THE SHORT ANSWER
Trailer interchange coverage is generally built to protect a non-owned trailer for as long as it's in your possession — attached or dropped — under a written trailer interchange agreement. Non-owned trailer coverage is generally built to protect a non-owned trailer only while it's attached to your truck, and usually doesn't require a written agreement.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
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Both coverages protect a trailer you don't own — neither is automatically included in a standard physical damage or liability policy.
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Neither one covers the freight inside the trailer; that's handled by motor truck cargo coverage.
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Trailer interchange is generally built to follow the trailer whether it's attached or dropped. Non-owned trailer coverage generally applies only while it's attached.
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Trailer interchange usually requires a written interchange agreement; non-owned trailer coverage usually doesn't.
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Amazon Relay requires $50,000 in trailer interchange coverage for semi trucks. Other brokers and contracts may have their own requirements.
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Costs and terms vary by carrier and operation — treat the figures below as general reference points, not a quote.
Why Your Existing Policy Doesn't Cover This
A standard physical damage policy covers equipment you own — it doesn't extend to a trailer that belongs to a broker, shipper, or another carrier. Liability insurance covers damage you cause to other people's property, not equipment already in your care, custody, or control. To protect a trailer you don't own, you generally need one of two specific coverages: trailer interchange or non-owned trailer physical damage.
What Each Coverage Is
Trailer Interchange Coverage
Physical damage coverage for a non-owned trailer operated under a written trailer interchange agreement. It's generally structured to apply for as long as the trailer is in your possession — attached to your truck, dropped at a yard, or sitting idle.
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Physical damage such as collision, fire, theft, and vandalism
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Weather-related damage
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Coverage while the trailer is detached
A written agreement is generally part of how this coverage is set up.
Non-Owned Trailer Coverage
Physical damage coverage for a non-owned trailer, without the written agreement that trailer interchange typically involves. It's generally structured to apply only while the trailer is attached to your truck.
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Physical damage such as collision, fire, theft, and vandalism — while attached
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No interchange agreement typically required
Whether this meets a specific program's requirement varies — worth confirming directly
Trailer Interchange vs. Non-Owned Trailer Coverage at a Glance
Factor
Trailer Interchange
Non-Owned Trailer
What It Covers
Physical damage to a non-owned trailer
Physical damage to a non-owned trailer
When It Applies
Generally the entire time it's in your possession
Generally only while attached to your truck
Written Agreement
Usually required
Usually not required
Common Program Requirements
Often specified for intermodal/UIIA work and programs like Amazon Relay ($50,000 minimum)
Depends on the program - confirm your specific contract
Typical Annual Cost
Often $800 - $1,700 (varies by carrier)
Price similar to owner-trailer physical damage
Generally Best For
Power-only and drop-and-hook operations, formal interchange agreements
Long-haul operators who occasionally use a borrowed trailer, no agreement in place
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If you regularly drop trailers and have — or can get — a written interchange agreement, trailer interchange is generally the better fit.
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If you occasionally use a borrowed trailer and stay hooked up, without a formal agreement in place, non-owned trailer coverage may be enough.
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If a broker, contract, or program specifies one or the other — like Amazon Relay's $50,000 trailer interchange requirement — that generally determines your answer.
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Some operators end up needing both, depending on the mix of contracts they work under.
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Not sure? Talk to your agent about how you actually operate before choosing.
Which One Do You Need?
How Much Each One Costs
Both are typically add-ons to your commercial truck policy rather than standalone policies. Trailer interchange often runs $800–$1,700 per year, with limits commonly between $20,000 and $40,000. Non-owned trailer coverage is generally priced similar to your owned-trailer physical damage rate. Actual cost depends on your carrier, limit, deductible, and operation, so treat these as general reference points rather than a quote.
Trailer Interchange vs. Non-Owned Trailer FAQs