Refrigerated freight creates exposures that may not be addressed by a basic motor truck cargo form. The policy language, covered causes of loss and required equipment records matter.
Motor truck cargo
Cargo coverage may respond to covered loss or damage to property in the insured’s care, custody or control while transported. Limits, deductibles, commodities, exclusions and valuation provisions vary.
Reefer breakdown
Reefer or refrigeration-breakdown coverage may address certain spoilage losses following a covered mechanical or temperature-control event. It is not automatically included in every cargo policy. Conditions may involve equipment age, maintenance, temperature records, alarms or the length of a breakdown.
Information to prepare
- Commodities and maximum value per load
- Fresh, frozen or temperature-maintained requirements
- Reefer make, model, year and maintenance history
- Temperature monitoring and alarm procedures
- Typical routes, radius and storage practices
- Customer contracts and rejected-load procedures
Questions to ask
- Which causes of spoilage are covered?
- Are unattended vehicles, delay, improper setting or driver error excluded?
- What records are required after a loss?
- Are limits or deductibles different for reefer losses?
Coverage depends on the actual policy and carrier approval. This guide is general information, not a coverage interpretation. Call 1-877-214-8848 or get a trucking rate indication.
