Workers' Comp Insurance for Trucking Businesses in California

Local trucking (NCCI 7228) and long-distance (7229) are differentiated by operating radius. Owner-operators may be exempt as sole proprietors but most freight brokers require coverage. Loading and unloading drives most claims in California. The California workers' compensation market is governed by WCIRB, and the average rate statewide is approximately $1.45 per $100 of payroll.

California requirements for trucking businesses

When required: Required for any employer with at least one employee — including roofing contractors with no employees other than the owner.

Sole proprietors: Sole proprietors with no employees are exempt unless in roofing (5552) — roofers must have coverage even with no employees.

Owner / officer exclusion: Corporate officers and LLC members may exclude themselves with Form 2570.

Trucking class codes used in California

Why trucking workers' comp is tricky in California

Trucking is heavily regulated and most carriers require strict driver qualification files. New ventures (under 3 years operating) have very limited markets. We can place new ventures and rough loss histories.

Tips for California trucking companies

• ✓ Local vs long-haul = different rates; document operating radius
• ✓ Driver qualification files are required for renewal — keep them current
• ✓ Pay-as-you-go aligns premium with seasonal freight cycles
• ✓ Owner-operators may be exempt depending on state

Trucking workers' comp in other states

Rates and requirements for trucking companies vary widely by state. Compare California to other major markets:

Other industries in California

California workers' comp rates and requirements for other common industries: