Insurance Solution

COMMERCIAL GENERAL LIABILITY (CGL)

What Is Commercial General Liability (CGL) for Freight Brokers?

  • Commercial General Liability (CGL)

  • Commercial General Liability (CGL) is one of the most important business insurance policies for freight brokers. While cargo policies and contingent auto liability protect load-related exposures, CGL protects your brokerage from the risks that happen outside transportation activities.
  • These are everyday business exposures that any office environment can face — even if you don’t own trucks, handle freight, or physically touch shipments.

  • What Does CGL Protect You From?

  • • Slip-and-fall incidents at your office – A visitor, driver, or vendor gets injured on your premises.
  • • Personal injury claims – Claims involving libel, slander, copyright issues, and more.
  • • Damage to rented office space – Fire, smoke, or water damage caused by your business operations.
  • • Advertising or reputational harm – Marketing-related disputes, defamation claims, or misunderstandings in your promotional content.

  • Why Freight Brokers Need It

  • Many freight brokers assume CGL is only for trucking companies — but that’s not true.
  • Shippers, 3PLs, and large logistics networks increasingly require CGL as part of their onboarding and risk-compliance process.
  • Without CGL, your brokerage may face:
  • • Contract rejections
  • • Costly lawsuits
  • • Out-of-pocket legal expenses
  • • Business interruption and reputational damage
  • A single claim can cost thousands — CGL keeps your brokerage protected, compliant, and operational.
Description
What We Offer

Benefits of CGL for Modern Freight Brokerages

A CGL policy does more than meet shipper requirements — it strengthens your brokerage's overall risk profile and gives your clients confidence that you operate professionally and responsibly.

1

Comprehensive Business Liability Protection

CGL protects your company from common legal risks unrelated to transportation, offering a safeguard beyond cargo and auto policies.

2

Legal Defense Included

If a claim is filed, your policy covers attorney fees, settlement costs, and court expenses — even if the lawsuit is groundless.

3

Compliance With Shipper Contracts

Large shippers and brokers now request CGL as standard documentation. Having it ready means your brokerage can onboard faster and secure more opportunities.

4

Protection for Your Office Operations

From customer visits to routine business activities, CGL ensures your workspace and team are protected from unexpected incidents.

5

Affordable and Easy to Add

CGL is one of the most affordable business liability policies on the market, making it a smart and budget-friendly layer of protection for any brokerage.

Why Add CGL to Your Insurance Program?

Because it fills the protection gap left by cargo and auto liability policies. Without CGL, your brokerage is exposed to everyday risks that have nothing to do with freight — but can still create major financial losses.

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the most common questions about Commercial General Liability (CGL) Insurance for freight brokers and businesses.

Commercial General Liability (CGL) Insurance protects businesses against claims of bodily injury, property damage, and personal or advertising injury caused by business operations, services, or premises.

Any business that interacts with clients, vendors, or the public should carry CGL Insurance. It is especially important for freight brokers, logistics companies, and service-based businesses to protect against third-party liability claims.

CGL Insurance typically covers slip-and-fall injuries, property damage to third parties, legal defense costs, and claims related to advertising or personal injury, depending on the policy terms.

No. CGL Insurance does not cover professional errors, cargo losses, or auto-related accidents. Separate policies such as Professional Liability, Cargo Insurance, or Auto Liability are required for those risks.

CGL Insurance is not always legally required, but many contracts, landlords, and clients require proof of coverage before doing business. It provides essential protection and helps establish business credibility.
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