Workers' Comp Insurance for Trucking Businesses in Texas

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 Texas. The Texas workers' compensation market is governed by TDI, and the average rate statewide is approximately $1.04 per $100 of payroll.

Texas requirements for trucking businesses

When required: OPTIONAL — Texas is the only state where private employers are NOT required to carry workers' comp.

Sole proprietors: Optional for sole proprietors.

Owner / officer exclusion: Officers may be excluded if employer chooses to carry coverage.

Trucking class codes used in Texas

Why trucking workers' comp is tricky in Texas

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 Texas 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 Texas to other major markets:

Other industries in Texas

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