Updated 2026-11-01
Plenty of carriers pull equipment that belongs to someone else: a steamship line's container on a leasing company's chassis, a shipper's trailer dropped at a warehouse, or another carrier's trailer swapped under a written agreement. If that equipment is damaged while in your possession, the owner will look to you to pay.
Why your own physical damage policy does not help
Physical damage coverage on your auto policy protects the vehicles listed on it, which are usually the tractors you own or lease long term. A container or trailer owned by someone else is not one of those vehicles, so damage to it needs separate coverage.
Trailer interchange
Trailer interchange coverage pays for damage to non-owned trailers, containers or chassis in your care under a written interchange agreement. It is usually written with a limit per unit and a deductible, and it may cover perils such as collision, fire and theft depending on the form. Equipment providers in intermodal work commonly require it as part of the interchange agreement.
Non-owned trailer physical damage
Some insurers offer non-owned trailer physical damage for carriers that pull trailers without a formal interchange agreement, such as drop trailers at a customer's dock. The trigger and conditions differ from trailer interchange, so read which situations each one covers.
Choosing a limit
Look at the most valuable piece of equipment you are likely to pull. Refrigerated containers and specialized trailers cost more to repair or replace than a standard dry box. The interchange agreement may also set a minimum limit.
Common claim situations
- Hitting a terminal gate or post while turning
- Tire and wheel damage from a chassis with worn components
- A container dented while being lifted on or off the chassis
- Theft of an unattended loaded trailer
Keep good records
Inspect equipment before leaving the terminal or yard and record existing damage on the interchange receipt. Photos with time stamps help. When damage is noted before you take the equipment, it is far easier to show it was not caused on your watch.