Hotshot Trucking Insurance

Hotshot truckers — light or medium-duty hauling, often a pickup with a gooseneck or rigs under 26,001 lbs — still need commercial auto liability, motor truck cargo, and physical damage. If you run for-hire under your own authority, federal filings apply too.

Key exposures

• Smaller rigs but real auto severity
• Expedited and sometimes oversize cargo
• For-hire authority and filings if interstate
• Operating radius
• Newer entrants / limited experience

Coverages you typically need

Commercial auto liability, motor truck cargo, and physical damage. If you operate for-hire across state lines, you also need operating authority (MC number) and an MCS-90 endorsement.

Filings & authority

Hotshot operations that haul for-hire interstate generally need an MC number and an MCS-90 filing, even with light/medium-duty equipment. Private (own-goods) hauling has different requirements.

FAQ

Do hotshot truckers need MC authority?

If you haul for-hire across state lines, generally yes — an MC number and MCS-90 filing apply even to light/medium-duty rigs. Hauling only your own goods is different.

What cargo limit do hotshots need?

It depends on the value of the freight you haul; expedited or oversize loads may need higher limits than standard freight.

General information from Focus West Insurance Solutions (CA Lic. #0M32679), not coverage advice; coverage, filings, and eligibility vary by operation, authority, and carrier. Related: transportation & trucking insurance · motor truck cargo · hired & non-owned auto.