Stretching from the Missouri River in Omaha to the panhandle in Scottsbluff, Nebraska is a logistics super-highway. I-80 is one of the busiest trucking corridors in the nation, connecting the coasts.
However, for local truckers, the game is about agriculture. In Nebraska, the Public Service Commission (PSC) regulates intrastate trucking. Here is the catch: Not everything needs authority. Hauling unprocessed agricultural commodities (like corn fresh from the field) is often "Exempt" from economic regulation. However, if you haul processed goods, machinery, or general freight for-hire within the state, you must obtain PSC authority and file Form E.
In Nebraska, the average commercial truck insurance premium typically lands between $8,500 and $14,000 per year. This guide breaks down exactly what you need to pay to keep your authority active.
Key Takeaways: Nebraska Truck Insurance Costs
- The Price Tag: Expect to pay around $11,500 annually for a Semi-Truck with a clean record.
- Monthly Breakdown: A typical owner-operator pays roughly $900/month for Liability and $250/month for Physical Damage.
- Ag Exemptions: Hauling unprocessed grain or livestock often exempts you from PSC authority requirements, but not from safety/insurance requirements.
- Weather Risk: Nebraska is in a high-risk zone for hail and tornadoes. Physical Damage deductibles may be higher here than in other states.
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 Nebraska. Nebraska rates are generally stable (Tier 3), but premiums for Livestock Haulers are higher due to the high value of the cargo and the risk of animal injury (shifting loads).
| Vehicle Type | Limit $300,000* | Limit $750,000 | Limit $1,000,000 (Standard) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotshot | $6,800 | $8,500 | $9,800 |
| Box Truck | $5,500 | $6,800 | $8,200 |
| Dump Truck | $7,200 | $9,500 | $11,200 |
| Semi Truck | $8,800 | $11,200 | $12,800 |
| Livestock Hauler | $9,500 | $12,000 | $13,800 |
Last updated: December 15, 2025.
Logrock Reality Check: If you haul livestock, standard "Cargo Insurance" often excludes live animals. You need "Livestock Mortality" or specific cargo endorsements. Additionally, a cattle pot trailer is expensive to repair; ensure your physical damage limit reflects the current value of your specialized trailer.
Liability Limits: Intrastate vs. Interstate
Nebraska 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 (Nebraska PSC)
For trucks that never leave Nebraska (e.g., Lincoln to Grand Island).
| 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) | $750,000 + Cargo Ins. | Yes (Form E+H) |
| Passenger (16+ seats) | $5,000,000 CSL | Yes (Form E) |
Note: "CSL" means Combined Single Limit. Critical Distinction: If you haul Exempt Commodities (unprocessed ag goods), you generally do NOT need to file Form E with the PSC, but you must still carry the insurance limits required by law. If you haul Regulated Commodities (general freight), you MUST file Form E.
Table 2: Interstate Requirements (FMCSA / Federal)
For trucks that cross state lines (e.g., Omaha, NE to Council Bluffs, IA).
| 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) |
Nebraska Requirements & Critical Filings
To operate legally, your insurance agent must understand the difference between regulated and exempt freight.
- Form E: Mandatory for Regulated Intrastate carriers. It proves to the Nebraska PSC that you have liability insurance. If you only haul corn/soybeans from field to elevator, you might be exempt from this filing.
- PSC Authority: Required for Intrastate Common and Contract carriers hauling regulated goods. Application fee applies.
- Form H: Mandatory for Household Goods Movers to prove Cargo Insurance coverage.
- UCR: Nebraska participates in the Unified Carrier Registration system.
Your Questions Answered: "People Also Ask" FAQs
Generally, No. Unprocessed agricultural commodities are considered "Exempt" from PSC economic regulation. You do not need a PSC certificate or Form E filing, but you still need a USDOT number and safety compliance.
Hail. Nebraska experiences severe thunderstorms that drop baseball-sized hail. This can destroy a truck's hood, windshield, and roof in minutes. Insurers price this weather risk into your policy.
Yes. Nebraska adopts federal motor carrier safety regulations. If your commercial vehicle exceeds 10,001 lbs GVW, you need a USDOT number, even for intrastate-only operations.
The Logrock Difference: We Know Ag vs. General Freight
Nebraska trucking is split between the "Regulated" general freight haulers and the "Exempt" ag haulers. If your agent files a Form E when you don't need one, you are wasting money and creating paperwork headaches. At Logrock, we simplify the process. We ask what you haul. If it's regulated, we file the Form E with the PSC instantly. If it's exempt ag, we get you the right coverage without the unnecessary filings, ensuring you are legal for harvest season.
Conclusion & Get Your Nebraska Quote
Nebraska offers a solid living for truckers, but knowing your exemption status is key to keeping costs down. Ready to get a solid number for your business? Contact Logrock today for a customized, no-obligation quote and keep your wheels turning.
