Whether you are hauling steel out of Pittsburgh, delivering consumer goods from the Lehigh Valley warehouses, or running a dump truck in the Poconos, Pennsylvania is a busy state for trucking.
The regulatory landscape is managed by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PA PUC). If you haul goods for pay between points within Pennsylvania (Intrastate), you generally need a PUC Number (A-#) and must file Form E.
Pennsylvania also has a strong industrial heritage. Steel Haulers and Coal Bucket trucks are common, and these specific operations require specialized insurance endorsements (like Metal Coils or Pollution Liability) that standard policies often exclude.
In Pennsylvania, the average commercial truck insurance premium typically lands between $10,000 and $18,000 per year. This guide breaks down exactly what you need to pay to keep your PUC authority active.
Key Takeaways: Pennsylvania Truck Insurance Costs
- The Price Tag: Expect to pay around $13,500 annually for a Semi-Truck with a clean record.
- The "Philly" Premium: Garaging a truck in Philadelphia or its immediate suburbs (Delaware/Montgomery Counties) can increase premiums by 25-35% compared to Harrisburg or Erie due to traffic density and litigation.
- PA PUC Authority: Intrastate carriers must apply for authority with the PUC and maintain active Form E (Liability) and Form H (Cargo) filings.
- Steel & Coils: If you haul steel in Western PA, you typically need a Metal Coil Endorsement on your cargo policy. Without it, rusted or shifting coil claims are denied.
Real Numbers: Estimated Costs by Truck Type
Let's look at the hard data. The following estimates represent the average annual cost for Primary Liability ($1M Limit) for a driver with a clean record in Pennsylvania. PA is a "Tier 2" (Moderate/High) cost state. The mountainous terrain (I-80/I-76) contributes to higher physical damage rates due to winter accidents.
| Vehicle Type | Limit $300,000* | Limit $750,000 | Limit $1,000,000 (Standard) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotshot | $7,500 | $10,200 | $11,800 |
| Box Truck | $6,200 | $8,500 | $9,800 |
| Dump Truck | $8,500 | $11,000 | $13,500 |
| Semi Truck | $9,800 | $12,500 | $14,800 |
| Steel Hauler | $10,500 | $13,200 | $15,500 |
Last updated: December 15, 2025.
Logrock Reality Check: While the state minimum for light vehicles is lower, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and most distribution centers (Amazon, Walmart, etc.) in the Carlisle/Lehigh Valley corridor require $1,000,000 Liability and $100,000 Cargo coverage to enter.
Liability Limits: Intrastate vs. Interstate
Pennsylvania 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 (PA PUC)
For trucks that never leave Pennsylvania (e.g., Pittsburgh to Harrisburg).
| 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 a Certificate of Public Convenience from the PA PUC. The application fee is approx. $350. Form E and Form H (Cargo) are mandatory filings for property carriers.
Table 2: Interstate Requirements (FMCSA / Federal)
For trucks that cross state lines (e.g., Philadelphia, PA to Trenton, NJ).
| 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) |
Pennsylvania Requirements & Critical Filings
To operate legally, your insurance agent must submit specific forms to the PUC.
- Form E: Mandatory for Intrastate for-hire carriers. It proves to the PA PUC that you have valid liability insurance. Without this, your PUC number (A-#) will be suspended.
- Form H: Mandatory for Intrastate Property Carriers (General Freight & Movers). Unlike many states that only require cargo filing for movers, PA PUC often requires proof of cargo insurance (Form H) for general freight carriers as well.
- PUC Number: You must display your PUC number on the side of the truck if operating intrastate.
- UCR: Pennsylvania participates in the Unified Carrier Registration system.
Your Questions Answered: "People Also Ask" FAQs
Generally, No. Transportation of ashes, rubbish, and excavated materials is often exempt from PUC economic regulation. However, you likely need a DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) authorization (Act 90) depending on the waste type.
Philadelphia courts are known for high jury verdicts in auto accident cases. Insurers rate Philadelphia zip codes as "High Risk," similar to NYC or Chicago. Moving your base to Bucks or Chester county can sometimes lower rates, provided you actually park there.
If you haul metal coils (steel, aluminum), standard cargo policies exclude them because they are round and heavy. If a coil breaks free, it causes massive damage. You must buy specific coverage for this commodity.
The Logrock Difference: We Handle the PUC
Pennsylvania's PUC requirements are stricter than most neighbors. If your agent forgets to file Form H (Cargo), your authority application will sit in Harrisburg for months. At Logrock, we handle the compliance heavy lifting. We ensure your Form E and Form H are filed instantly with the PUC. We also review your policy for Steel and Coal exclusions to ensure you are covered for the industries that drive PA's economy.
Conclusion & Get Your Pennsylvania Quote
Pennsylvania offers a prime location for logistics, but the PUC paperwork and Philadelphia traffic can be costly. Ready to get a solid number for your business? Contact Logrock today for a customized, no-obligation quote and keep your wheels turning.
