Florida Trucking Class Codes and 2026 Rates
NCCI Trucking Class Codes Florida — 7380 Local, 7228 Long-Haul, 7232 Dump — 2026 FWCJUA Rates
| Code | Description | Rate/$100 | $250K Payroll Est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7380 | Trucking — Local (within 50 miles) | $4.49 | $11,225 |
| 7228 | Trucking — Long-Haul / Interstate | $5.01 | $12,525 |
| 7230 | Trucking — Local (alternate) | $4.60 | $11,500 |
| 7232 | Dump Trucking | $5.80 | $14,500 |
2026 FWCJUA rates. Base premium before state surcharges and PEO admin fee. No deposit through PEO program.
Owner-Operator Workers' Comp: What Florida Law Requires
Florida Owner-Operator Workers Comp — Sole Proprietor Exemption, Employee Coverage Requirements, Motor Carrier Contracts
Florida law exempts sole proprietors from the definition of "employee" — meaning an owner-operator who runs their own truck with no employees is not legally required to cover themselves. However, the moment you hire even one employee (a helper, a dispatcher, another driver), that employee must be covered under workers' comp.
The practical reality is that most owner-operators need workers' comp regardless of the legal requirement. Motor carriers and freight brokers routinely require proof of workers' comp or occupational accident insurance as a condition of lease agreements. Shippers and receivers may also require COI before allowing trucks on their property.
For owner-operators who want to cover themselves voluntarily, PEO workers' comp allows sole proprietors to elect coverage for themselves at the same rate as their employees. This provides the same statutory benefits — unlimited medical coverage and wage replacement — that employees receive.
PEO vs. Traditional Policy for Trucking Companies
PEO Workers Comp vs Traditional Policy for Trucking — No Deposit, No Audit, New Business Accepted, Same-Day COI
No Deposit
Traditional trucking workers' comp policies require a deposit of 25–33% of estimated annual premium. For a 5-truck operation, that's $2,800–$4,700 upfront. PEO workers' comp has zero deposit — you pay with each payroll run.
New Business Accepted
Standard carriers require 2–3 years of loss history. New trucking companies are automatically declined. PEO programs accept new businesses from day one, making it the only viable option for startups.
Prior Claims Accepted
If your EMod is above 1.2 or you have prior claims, standard carriers will decline you. PEO programs evaluate each account individually and can often provide coverage where standard carriers have said no.
Same-Day COI
Motor carriers, freight brokers, and shippers require a current COI before dispatching. PEO enrollment takes 24–48 hours and COI issuance is immediate. Standard carrier applications for trucking risks can take 2–4 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What NCCI class codes apply to trucking companies in Florida?
The primary trucking class codes in Florida are: 7380 (Trucking — Local, $4.49/$100 payroll) for deliveries within a 50-mile radius, 7228 (Long-Haul Trucking, $5.01/$100) for interstate operations, 7230 (Trucking — Local, alternate, $4.60/$100), and 7232 (Dump Trucking, $5.80/$100). The correct code depends on the type of freight, distance traveled, and whether drivers are local or over-the-road. Misclassification is common and can result in audit adjustments.
Do owner-operators need workers comp in Florida?
Owner-operators who are sole proprietors are not required to cover themselves under Florida workers' comp law — sole proprietors are excluded from the definition of "employee." However, if an owner-operator has employees (even one), those employees must be covered. Additionally, many motor carriers and freight brokers require owner-operators to carry workers' comp or occupational accident insurance as a condition of their lease agreement, regardless of the legal requirement.
What is the difference between workers comp and occupational accident insurance for truckers?
Workers' compensation is a statutory benefit that provides unlimited medical coverage and wage replacement based on Florida law. Occupational accident insurance is a voluntary product that provides limited benefits (typically $500,000–$1,000,000 in medical coverage and a fixed weekly benefit). Workers' comp provides broader protection but is more expensive. For owner-operators who are not required to carry workers' comp, occupational accident insurance is a common alternative — but it does not provide the same level of protection.
How much does workers comp cost for a trucking company in Florida?
Using the 2026 FWCJUA rate of $4.49/$100 payroll for class code 7380 (local trucking), a company with 5 drivers earning $50,000 each ($250,000 total payroll) would have a base premium of approximately $11,225 per year. Through a PEO, there is no deposit and no annual audit. The FWCJUA assigned risk plan adds a 30–50% surcharge, making PEO coverage significantly cheaper for trucking companies that have been declined by standard carriers.
Can I get workers comp for a trucking company with a bad driving record or prior claims?
Standard carriers typically decline trucking companies with prior workers' comp claims, high EMod factors, or drivers with MVR violations. PEO programs evaluate trucking risks on a case-by-case basis and can often provide coverage where standard carriers have declined. The PEO's group policy absorbs individual account risk, which is why they can accept accounts that standard carriers cannot.
What injuries are most common in trucking workers comp claims?
The most common trucking workers' comp claims involve: (1) loading and unloading injuries — back, shoulder, and knee injuries from lifting, strapping, and moving freight; (2) slip-and-fall injuries from climbing in and out of trucks; (3) being struck by other vehicles during roadside breakdowns; and (4) repetitive motion injuries from extended driving. Long-haul drivers also have elevated rates of cardiovascular events that may be compensable under workers' comp.
Does workers comp cover a truck driver injured in an accident?
Yes. If a truck driver is injured in a vehicle accident while performing work duties, workers' comp covers all medical treatment and wage replacement. This is true even if the driver was at fault for the accident. Workers' comp is a no-fault system — the only question is whether the injury occurred in the course and scope of employment. Note that if a third party (another driver) caused the accident, the employer's workers' comp carrier may have a subrogation right to recover costs from the at-fault party.