How Climate Risks Impact Truckers—and the Insurance That Can Help

The trucking industry already deals with tight schedules, high costs, and regulatory pressure—but extreme weather is adding a new level of complexity. From floods to wildfires, climate-related events are causing more delays, damaging equipment, and disrupting cargo deliveries across the country.

This article explores how climate risks are reshaping trucking and what steps you can take to protect your business, including the right insurance coverages to consider.

Weather Is No Longer a Rare Disruption—It’s a Regular Risk

In 2023, the U.S. experienced a record-breaking 28 separate billion-dollar weather and climate disasters, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). These events—ranging from floods and wildfires to hurricanes and severe storms—disrupted communities and infrastructure across the country, including key trucking corridors. As extreme weather becomes more frequent, the risk of route closures, cargo delays, and equipment damage continues to rise.

A single storm can:

• Damage your truck.
• Ruin cargo in transit.
• Force long delays due to closed roads or detours.

Climate Risk Varies by Region—and Type of Haul

Where and what you haul significantly affects your exposure:

• West Coast: Wildfires and mudslides.
• Midwest: Tornadoes and flash floods.
• Southeast: Hurricanes and heavy rains.
• Urban areas: Flooded streets and infrastructure strain.

Recent climate assessments show increasing weather disruptions in transportation, with more frequent extreme events posing growing risks to routes and operations.

For example, a refrigerated load delayed by a heatwave could spoil, resulting in a $10,000 cargo claim—which might not be covered if your policy lacks weather-specific protections.

Insurance That Can Help Shield You from Climate-Driven Costs

You can’t control the weather, but the right coverage can help you recover faster and protect your bottom line. Here are the most relevant insurance types:

• Physical Damage Insurance: Covers repairs or replacement if your truck is damaged by hail, flooding, or storms. 
• Motor Truck Cargo Insurance: Protects goods in transit if they’re damaged due to weather. Essential for high-value or perishable shipments.
• Trailer Interchange Insurance: Covers trailers not owned by the driver that are damaged in a storm or fire—important for leased or brokered equipment.
• Optional Business Interruption Coverage: In some comprehensive packages, coverage may be available to help recover lost income if weather prevents operations—especially relevant for fleets with terminal facilities.

It’s also important to know that some carriers exclude specific risks like flooding or wildfire unless added through endorsements. A good insurance broker like GIA Group LLC can help you review your policy to avoid unexpected gaps.

Planning Ahead: Practical Steps for Weather Preparedness

Insurance is just one part of staying resilient. Here are proactive steps to reduce risk:

1. Check weather forecasts before every haul using tools like NOAA, AccuWeather, or Weather Underground.
2. Park smart: In flood-prone areas, avoid low-lying lots and seek higher ground when off-duty.
3. Protect cargo: Use waterproof tarps or insulated covers, especially when hauling sensitive goods in storm-prone regions.
4. Keep maintenance up-to-date: Filters, tires, and brakes are more vulnerable in extreme heat or wet conditions.
5. Secure your loads: Improperly fastened cargo is a top cause of claims during sudden storms or wind events.

According to FMCSA crash data, weather and vehicle maintenance issues—such as faulty brakes, worn tires, or engine problems—are among the leading contributing factors in truck crashes. Many of these incidents can be prevented through proactive planning and routine maintenance.

Be Ready, Not Reactive

Climate risks are no longer occasional—they’re part of the new normal for trucking. Whether you’re navigating through hurricane zones or heatwave-struck highways, taking steps to secure your truck, cargo, and financial safety is more important than ever.

Working with a knowledgeable broker helps ensure you have:

• The right coverage for your routes.
• A clear understanding of what’s included—and what’s not.
• Access to multiple carriers for pricing and flexibility.

Protect your rig, your income, and your peace of mind. Stay prepared—and stay moving.