Livestock haulers need insurance that fits a living-cargo operation. Exposures differ from traditional hauling operations, requiring consideration of animal welfare losses, higher facility-to-interface risk, and more frequent driver activity during loading/unloading. A trucking program that doesn’t account for those realities can leave painful gaps when an incident occurs.
Joe Morten & Son, Inc., a specialist in trucking insurance, helps livestock operators build coverage that supports not only the truck and trailer but also the unique business and contractual demands of live-animal transport. The following sections outline a cohesive coverage stack to consider when creating or renewing a livestock insurance program, emphasizing the interconnected risks and resulting insurance needs.
focus first on the essentials
Commercial truck liability forms the foundation because it responds to bodily injury and property damage to others arising from truck operations. Joe Morten & Son’s Commercial Truck Liability coverage protects motor carriers from the legal liability associated with owning and operating commercial trucks. For livestock operations, it is crucial to ensure that policy limits and structures align with contract requirements and to determine how loading/unloading events and facility incidents are treated in accordance with those contractual obligations.
Physical Damage protects specialized tractors and trailers for livestock hauling. Joe Morten & Son offers options for collision and comprehensive (or specified perils), plus add-ons like towing and downtime. A good program reflects real trailer values, repair time, and operational impact when a unit is out of service.
Cargo coverage is especially critical for livestock hauling because standard motor truck cargo policies are typically designed for property shipments, not live animals. Joe Morten & Son’s Cargo Insurance coverage provides a variety of options to ensure haulers' unique needs are met. It is crucial for livestock operators to review program terms for mortality, injury, shrink, and welfare-related losses, keeping these aligned with carrier contracts for seamless coverage.
add the severity layer
Livestock incidents can escalate quickly, especially when a crash releases animals onto a roadway or triggers multiple third-party claims. In these cases, Umbrella/Excess Liability coverage serves as an essential next layer of protection above underlying liability limits. Joe Morten & Son offers umbrella and excess insurance designed to provide additional limits for catastrophic losses.
General Liability covers premises exposures at yards and offices, as well as certain non-auto incidents, providing additional protection against third-party claims not tied to auto operations. Depending on your operation, owner-operator structure, and contractual requirements, additional coverage may be needed.
protect the business
Since livestock hauling is hands-on and carries real injury exposure, workers compensation must reflect the operational risks. These include slips, falls, and injuries from animal handling. Joe Morten & Son’s Workers Compensation Coverage specifically addresses these trucking realities with tailored coverage options and relevant claims resources, supporting a coordinated insurance approach.
If your operation includes a barn, yard, shop, or office, coordinated property coverage and business income/extra expense protection are essential to minimize business interruption after a loss. Complementing this, risk-management support—such as Joe Morten & Son’s Top G.E.A.R.® program—helps identify exposures and strengthen performance through assessment and consultation. For livestock haulers, this can mean improvements such as load-condition checklists, heat-event standard operating procedures, and driver safety coaching woven into a resilient program.
go with the name you can trust
At Joe Morten & Son, Inc., we work with trucking operations to protect their bottom lines. If you’re in the market for an agency that puts you first, we’re here to help.
Note: These lists are not intended to be all-inclusive.
We offer commercial trucking coverage in more than 45 states. Check out more information in your state:
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont,
Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Insurance contracts are underwritten, administered, and issued by Great West Casualty Company, Old Republic Life Insurance Company, and Old Republic Union Insurance Company. One or more Old Republic companies may provide the products and/or services described. Information presented is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute a contract or advice, including employment advice or advice to motor carriers. Please refer to the relevant insurance policy for actual terms. Products and services may not be available in all states and may be subject to change without notice. © 2026 Old Republic International Corporation. Old Republic® and the Old Republic Circle of Stars monogram are registered trademarks. All Rights Reserved.