Trucking: unladden insurance, inexpensive insurance, deep pockets

Question
the company that i'm hauling for is requiring it's drivers to purchase unladden insurance.we4 do not have our own trailers' we all are pulling containers from the rail and piers. we are running under the company's placards.is this practice acceptable? we are owner operators

Answer
Jim, I assume they want you to carry liability insurance to cover them if you are in an accident when you are bob-tailing.  If the company placard is on your truck and you are in an accident loaded or empty, you can be sure the other party will sue the company regardless of fault.  They will be looking for the deep pockets and the company wants insurance to cover this possibility. It should be a relatively inexpensive insurance and just a cost of doing business.
Hope this helps.
Jim.