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 Hawaii, commercial truck insurance is a specialized form of insurance that caters to large commercial vehicles such as semi-trucks, tow trucks, and various other types of trucks used in industries like construction and agriculture. The requirements for commercial truck insurance 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, which varies based on the cargo being transported. For instance, the transportation of hazardous materials or oil requires higher liability coverage due to the increased risk. These federal requirements are outlined in 49 CFR §387. In Hawaii, motor carriers, owner-operators, and private carriers must comply with these federal standards, as well as any state-specific regulations that apply to commercial vehicle insurance. It's important for businesses and individuals operating commercial trucks in Hawaii to ensure they have the appropriate level of insurance coverage to meet both federal and state requirements.