All LTL carriers have what is known as limited cargo liability coverage.
This type of coverage is used in the event that a customer's freight is damaged or lost while in the care and responsibility of an LTL carrier.
Liability coverage is usually broken out into a dollar per pound amount based on the freight class. Generally, the lowest dollar amount coverage is $0.50 per pound (usually reserved for classes 50 or 55). The highest general dollar amount coverage is $25 per pound (usually reserved for classes 200 up to 500).
Most LTL carrier liability coverages can be found on their websites, usually listed in the carrier's rules tariff. A simple Google search for *LTL carrier name* rules tariff usually yields good results.
Each LTL carrier has a different bracket for their dollar per pound amount and coverage so be sure to check the value of the freight against the class coverage of the carrier of choice.
Here is an example for finding coverage, using UPS Freight's cargo liability coverage bracket:
1 pallet
1200 lbs
Food Product, class 60
Total value is $2000.00
Class 60 is covered under UPS Freight at $3.00 per pound
1200lbs X $3.00 = $3600.00 covered
With a total value of $2000.00, the freight would be covered under UPS's cargo liability.
For freight values that exceed an LTL carrier's liability coverage, Trinity still has the option to purchase additional insurance from Cargo Cover for an extra fee.
It is an important distinction though to know that because the total freight value is technically covered in full under the carrier's liability coverage, that does not always mean the claim will get the full value amount paid back by the carrier in the event of damages. For more information about the claims process, please contact our claims team at claims@trinitylogistics.com.