From the catfish farms of the Delta to the pine forests of the south and the industrial corridor of I-55, Mississippi keeps the supply chain moving.
For business owners, the good news is that Mississippi is a "Tier 3" (Low/Moderate Cost) state for truck insurance. The legal environment is far less hostile than in Louisiana, keeping premiums stable. However, if you haul Timber or Poultry, you face high physical damage risks. A log truck overturning on a dirt road is a common claim, and standard highway policies often deny these "off-road" incidents.
In Mississippi, the average commercial truck insurance premium typically lands between $8,500 and $14,500 per year. This guide breaks down exactly what you need to pay to keep your MDOT authority active.
Key Takeaways: Mississippi Truck Insurance Costs
- The Price Tag: Expect to pay around $12,200 annually for a Semi-Truck with a clean record.
- Monthly Breakdown: A typical owner-operator pays roughly $1,000/month for Liability and $200/month for Physical Damage.
- Intrastate Authority: If you haul for-hire within MS, you must apply for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from MDOT and file Form E.
- The Logging Factor: Mississippi is a top timber state. Loggers need "Loggers Broad Form" coverage to protect the truck during loading/unloading in the woods.
Real Numbers: Estimated Costs by Truck Type
Let's look at the hard data. The following estimates represent the average annual cost for Auto Liability ($1M Limit) for a driver with a clean record in Mississippi. While rates are generally low, Log Trucks pay a premium for Physical Damage due to the high frequency of rollovers and falling object damage.
| Vehicle Type | Limit $300,000* | Limit $750,000 | Limit $1,000,000 (Standard) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotshot | $6,800 | $9,200 | $10,500 |
| Box Truck | $5,500 | $7,500 | $8,800 |
| Dump Truck | $7,200 | $9,800 | $11,500 |
| Semi Truck | $8,800 | $12,200 | $13,800 |
| Log Truck | $9,500 | $12,500 | $14,500 |
Last updated: December 15, 2025.
Logrock Reality Check: While Mississippi law allows $300,000 liability for intrastate vehicles < 10,000 lbs, most commercial activity involves heavier trucks. Furthermore, paper mills (like International Paper) and poultry plants (Sanderson Farms) will mandate $1,000,000 Liability and $100,000 Cargo before you can enter their gates.
Liability Limits: Intrastate vs. Interstate
Mississippi rules change depending on whether you cross state lines. We have broken this down into two tables to make it clear.
Table 1: Intrastate Requirements (MDOT Only)
For trucks that never leave Mississippi (e.g., Jackson to Biloxi).
| Vehicle Weight / Type | Minimum Liability Limit | Filing Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Freight < 10,000 lbs GVW | $300,000 CSL | Yes (Form E) |
| Freight > 10,001 lbs GVW | $750,000 CSL | Yes (Form E) |
| Hazmat (Gas/Oil) | $1,000,000 - $5,000,000 | Yes (Form E) |
| Household Goods (Movers) | $300k - $750k + Cargo | Yes (Form E+H) |
| Passenger (16+ seats) | $5,000,000 CSL | Yes (Form E) |
Note: "CSL" means Combined Single Limit. Intrastate carriers must apply for authority with MDOT and maintain a Form E filing on record at all times.
Table 2: Interstate Requirements (FMCSA / Federal)
For trucks that cross state lines (e.g., Hattiesburg, MS to Mobile, AL).
| Vehicle Weight / Type | Minimum Liability Limit | Filing Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Freight < 10,000 lbs | $300,000 CSL | No (Unless Hazmat) |
| Freight > 10,001 lbs | $750,000 CSL | Yes (BMC-91X) |
| Hazmat (Gas/Oil/Explosives) | $1,000,000 - $5,000,000 | Yes (MCS-90) |
| Passenger (16+ seats) | $5,000,000 CSL | Yes (BMC-91X) |
Mississippi Requirements & Critical Filings
To operate legally, your insurance agent must submit specific forms to MDOT.
- Form E: Mandatory for Intrastate for-hire carriers. It proves to MDOT that you have valid liability insurance. Without this, your state authority certificate is revoked.
- Form H: Mandatory for Household Goods Movers to prove Cargo Insurance coverage.
- Loggers Broad Form: While not a government filing, this is an essential policy endorsement in MS. Standard auto policies cover accidents on "public roads." Logging happens in the woods. This form extends coverage to the loading site.
- Harvest Permit: Mississippi offers weight tolerance permits for harvest season. Your insurance must cover these higher weights (up to 84,000 or 88,000 lbs depending on axles).
Your Questions Answered: "People Also Ask" FAQs
Litigation Environment. Louisiana allows "Direct Action" lawsuits against insurers, driving costs up. Mississippi does not have this statute, resulting in fewer "nuclear verdicts" and lower premiums for truckers.
Yes. Mississippi requires all commercial vehicles over 10,001 lbs GVW to obtain a USDOT number, even if they never cross state lines.
Many cheap insurance policies exclude damages that occur on "unpaved roads." In Mississippi, if you are hauling timber or farm equipment, you are constantly on unpaved roads. Ensure your policy does not have this exclusion.
The Logrock Difference: We Know Timber & Ag
Mississippi trucking is rugged. If your agent gives you a standard "highway" policy for a logging truck, you are paying for paper that won't protect you in the woods. At Logrock, we handle the compliance heavy lifting. We ensure your Form E is filed instantly with MDOT. We also know which carriers offer the best Loggers Broad Form and cargo coverage for the specific needs of the Magnolia State.
Conclusion & Get Your Mississippi Quote
Mississippi offers a stable and affordable environment for truckers, provided you have the right coverage for off-road risks. Ready to get a solid number for your business? Contact Logrock today for a customized, no-obligation quote and keep your wheels turning.
