How to Scale an Oilfield Trucking Business to $1M–$5M+ With Multiple Hauling Types

Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
3 days ago
2 min read

Growing an oilfield trucking business beyond $1M in annual revenue requires more than adding trucks. In 2026, successful operators scale by diversifying hauling types, maintaining strong safety programs, and securing the right insurance coverage to stay compliant with major oil & gas operators.

Whether hauling crude oil, produced water, chemicals, or sand, understanding the nuances of each type is key to expanding your fleet and revenue while minimizing risk.

Step 1: Diversify Your Hauling Types Strategically

Focusing on a single type of haul may limit growth opportunities. Expanding into multiple hauling categories allows you to:

Maximize fleet utilization
Access more contracts from operators
Reduce downtime during seasonal slowdowns

Each hauling type comes with unique insurance and operational requirements:

Crude Oil: High-value, high-risk; requires commercial auto, cargo, general liability, and environmental liability
Produced Water / Saltwater: Environmental exposure; requires pollution liability and operator-approved containment
Chemicals / Hazardous Materials: Strict DOT compliance; specialized endorsements and hazmat insurance
Sand / Frac Materials: Lower environmental risk but still requires cargo and liability coverage

Step 2: Build a Professional Safety & Compliance Program

Operators prioritize vendors with strong safety records. Scaling a trucking business successfully requires:

Documented driver training and qualifications
Vehicle inspections and maintenance logs
Safety manuals and incident response procedures

Insurance carriers often reward businesses with lower claims history and safety programs through reduced premiums.

Step 3: Optimize Insurance Coverage Across Hauling Types

Proper insurance is essential when scaling revenue. Policies should cover:

Commercial Auto Insurance – Trucks and trailers
General Liability – On-site or third-party exposures
Environmental / Pollution Liability – Spills and contamination
Cargo Insurance – High-value transported materials
Workers’ Compensation – Protects drivers and field personnel

Operators will often require proof of coverage and specific limits before awarding multi-haul contracts. Having the right policies in place can unlock higher-value contracts and reduce operational risk.

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Step 4: Monitor Costs and Operational Efficiency

Scaling isn’t just about revenue—it’s about profitability. Track:

Fuel and maintenance costs
Driver productivity and load optimization
Insurance premiums relative to fleet expansion

Investing in modern, compliant trucks and trailers reduces claims and insurance costs while increasing fleet efficiency.

Brief: Why Choose Wexford Insurance

Wexford Insurance specializes in helping oilfield trucking companies expand safely and profitably. We work with multiple carriers nationwide to provide: