agreement, whether or not they read it closely
If you run out of Chicago, the ports, or any major intermodal hub, assume you need this until proven otherwise. See our Illinois page for why it comes up constantly there.
What it covers
Physical damage to the interchanged equipment — collision, fire, theft, vandalism and comprehensive perils — while it's in your possession, up to your chosen limit.
The distinction people miss
Trailer interchange covers the trailer. Cargo insurance covers what's inside it. They are two separate coverages solving two separate problems, and you generally need both. A damaged chassis and a damaged load are different claims.
What it doesn't cover
- The freight inside — that's motor truck cargo
- Your own trailer — that's physical damage
- Injury or damage to third parties — that's liability
- Equipment held without a written interchange agreement in place, depending on policy language
What we do
We read the interchange agreement's requirements and set the limit against the actual equipment you're pulling, rather than defaulting to a round number that may not cover a modern chassis or container.
Let's get you covered.
Tell us what you need and we'll shop it across our carriers — or just ask a question first.