For trucking companies in the intermodal sector, UIIA (Uniform Intermodal Interchange and Facilities Access Agreement) compliance is essential to doing business. At the core of that compliance is maintaining proper insurance coverage—with the right policies, limits, and documentation submitted and approved through the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA).
Failing to meet even one of these requirements can result in loss of access to ports, railyards, or terminals, impacting your ability to move freight and keep clients happy. That’s why every trucking company should use a reliable UIIA insurance checklist, especially when integrated with a modern TMS (Transportation Management System) for better visibility and automation.
Here’s your comprehensive, TMS-ready UIIA insurance checklist to ensure you stay compliant and on the road.
1. Maintain Minimum Coverage Requirements
At a minimum, the following insurance coverages are required under the UIIA:
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Auto Liability – Minimum $1 million per occurrence
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General Liability – Typically $1 million (may vary by provider)
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Trailer Interchange – Covers non-owned equipment (often required)
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Workers’ Compensation – If applicable, per state regulations
Each equipment provider (like railroads or shipping lines) may have additional or uiia insurance specific requirements. Your TMS can help track which providers require what.
2. Ensure Policies Are Active and Uninterrupted
Lapsed or expired policies can lead to immediate non-compliance. Use your TMS to:
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Monitor policy expiration dates
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Set up automatic renewal alerts
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Track which drivers/vehicles are assigned to which policies
Real-time insurance status dashboards within a TMS help dispatchers and compliance managers act quickly.
3. Submit Certificates Through Authorized Agents Only
IANA only accepts insurance certificates submitted directly by authorized insurance agents—not carriers themselves. This makes it essential to:
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Maintain a close relationship with your insurance agent
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Ensure they’re familiar with IANA submission procedures
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Provide updates well ahead of renewal dates
TMS platforms with agent portal integration streamline this process.
4. Match Equipment Provider Requirements
Each UIIA equipment provider may have specific insurance limits or additional endorsement needs. Your checklist should include:
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A current list of all your equipment providers
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The specific insurance terms they require (limits, endorsements)
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A match-check function in your TMS to flag any mismatches
This avoids claim issues and terminal access denials due to coverage gaps.
5. Verify Trailer Interchange Coverage
Not every provider uses the same interchange agreement, but many require trailer interchange insurance. Make sure:
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The trailer interchange endorsement is included in your policy
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The limits meet or exceed those required by your equipment providers
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You can easily generate proof of coverage when requested
Having this coverage properly tracked in your TMS adds an extra layer of compliance security.
6. Keep Documentation Centralized and Accessible
All current and past policies, certificates, and correspondence with IANA should be stored in a central location. Your TMS should allow:
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Digital upload of certificates
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Document tagging by provider or policy type
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Easy retrieval for audits, inspections, or internal reviews
This improves audit readiness and ensures continuity, even if staff changes.
7. Audit Regularly and Stay Ahead of Renewals
Use your TMS reporting tools to run monthly or quarterly audits. Look for:
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Upcoming expirations
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Incomplete or outdated documentation
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Any flagged compliance risks
A proactive audit system minimizes the chances of unexpected UIIA suspensions.
Conclusion
Staying compliant with UIIA insurance requirements is non-negotiable for intermodal carriers. But with multiple policies, provider demands, and tight submission rules, manual tracking is no longer sustainable.
This UIIA insurance checklist, when used in combination with a modern TMS platform, helps trucking companies manage compliance efficiently and avoid costly disruptions. From policy tracking to automated alerts, document storage, and agent coordination, your TMS becomes the ultimate tool for stress-free UIIA compliance.
