Intermodal truckers require additional and unique insurance coverage to protect their companies when operating in ports and railyards. Working with an insurance agent who specializes in trucking insurance is a must to protect your semi truck. Most carriers who haul containers lease the intermodal chassis while owning their tractor.
Trucking companies that are hauling intermodal containers need special insurance to cover their intermodal operations. Most carriers will need to purchase Hired and Non-Owned Liability, General Liability, Trailer Interchange, and Cargo. The coverage limit will depend on which Equipment Provider is used.
The majority of intermodal carriers need trailer interchange if they lease a chassis. Trailer Interchange coverage will protect your company against any damage to the containers and chassis such as cracks, chips, dents, and breaks that may occur during transport.
What is IANA and UIIA?
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IANA stands for Intermodal Association of North America. IANA is a transportation trade association that represents the interests of the intermodal freight industry. UIIA stands for Uniform Intermodal Interchange and Facilities Access Agreement, a standard contract between truckers and equipment providers for water and rail. IANA administers the UIIA program.
It is not enough to purchase intermodal insurance on your truck insurance policy. The
Intermodal Association of North America requires a Truckers Uniform Intermodal Interchange Endorsement on all truck liability policies. This endorsement will show up on your UIIA Certificate of Insurance. Contact your insurance agent to make sure your intermodal insurance policy includes this endorsement.
The first step is to meet the registration requirements. Registrants need to provide their USDOT and MC Number and their SCAC Code. You can register for your SCAC code online at
www.NMFTA.org, if your trucking company does not already have a code. In addition, you must pay the UIIA annual fee.
You need to contact a trucking insurance agent to purchase all required insurance coverage. Each equipment provider has their own insurance requirements.
Click Here for a list of each equipment provider's insurance requirements. The auto liability policy must cover "scheduled and hired" liability and include the UIIA/Intermodal Endorsement. It is important to work with a trucking specialist who can guide you through each coverage and register your insurance policy with the Intermodal Association of North America. Have questions?
Contact an trucking insurance agent today.
Next,
register online to purchase a Uniform Intermodal Interchange and Facilities Access Agreement. Once registered, you will have 30 days from the day you reregistered to activate your account with the UIIA office.
Congratulation! You've registered to haul intermodal containers. Now, you can log into your UIIA account and click "Reason for Pending Application Status" to check if additional documentation is required to complete your account setup.
Once your account is active, your company will need to contact any equipment provider on the UIIA list to do business with them. You may have to complete additional applications or submit additional documentation before doing business with certain equipment providers. You can
Click Here for a list of contact information for equipment providers.