Trucking: question about a question, commodity classification, package insurance

Question
thanks for your quick answer .sorry about not providing all info needed for you to answer, will try again.with more info.I was looking to start an expediting service.due to injury sustained in iraq.I cant return to old business i still own (tree service).mortar tore up my leg.Lite physical work i can do .anyhow.I own a cargo van e-350 and covered long bed pickup.Im under the 10,000 lbs and am looking for cargo insurance.it seems like its a good thing to offer when bidding on jobs for  transporting.should i get it as i need it per load?, or a policy that will cover me yearly?coverage is for 50,000,and i will be hauling general merchandise for the  home ,atvs, boats under 23 feet.All loads will be within the U.S.A.Don I am trying to stay small there seems to be a nice niche there that i can make a living at .hopefully I provided more info this time .I can be reached at 954-245-1953.If you need any thing else answered .thanx  chris  i do appreciate it tremendously

Answer
Hello again Chris....
First of all, thank you for your service to our country and the sacrifices you've made.  As a military veteran of over 20 years myself, I have a special appreciation for you and your experiences.

As mentioned, there are a couple of ways to get insurance coverage to meet your needs.  One is to purchase individual shipment/shipping or package insurance.  This can be done for each shipment you have and the cost will be based on the insured value and the specific commodity classification.  A good place to start is PAF. http://www.grw-products.com/aboutpafcargo.htm
Individual shipment insurance may be the most economical solution in the beginning until you have established the business and are making more frequent runs.  There are other companies that can be found on the internet that provide the same type of service and coverage.  One very attractive feature is that you can log on and have the coverage almost instantly as you need it.

Once your business is established, you may want to obtain a continuous coverage policy.  I do have some sources that I can provide, but I'll need a little time to retrieve them from my files.  (I'll send you a revision)  Take a look at PAF and perhaps google for similar companies.  I'm not endorsing PAF, I just happen to know they can provide the type of coverage you may need in the beginning of operations.

I do want to point out two things.....If you're hauling for hire interstate and the individual or combined GVWR of your tow vehicle and towed vehicle exceed 10,000 lbs, you're subject to FMCSA regulations and the minimum financial responsibility filings for your vehicle class and size.  As important, is there is usually a clause in a personal auto policy that prohibits the use of the insured vehicle in any kind of business.  You may already have that covered with other business insurance, but I'd recommend you verify it with your agent.

Good luck and please feel free to ask any specific questions that I may be able to answer.

...Don
SEMO Motor Transport Service