Digital tools are now part of daily operations for most haulage companies. From booking loads and tracking freight to running payroll, you likely rely on several connected systems to keep your fleet moving.
But with that reliance comes risk. If those systems go down or get breached, the impact could disrupt more than just a delivery schedule. It could affect your entire business.
That’s where cyber insurance comes in.
What we’ll cover
Why cyber insurance matters in haulage
Gone are the days when cybersecurity was only a concern for banks and tech firms. Haulage companies are now regular targets. Thieves and fraudsters see opportunities in everything from exposed customer data to unsecured driver apps.
You may already use tools like load boards, vehicle trackers, and transport management systems. These are helpful for fleet management, but they’re also common entry points for cyberattacks if not properly protected.
A single incident could cause delays, reputational damage or even stop you from fulfilling your haulage contracts. That’s why it makes sense to look into cybersecurity insurance before something goes wrong.
Common cyber risks for haulage fleets
Cyber risks can show up in many forms. Some target your IT systems directly. Others go after staff, often through convincing scams or fake emails.
Here are a few examples that affect haulage firms:
- Ransomware attacks that lock you out of booking or routing systems
- Fake emails pretending to be from shippers or customers, asking for sensitive info
- Data breaches that expose customer details or payroll records
- Fraud attempts using cloned versions of your company’s site or branding
A serious breach doesn’t just impact your systems. It can also hurt your haulage customer service efforts, delay jobs and make it harder to win new work.
What does cyber insurance cover?
Cyber insurance doesn’t stop an attack from happening, but it helps you recover faster if one does.
Most policies will support you with:
- Emergency IT support to stop the breach
- Help recovering lost data
- Customer notification and legal advice
- Business interruption cover if systems go offline
- PR and communication support if brand reputation is affected
It’s not just about large data breaches either. Even a minor incident can cause big delays if you can’t access your load systems or staff email accounts.
How it protects your load management systems
For hauliers using transport management systems or digital booking platforms like Haulage Exchange, cyber insurance can help keep your core systems protected.
If hackers lock you out or change routing data, a good policy should cover both the cost of recovery and the lost time.
This kind of protection is especially useful if your team uses mobile apps or cloud systems while out on the road.
Does it include cover for payroll and accounts systems?
Many cyber insurance policies also include cover for tools like Xero, QuickBooks or Sage. If criminals gain access to your payment systems, you could face financial loss and serious disruption.
With the right cover in place, you’ll be able to recover funds, investigate the breach, and avoid long-term damage to your accounts processes.
Popular tools used by haulage firms — and why they’re at risk
Many hauliers rely on systems like Mandata, Truckcom, and Teletrac Navman to manage planning, driver communication, and real-time tracking. These platforms help coordinate loads, monitor driver hours and link data with back-office tools.
While these systems offer clear benefits, they’re also connected to the internet and often accessed from multiple devices. That opens the door to risks if a login is compromised or a remote worker’s device gets hacked.
Cyber insurance helps protect you when something goes wrong with these platforms. If your team loses access or data is manipulated, you’ll have support to get back online quickly, without eating into your own profit margins.
What does cyber insurance cost compared to the risk?
Premiums for cyber insurance vary depending on your turnover, number of employees, and systems used. But most haulage firms can expect to pay between £300 and £1,200 per year for standard cover.
That might sound like another overhead, but compare it to the average cost of a small business cyberattack in the UK, which now stands at £15,300 (Source: Gov.uk Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2024).
You could face:
- Loss of income from delayed or cancelled jobs
- Reputation damage, making it harder to win new contracts
- Legal costs and regulatory fines
- IT repair bills and lost time
In that context, the annual premium starts to look like a sensible precaution.
What about GDPR and compliance?
If a breach leads to lost or exposed customer data, it’s not just a technical problem, it can also become a legal one.
Under UK GDPR rules, you must report data breaches to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) within 72 hours. You may also need to notify your customers, suppliers, or partners.
Many logistics cyber insurance policies include legal advice and communication support to help you stay compliant. They may also pay for external experts to handle the investigation and reporting, which helps reduce the pressure on your internal team.
This is especially relevant if you store sensitive client details in cloud systems or handle personal information as part of your booking process.
What if a supplier or partner is breached?
You might take good care of your own systems, but what about the third parties you work with? From freight forwarders to transport management system providers, you probably rely on several other firms to keep things running.
If one of them suffers a cyberattack, you could feel the impact, too.
For example, if your TMS provider goes offline, you might lose access to load data, invoices or customer information. If a subcontractor’s login is compromised, your systems could be next.
Some haulage cyber insurance policies include cover for third-party failures, particularly if their systems are tightly linked to your own. It’s worth checking whether your provider includes this kind of support.
This is especially important in fast-moving 3pl logistics, where shared platforms and external systems are common.
Do you need cyber cover if you already have cybersecurity measures?
Even if you’ve got antivirus software and secure systems, things can still go wrong. Human error plays a big part in most cyber incidents.
Someone clicking the wrong link or entering their login details into a fake site can cause just as much damage as a system flaw.
Having cyber insurance doesn’t replace good cybersecurity; It supports you when those defences don’t hold up.
When cybersecurity insurance becomes a fallback
A strong cybersecurity insurance policy helps you recover from problems quickly. If an attack slips through your protection, it’s this kind of cover that pays for the investigation, recovery and lost income.
That’s especially important when working with freight forwarders and 3pl logistics providers, where trust and response times matter.
Simple steps to strengthen your cyber cover
You don’t need to overhaul your business to take better precautions. Here are a few things you can do now:
- Review your current haulage insurance policy and see if cyber cover is included. Some insurers bundle basic cover, but it may not be enough.
- Talk to your broker about adding or updating a cyber insurance policy. Ask specifically about downtime, legal costs, and support with systems like Mandata or Teletrac.
- Train your team on common scams like phishing emails. Even short training sessions can help prevent breaches caused by human error.
- Check device policies for your drivers. If they’re using phones or tablets to manage jobs, make sure security settings are in place.
- Audit your suppliers. Find out if your key tech providers have security plans in place. Ask how they respond to cyber threats.
Cyber risk might seem like something that happens to “other businesses”, but the reality is that hauliers are just as exposed. And in some cases, even more so. Especially when your day-to-day operations depend on fast, reliable data.
Adding cyber insurance to your risk planning doesn’t just support recovery after a breach. It shows you’re serious about protecting your business, your customers, and your team.
Cyber insurance FAQs
Can logistics cyber insurance help after a ransomware attack?
Yes. Good policies will help you stop the attack, recover your systems and even pay for downtime. That’s especially helpful if your response plans rely on digital tracking or alerts.
If you’re concerned about load security and tech-enabled theft, take a look at our guide to cargo theft and how to protect your fleet.
Is cyber insurance worth it for haulage companies?
Yes, especially if your business uses digital tools daily. The cost of a breach could far outweigh the cost of haulage cyber insurance, making it a sound investment for most operators.
Does cyber insurance cover driver devices?
Many logistics cyber insurance policies include support for devices used by drivers—like tablets or mobile phones—provided they’re used for work and have some security settings in place.
What’s the difference between cybersecurity insurance and traditional liability cover?
Traditional liability might protect you if a load is damaged or stolen. Cybersecurity insurance protects you when digital systems fail or data is compromised. They’re designed to cover different kinds of risk.
Are small fleets also at risk of cyber threats?
Absolutely. In fact, smaller firms can be more appealing to attackers because they often have weaker protection. Whether you run 5 trucks or 50, cyber insurance is worth considering.
