Delaware Trucking Insurance

Trucking in Delaware

Delaware has only 23 miles of I-95, but there is no good alternative for north-south traffic. The Delaware Memorial Bridge connects the NJ Turnpike to I-95 south. The Delaware Turnpike carries I-95 from the bridge to the Maryland border. A 5-axle truck transiting both toll facilities pays approximately $67.50 with E-ZPass — $32.50 for the turnpike and $35.00 for the bridge. Without E-ZPass, that number climbs to $80.00. Carriers running this corridor daily face $33,750 or more per year in Delaware tolls alone. E-ZPass is accepted at both facilities, and having a transponder is effectively mandatory for any regular operations through the state.

Despite its size, Delaware handles significant freight volume. The state sits in the heart of the Northeast corridor between Philadelphia, Baltimore, and the New Jersey industrial belt. Through-traffic on I-95 dominates, but Delaware also generates its own freight. The Port of Wilmington specializes in fresh fruit imports (it is one of the top banana and juice concentrate ports on the East Coast), containerized cargo, and bulk commodities. The chemical industry corridor along the Delaware River in New Castle County produces tanker and hazmat freight tied to refineries and manufacturing plants that have operated there for decades. Southern Delaware’s poultry industry on the Delmarva Peninsula generates refrigerated loads moving to processing facilities and distribution centers.

US-13 runs parallel to I-95 from Wilmington south through Dover to the Maryland border and avoids I-95 tolls entirely. It is slower and signal-heavy, but it works for deliveries in central or southern Delaware and for carriers who need to avoid the toll burden. Route 1, the newer expressway, connects Dover to the beach communities and carries seasonal freight. For through-traffic heading between the mid-Atlantic and New England, there is no practical alternative to I-95 through Delaware — the tolls are a cost of doing business.

State insurance minimums of $25,000/$50,000/$10,000 place Delaware in the moderate range, though the $10,000 property damage minimum is notably low. Delaware is a limited no-fault state with mandatory PIP coverage, creating a different insurance structure than at-fault neighbors Maryland and Pennsylvania. Comparative negligence applies in tort claims. Federal minimums of $750,000 override state minimums for all interstate for-hire carriers, and RMS recommends $1,000,000 CSL regardless of operation type. The I-95 corridor is congested, and toll plaza stop-and-go patterns create consistent rear-end collision risk. Delaware’s position in the corridor also means your exposure per mile is high — a lot of traffic packed into a short stretch.

Truck parking in Delaware is limited relative to the volume of traffic passing through. The main truck stop clusters sit near the I-95/I-495 interchange area serving the Wilmington market and along US-13 in the Dover area. Rest areas on the Delaware Turnpike exist but fill up quickly, particularly overnight. Many carriers running the Northeast corridor plan their stops in Maryland or New Jersey rather than counting on Delaware parking. Fuel availability is good along I-95 and US-13 but limited on the rural routes of southern Delaware.

Weather in Delaware is generally moderate compared to northern states, but winter storms tracking up the coast can drop significant snow and ice on I-95 with little warning. Nor’easters are the primary winter hazard — these coastal storms can dump heavy wet snow and create dangerous driving conditions across the entire I-95 corridor in a matter of hours. Delaware uses a three-level winter weather warning system: Advisory, Restricted, and Emergency. Under a Restricted warning, only essential vehicles may travel. Chains are permitted from October 15 through April 15 but are not mandatory. Fog along the Delaware River and coastal areas can reduce visibility suddenly, particularly in fall and spring mornings. Summer brings its own challenges — heavy thunderstorms with localized flooding, particularly in the low-lying areas near the coast and along the Delaware River.

Delaware’s position as a corporate domicile state — more than half of all US publicly traded companies are incorporated here — does not directly affect trucking operations, but it does mean the state’s court system handles a disproportionate number of commercial litigation cases. Delaware courts are experienced with commercial claims, and carriers should be aware that the legal environment here is sophisticated. The state’s comparative negligence standard means fault can be shared in accident claims, but Delaware’s no-fault PIP structure adds a layer of complexity to insurance claims that differs from neighboring at-fault states.

Delaware axle weight limits are notably generous: 22,400 lbs on a single axle (vs. federal 20,000), 40,000 lbs on a tandem (vs. federal 34,000), and 65,000 lbs on a tridem — significantly above most states. These limits apply to state and local roads; the Federal Bridge Formula still governs the Interstate system. For carriers hauling heavy loads on local delivery routes, this weight advantage can translate into fewer trips and better economics, particularly for construction materials and bulk commodities moving through New Castle County.

The Port of Wilmington at 1 Hausel Road offers full-service terminal operations including stevedoring, cold storage, warehousing, and logistics. Access from I-95 is through I-495 Exit 2. The port handles a mix of containerized cargo, bulk commodities, and perishable imports. Drayage operations between the port and regional distribution centers are a steady source of freight for local carriers. Wait times at the port gates vary by day and season, and carriers should plan for potential delays during peak import periods.

Delaware State Police Truck Enforcement operates with portable scales, and all CMVs over 10,001 lbs GVWR must carry a Delaware DOT number — this is separate from your federal USDOT number. Enforcement is focused on the I-95 corridor and routes serving the Port of Wilmington. Oversize/overweight permits are available through the state’s permitting system, with general single-trip permits running $30 plus additional fees based on excess weight. Movement is restricted to Monday through Friday, sunrise to sunset. The state’s small geographic footprint means enforcement resources are concentrated, and carriers running through Delaware regularly can expect to encounter truck enforcement operations.

Starting a Trucking Company in Delaware?

If you’re launching a new carrier in Delaware, our free guide walks you through every step from business formation to passing your first FMCSA safety audit. Start with the decision guide or jump to insurance costs for new authorities.