Understanding UIIA Insurance Rules – Powered by Your Trucking TMS

In the world of intermodal freight, being UIIA-compliant is essential for carriers that want to access ports, terminals, and rail yards. But compliance isn't just about registrationit's about meeting strict insurance requirements and ensuring your documents are always up-to-date.

For busy motor carriers, staying on top of UIIA insurance rules can feel overwhelming. Thats where a modern Trucking Management System (TMS) makes all the difference. With the right TMS in place, you can track, manage, and stay compliant with UIIA ruleswithout the headaches.

What Is UIIA?

The Uniform Intermodal Interchange and Facilities Access Agreement (UIIA) is a standardized contract managed by the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA). It governs how motor carriers interact with equipment providers (EPs), such as ocean carriers and railroads.

To move containers and chassis trucking tms software from these providers, you must be UIIA-approved. That means you need to meet specific insurance requirements and keep your documents current.

The Core UIIA Insurance Requirements

Before carriers can interchange equipment under the UIIA, they must submit proof of four key insurance coverages:

1. Auto Liability Insurance

• Minimum: $1 million

• Covers bodily injury and property damage caused by carrier vehicles.

2. General Liability Insurance

• Minimum: $1 million per occurrence

• Covers injury or damage occurring during business operations, not involving a vehicle.

3. Trailer Interchange Insurance (Physical Damage Coverage)

• Required by most EPs

• Covers damage to containers or chassis while in the carriers possession.

• Coverage limits typically range from $20,000 to $50,000 per unit.

4. Cargo Insurance

• Optional under UIIA, but often required by shippers

• Covers the value of transported freight.

Note: All policies must be active and listed correctly on a Certificate of Insurance (COI), which must be submitted to IANA by your insurance provider.

Common UIIA Compliance Mistakes

Even experienced carriers run into trouble with UIIA insurance rules. The most common mistakes include:

• Submitting an outdated or incorrect COI

• Forgetting to update insurance limits or expiration dates

• Missing required endorsements for specific EPs

• Name mismatches between the COI and UIIA registration

• Letting a policy lapse without realizing it

These simple errors can result in UIIA suspension, which means you can't pick up or deliver containerscausing costly delays.

How a TMS Helps You Stay UIIA Compliant

A Trucking Management System (TMS) isnt just for dispatch and routingits a powerful tool for insurance and compliance tracking. Here's how a TMS keeps you in line with UIIA insurance rules:

1. Real-Time Insurance Monitoring

Your TMS can track policy expiration dates and send automated alerts before they lapse, helping you stay proactive about renewals.

2. Document Storage and Retrieval

Upload and store all your COIs, endorsements, and UIIA forms in one central dashboard. This makes it easy to access or share documents when needed.

3. Automated EP Requirements Matching

Each equipment provider may have specific insurance requirements. A smart TMS checks your documents against these requirements to ensure every box is checked.

4. Integrated Carrier Profile Management

Some TMS platforms sync with IANA and insurance partners, allowing you to update or verify your UIIA status directly through the system.

5. Audit Trail and Compliance Reporting

In the event of an audit or claim, your TMS gives you full visibility into policy history, submission logs, and compliance records.

Conclusion

Understanding UIIA insurance rules is critical for staying operational in intermodal freight. A small oversightlike an expired policy or missing endorsementcan shut down your access to key facilities.

But with the right TMS, you dont have to manage UIIA compliance alone. From real-time alerts to policy tracking and documentation, your TMS becomes a powerful partner in keeping your operations smooth and compliant.