Commercial Truck Insurance
for Texas Motor Carriers

The federal government requires certain motor carriers to obtain permission before operating trucks and/or hauling certain goods. Because of the size and weight of commercial trucks, they are capable of, and often do a great deal of damage. The government wants to be sure the public is protected by guaranteeing funds are available to pay for such damages. Also, since most motor carriers are carrying others' goods, the government also wants to be sure funds are available to repair/replace cargo damaged during transportation.

As a part of the process of obtaining federal authority to be able to haul across state lines, the government requires certain motor carriers to provide proof of financial responsibility before they are allowed to operate. This is typically done by purchasing insurance. The federal government requires $750,000 in insurance limits at a minimum. Many insurers require $1,000,000 in limits at a minimum.

That varies depending on your freight and the locations you haul. Your truck insurance agent can help ensure that you have filed the proper paperwork to operate under your own authority in Texas. Paperwork has to be submitted to the state before a driver can operate under his or her own authority.

Every year, truck drivers move 1.5 billion tons of freight, with a total value of $1.2 trillion, to, from, and within Texas. That amounts to 8.1 billion miles and includes 3.3 million northbound border crossings. (Source: TDOT)

Overall, top exports from Texas include petroleum and coal products, computer & electronic products, chemicals, machinery, and transportation equipment. Although almost all sectors of exported products are moved by truck in Texas, the top commodities moved by truck include agricultural products such as animals, animal feed, fish, grains and fertilizer. (Source: thetrucker.com)

Since 1932, the Texas Trucking Association has served as the unified voice for the trucking industry in Texas. TXTA is dedicated to advocating on behalf of Texas motor carriers and the motor transportation system in the Lone Star State. Learn more here. 

Wages for truck drivers vary wildly depending on the source. According to Zippia, as of December 2023, the average truck driver salary in Texas is $50,515, with wages varying from a low of $33,000 to a high of $76,000 a year.

There are about 185,000 truck drivers employed at more than 66,000 trucking companies in Texas. One in 16 Texans is employed by the trucking industry; the average salary is $34,500. (Source: texas.gov)

Want to get started in the trucking business? You will be required to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Good news - there are more than 100 CDL schools in Texas, some private and some postsecondary institutions. (Source: texas.gov)

A full 85 percent of trade between Texas and Mexico is handled by trucks. Texas is connected to Mexico by 28 international vehicular bridges. Seventeen of these crossings accommodate commercial import and export traffic. Mexico is the top international destination for Texas exports.