Unlike commercial auto insurance—which covers a wide range of vehicles used for business purposes—commercial truck insurance applies to large commercial vehicles used in construction, road maintenance, sanitation, transport of goods, and agriculture—such as semi-trucks, tractor trailers, tow trucks, car carriers or rollbacks, flatbed trucks, dump trucks, bucket trucks, garbage trucks, box trucks, front loaders, street sweepers, refrigerated trucks, and cement mixers.

These vehicles may be owned by:

• Motor carriers—for-hire trucking companies that own a fleet of vehicles;

• Owner-operators—individuals who operate their own trucking business, whether the vehicle is owned by the operator or leased by the operator;

• Private carriers—individuals who use their personal vehicle to transport goods on behalf of their employer.

For example, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) requires commercial truck drivers to have a minimum amount of insurance. See the United States Code of Federal Regulations at 49 CFR §387. Minimum liability coverages vary depending on the amount and type of freight being transported—including, for example, whether the freight is hazardous material or explosives, non-hazardous freight, or oil.

In Arizona, commercial truck insurance is a specialized form of insurance tailored to cover large commercial vehicles used in various industries such as construction, road maintenance, and transportation of goods. The insurance requirements for commercial trucks are influenced by both federal and state regulations. Federally, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates that commercial truck drivers carry a minimum amount of insurance, with specific coverage levels depending on the type of freight and whether it includes hazardous materials, as outlined in 49 CFR §387. This federal requirement applies to motor carriers, owner-operators, and private carriers operating within Arizona. Additionally, Arizona state law requires all motor vehicles, including commercial trucks, to have a minimum level of liability insurance to cover bodily injury and property damage. The exact requirements can vary based on the vehicle's use, size, and the nature of the goods transported. It is important for those operating commercial trucks in Arizona to comply with both state and federal insurance requirements to ensure adequate coverage and legal compliance.