Long‑haul trucking is a challenging segment for insurance companies, particularly for fleets operating across the Canada–US border. This market carries significant exposure, such as vast distances, high‑value cargo, and in the US, the looming threat of nuclear verdicts that can dramatically escalate losses.

While Canadian carriers operate in a more stable litigation environment, the complexity of the long‑haul sector remains — driven largely by scale, geography, and cross‑border dependence.
But that traditional landscape is changing, according to a recent Insurance Business Magazine article: East–West shift is reshaping long-haul trucking risk

The Shift to East-West Trucking Routes

A combination of global uncertainty, tariff volatility, and a renewed national focus on domestic economic resilience is changing how freight moves across Canada. Historically, the long‑haul model was North–South routes, linked with US trade.

Today, fleets are increasingly running East–West as supply chains diversify and provinces reduce internal trade barriers. This is altering exposure patterns, reshaping claims patterns, and changing what the “typical” long‑haul risk looks like.

According to Jatinder Bassi, President of Echelon Insurance, this isn’t a short‑term adjustment. Even if current geopolitical tensions ease, investments into new East–West corridors represent lasting structural change.

While cross‑border trucking will remain essential given our countries’ integrated economies, the diversification of freight routes creates a more complex risk profile. For insurers and underwriters, understanding this mix is critical.

Why New Risk Management is Crucial

In this environment, risk management has become the strongest competitive differentiator. According to industry leaders, pricing alone can’t solve the complexities of a long‑haul portfolio. Insurers need partners who understand the operational realities of trucking and who can help address risks at their source.

Echelon’s long‑haul trucking team also embraces this approach. They work closely with experienced brokers, like Staebler’s Trucking Insurance specialists and long-haul carriers to assess practices firsthand. Think driver screening, training programs, maintenance discipline, telematics utilization, safety protocols, and equipment standards. These insights can help fleets implement improvements that reduce both frequency and severity of losses.

READ MORE: Three Risk Mitigations for Fleets During Winter Months in Canada and the United States

The difference between a well‑managed fleet and a poorly managed one is significant. Safety systems and data‑driven oversight consistently lead to better outcomes like fewer collisions, lower claims costs, and stronger long‑term stability. As long‑haul risk continues to evolve, this hands‑on, technical approach will be essential in navigating the road ahead.

Don’t go at it alone. A Staebler Insurance Broker with a specialization in long-haul trucking and transportation insurance can be the expert on your side to navigate the growing complexities of an evolving industry. Learn more at Staebler.com/Trucking

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Staebler Insurance is a general insurance broker specializing in car insurance, home insurance, small business insurance, and commercial insurance. Staebler Insurance Brokers proudly serve Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Stratford, Listowel, Fergus, Elora, Wellington County, Perth County, Waterloo Region, the Greater Toronto Area, Golden Horseshoe, Niagara Region, and all over beautiful Ontario, Canada. Get a Quote to get started today.