Insurance Requirements

Last updated: 24 February 2026

1. Overview

Load Assist requires all Carriers operating on the Platform to maintain adequate insurance coverage at all times. These requirements protect Shippers, Carriers, and the general public during the transport of goods. This document outlines the minimum insurance obligations for Carriers and forms part of the Carrier Service Agreement.

Important: Load Assist does not provide insurance coverage for goods in transit, vehicle damage, or third-party claims. As an independent contractor, you are solely responsible for maintaining all required insurance policies.

2. Mandatory Insurance Policies

2.1 Comprehensive Motor Vehicle Insurance

2.2 Public Liability Insurance

2.3 Goods in Transit Insurance

2.4 Workers' Compensation Insurance

3. Recommended Additional Coverage

While not mandatory, we strongly recommend the following additional insurance policies depending on your operations:

3.1 Professional Indemnity Insurance

• Recommended coverage: $1,000,000 – $5,000,000 AUD
• Covers claims arising from professional negligence, errors, or omissions in your transport services
• Particularly relevant if you provide specialised transport (e.g., temperature-controlled, oversized loads, high-value items)

3.2 Marine Cargo Insurance

• For Carriers involved in intermodal or long-distance transport involving sea freight components
• Covers goods during sea transit and intermodal transfer

3.3 Personal Accident Insurance

• For sole traders and contractors not covered by workers' compensation
• Provides income protection and medical coverage in case of work-related injury

3.4 Equipment and Tools Insurance

• Covers loss or damage to specialised equipment (liftgates, trolleys, ramps, straps, blankets)
• Recommended if you carry significant loading/unloading equipment

4. Policy Requirements

4.1 Insurer Standards

• All insurance policies must be issued by an insurer authorised by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) or an equivalent recognised insurer;
• Policies must be valid and in force throughout your engagement with the Platform;
• Policies must specifically cover commercial freight transport activities.

4.2 Policy Documentation

You must upload the following documents to the Platform:

• Certificate of Currency for each required insurance policy;
• Documents must clearly show: insurer name, policy number, named insured, coverage type, coverage amount, policy period (start and expiry dates);
• Documents must be in PDF, JPEG, JPG, or PNG format, maximum 10 MB per file;
• Documents must be legible, complete, and unaltered.

4.3 Currency and Renewal

• Insurance policies must remain current at all times while you are registered on the Platform;
• You will receive notifications as insurance expiry dates approach;
• Upload renewed certificates before your existing policies expire;
• If any insurance policy expires without renewal, your ability to accept new bookings may be suspended;
• Failure to maintain required insurance is grounds for account suspension.

5. Claims and Incidents

5.1 Incident Reporting

In the event of loss, damage, or an incident during a booking:

• Notify Load Assist immediately through the Platform;
• Document the incident with photographs and written description;
• Report the incident to your insurer as soon as possible;
• Cooperate with all parties (Load Assist, Shipper, insurer) during investigation;
• Do not admit fault or liability without consulting your insurer.

5.2 Claims Process

• Goods damage claims should be lodged directly with your Goods in Transit insurer;
• Vehicle damage claims should be lodged with your Motor Vehicle insurer;
• Third-party claims should be lodged with your Public Liability insurer;
• Load Assist may assist in providing booking records, GPS data, and other evidence to support claims;
• Load Assist does not mediate directly between you and your insurer.

5.3 Shipper Claims

If a Shipper lodges a dispute for goods damage or loss, Load Assist will investigate and may request your insurance details. If the dispute finds you at fault, the Shipper may be directed to lodge a claim against your insurance. Refunds through the Platform may also be issued at Load Assist's discretion.

6. Shipper Responsibilities

While Carriers bear the primary insurance obligations, Shippers are encouraged to:

• Consider taking out their own goods insurance for high-value items;
• Accurately declare item values during job posting;
• Package items appropriately to reduce damage risk;
• Document item condition before pickup with clear photographs;
• Report damage or loss within 48 hours of delivery.

Load Assist does not offer insurance to Shippers. The responsibility to insure high-value goods lies with the Shipper and/or the Carrier.

7. Load Assist's Role

• Load Assist is a marketplace operator—we are not an insurer, underwriter, or insurance broker;
• We verify that Carriers have uploaded insurance certificates but do not validate policy terms, exclusions, or claim settlements;
• We are not a party to any insurance contract between Carriers and their insurers;
• We do not guarantee that a Carrier's insurance will cover any specific loss or claim;
• Shippers should satisfy themselves that a Carrier's insurance is adequate before accepting a quote.

8. Consequences of Non-Compliance

9. Useful Resources

For guidance on insurance for transport operators in Australia:

• Business.gov.au — Insurance
• National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR)
• Safe Work Australia
• Your state or territory's transport authority for specific licensing and insurance requirements

10. Changes to These Requirements

Load Assist may update insurance requirements from time to time, particularly in response to changes in Australian law or industry standards. Material changes will be communicated at least 30 days before taking effect to allow Carriers time to arrange additional coverage.

11. Contact

For questions about insurance requirements:

• Carrier Support: carriers@loadassist.com.au
• General Support: support@loadassist.com.au