What Insurance Do I Need to Start a Trucking Company in Dallas, Texas?

Starting a trucking company in Dallas, Texas, can be a great business move — especially with the city’s booming logistics industry and central location. But before you can hit the road, there’s one major box to check: insurance.

Texas law and federal regulations require specific coverage before your trucks can move freight. In this post, we’ll break down the exact insurance you need to start a trucking business in Dallas — and how Danaco Group can help you get set up quickly and affordably.

1. Primary Liability Insurance (Required)

This is the bare minimum required to operate a commercial truck legally.

• Covers: Bodily injury and property damage to others caused by your truck.

• Required by: FMCSA and Texas DMV.

• Minimum Coverage:

  • $750,000 for general freight

  • $1,000,000 for oil transport

  • $5,000,000 for hazardous materials

Without this, you won’t get your motor carrier (MC) number activated.

2. Cargo Insurance

This covers the freight you haul. While not required by law, most brokers and shippers will not give you loads without it.

• Typical Coverage: $100,000

• Covers: Theft, fire, collision, and load damage

Think of it as the trust factor between you and your customers.

3. Physical Damage Insurance

Protects your truck and trailer against damage.

• Covers: Accidents, fire, theft, vandalism

• Not Required, but highly recommended — especially if you're financing your truck.

4. Bobtail Insurance (Non-Trucking Liability)

Required if you're leasing onto a motor carrier and driving without a trailer (aka “deadhead”).

• Covers: Liability when the truck is being driven without a load or trailer and not under dispatch.

5. General Liability Insurance

This protects your trucking business as a whole.

• Covers: Lawsuits, property damage at customer sites, personal injury claims

• Often required for freight warehouses, ports, or larger contracts

6. Workers’ Compensation or Occupational Accident Insurance

• Workers’ Comp is not required in Texas, but some clients or contracts may still demand it.

• Occupational Accident Insurance is a flexible alternative for owner-operators and small fleets.

Bonus: Texas-Based Insurance Tips

• Texas DMV Requirements: You’ll need proof of insurance to register your truck for commercial use.

• Intrastate vs. Interstate: Intrastate trucking in Texas requires filing Form E with proof of liability coverage.

• MC Number vs. TXDMV Number: If you’re only operating within Texas, you may only need a TXDMV number — but insurance is still required.

How Danaco Group Can Help You Get Covered

We specialize in helping new trucking companies in Dallas get insured fast — and at the best possible rate.

• ✅ We work with multiple insurance carriers

• ✅ We help with DOT and FMCSA filings

• ✅ We know what new authorities need to stay compliant

• ✅ We can bundle policies to save you money

Ready to Hit the Road?

Don’t let insurance slow you down. Whether you’re buying your first truck or getting your authority active, Danaco Group is here to help.

📞 Call us today or request a free quote to get started.