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Uniform Intermodal Interchange and Facilities Access Agreement Coverage

UIIA Intermodal insurance is required for motor carriers that haul intermodal containers or chassis at ports, rail ramps, and intermodal facilities in the United States. It ensures compliance with the Uniform Intermodal Interchange and Facilities Access Agreement (UIIA) administered by the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA).

Cogo Insurance structures UIIA-compliant insurance programs that meet port, rail, steamship line, and equipment provider requirements, while avoiding coverage gaps that frequently result in denied access or costly claims.

What Is UIIA Intermodal Insurance

The UIIA is a standardized agreement governing the interchange of intermodal equipment such as containers and chassis between motor carriers and equipment providers.

To access ports, rail yards, and terminals, motor carriers must:

  • Sign the UIIA agreement
  • Maintain specific insurance coverages
  • Meet minimum limits
  • Provide ongoing proof of compliance

UIIA insurance is not a single policy. It is a package of coverages that must work together.

UIIA Intermodal Insurance
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Workers Compensation or Occupational Accident

  • Workers Compensation for W-2 drivers
  • Occupational Accident often accepted for independent contractors
  • Coverage must meet state and UIIA requirements

Cogo Insurance coordinates all required coverages to ensure uninterrupted terminal access.

Required Insurance Coverages Under UIIA

UIIA compliance typically requires the following insurance components:

Auto Liability

  • Covers bodily injury and property damage arising from vehicle operation
  • Minimum limits are typically $1,000,000
  • Must be written by an acceptable carrier and properly filed

General Liability

  • Covers non-auto bodily injury and property damage
  • Commonly required at $1,000,000 per occurrence
  • Applies to terminal and facility exposures

Trailer Interchange / Non-Owned Equipment Physical Damage

  • Covers physical damage to non-owned intermodal equipment
  • Applies to containers, chassis, and related equipment
  • Coverage applies while equipment is in your care, custody, and control

Intermodal Equipment Covered Under UIIA

UIIA insurance may apply to:

  • ISO shipping containers
  • Intermodal chassis
  • Container chassis combinations
  • Rail-owned or steamship-owned equipment
  • Terminal-controlled equipment

Coverage must match the type of equipment being interchanged.

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Common UIIA Insurance Limits

Limits vary by equipment provider, but common requirements include:

  • Auto Liability: $1,000,000
  • General Liability: $1,000,000
  • Interchange Physical Damage: $20,000 to $50,000 per unit
  • Higher limits for newer or specialty chassis

Cogo Insurance confirms limits against current IANA and equipment provider requirements.

Why UIIA Insurance Is Often Miswritten

UIIA insurance is highly technical. Small errors can block access to terminals.

Common issues include:

  • Missing interchange physical damage coverage
  • Limits below required thresholds
  • Incorrect certificate wording
  • Coverage restricted to named facilities only
  • No coverage for chassis
  • Gaps between Trailer Interchange and Physical Damage policies

These issues often surface only when access is denied or a claim occurs.

Who Needs UIIA Intermodal Insurance

UIIA insurance is required for:

  • Motor carriers hauling intermodal containers
  • Drayage carriers
  • Owner operators working under intermodal authority
  • Fleets serving ports and rail ramps
  • Carriers using customer or terminal-owned chassis

If you enter a port or rail yard, UIIA compliance is required.

Why Carriers Choose Cogo Insurance for UIIA Coverage

UIIA compliance requires precision and ongoing monitoring.

  • Experience with IANA and UIIA requirements
  • Proper coordination of all required policies
  • Review of interchange and equipment provider terms
  • Certificate management and updates
  • Claims support involving intermodal equipment

We focus on keeping carriers compliant and operational.

UIIA Intermodal Insurance FAQ

No. It is required by ports, rail yards, and equipment providers through contractual agreement.

Trailer Interchange is one component. UIIA requires multiple coordinated coverages.

No. Cargo is covered under Motor Truck Cargo insurance.

No. Chassis must be specifically included in interchange physical damage coverage.

Yes, if insurance requirements are met and properly documented.

Yes. We review coverage, limits, certificates, and compliance to ensure uninterrupted access.