If you're hauling trailers that don’t belong to you, you might need something called Trailer Interchange Insurance. It sounds complicated—but it's actually pretty straightforward.
What’s a Trailer Interchange?
A trailer interchange happens when one trucker picks up and hauls a trailer owned by another company, usually under a trailer interchange agreement.
This happens a lot in:
- Intermodal shipping (rail/port freight)
- Drop-and-hook loads
- Power-only operations
Basically: You're pulling someone else’s trailer—and you’re responsible for it while it’s in your care.
What Is Trailer Interchange Insurance?
Trailer Interchange Insurance covers damage to a non-owned trailer you're hauling under an agreement. It protects you from having to pay out of pocket if that trailer is:
- Damaged by fire
- Hit by a storm
- Involved in an accident
- Vandalized or stolen
It does not cover the cargo inside—just the trailer itself.
Do You Need It?
You need trailer interchange insurance if:
- You're under a trailer interchange agreement
- The trailer you're hauling is not yours
- Your contract or broker requires it
If you're doing power-only or intermodal work, this coverage is almost always required.
Bottom Line:
Trailer Interchange Insurance protects someone else’s trailer while it’s in your hands.
If you’re not sure whether you need it, check your contracts—or ask your insurance agent.