Amwins, a global distributor of specialty insurance products and services, has released its 2025 Transportation State of the Market Report, providing an in-depth analysis of the economic, regulatory and legal pressures shaping one of the most complex sectors in today’s economy.
From rising commercial auto premiums and mounting litigation costs to the impact of tariffs and supply chain disruptions, the transportation industry is navigating unprecedented headwinds. Limited market entrants along with shrinking capacity and rising loss ratios are compounding the pressure for insureds, particularly in trucking, passenger transport and other high-scrutiny classes.
“These conditions demand deep specialization and creative placement strategies with the ability to move quickly in a tightening marketplace,” said Zach Bowling, executive vice president at Amwins Brokerage. “Our role is to help retailers navigate market conditions while securing critical coverage and delivering solutions that balance cost with the protection clients need.”
Despite the challenges, Amwins sees opportunities through data-driven underwriting and strategic partnerships.
“We’re leveraging tools like Amwins DNA and our extensive market relationships to help brokers access capacity while exploring alternative risk solutions and safety-focused strategies that resonate with underwriters,” said Tracy Andrews, vice president at Amwins Brokerage.
Key insights include:
- Premium Pressure & Limited Capacity: Commercial auto premiums rose 9.4%, driven by social inflation, nuclear verdicts and reinsurance costs.
- Economic Strain on Fleets: Tariffs could increase new truck costs by up to $35,000, deterring fleet upgrades while replacement parts remain expensive.
- Class-Specific Challenges: E&S specialty classes, including passenger transport, waste hauling, last-mile delivery, cannabis delivery, and hazmat, are facing heightened underwriting scrutiny, forcing many into the E&S market.
- Geographic Disparities: Capacity remains scarce in New York, Georgia, California, Texas, and Illinois, and the casualty marketplace in New Jersey is still challenging due to high-frequency claims and the increased limit requirement of $1.5 million.
- Emerging Risks: Cargo theft is rising, with AI-enabled fraud schemes targeting logistics systems. Electric and autonomous vehicle adoption remains limited for long-haul freight.
- Tort Reform & Legal Shifts: States like Florida and Georgia are implementing reforms aimed at curbing nuclear verdicts. Texas recently overturned a nearly $90 million trucking verdict, setting a new legal precedent.
- Technology & Safety Investments: Telematics, safety cameras, and electric logging devices (ELDs) are improving underwriting outcomes and helping fleets manage risk.
- London Market Impact: Domestic markets are bundling auto physical damage and motor truck cargo coverage with auto liability at reduced rates, creating competitive pressure and a downturn in London market placements.
Despite market challenges, Amwins’ report emphasizes that preparation, transparency, and strategic partnerships remain the keys to success in today’s transportation market. With no near-term relief expected in rates or underwriting appetite, retailers must proactively position accounts and leverage technology-driven safety solutions while also partnering with specialized experts to secure the right coverage.
Amwins’ transportation specialists place more than $1.2 billion in annual premium, combining deep market relationships with proprietary data and analytics tools to deliver creative, capacity-building solutions that help clients win in a highly competitive environment
Download the Report
The full 2025 Transportation State of the Market Report is available for download here.
About Amwins
Amwins is the largest independent wholesale distributor of specialty insurance products in the U.S., dedicated to serving retail insurance agents by providing property and casualty products, specialty group benefits, and administrative services. Based in Charlotte, N.C., the company operates through more than 138 offices globally and handles premium placements in excess of $44.5 billion annually. For more information, visit amwins.com.
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