Top Mistakes New Saltwater Haulers Make (And How to Avoid Them)
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Starting a saltwater hauling business in the oil and gas industry can be profitable—but only if it’s done right. New saltwater haulers often face steep learning curves involving regulations, equipment, safety, and insurance. Unfortunately, a few common mistakes can lead to lost contracts, denied claims, or major financial setbacks. Here’s what to watch out for—and how to avoid them.
1. Carrying the Wrong Insurance (or Not Enough)
One of the biggest mistakes new saltwater haulers make is assuming basic trucking insurance is enough. In reality, oilfield hauling involves environmental exposure, hazardous fluids, and strict operator requirements.
Many new operators lack pollution or environmental liability coverage, which can leave them financially exposed after even a minor spill. Most oil and gas operators require proof of environmental coverage before allowing trucks on-site.
How to avoid it: Work with an insurance agency that understands oilfield trucking. Wexford Insurance specializes in coverage for saltwater haulers, including commercial auto, pollution liability, general liability, and workers’ compensation.
2. Underestimating Environmental Risk
Produced water and saltwater spills can trigger costly cleanup efforts, regulatory fines, and lawsuits. New haulers often underestimate how quickly a small spill can escalate into a major claim.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, improper handling of oilfield waste can lead to serious environmental consequences (EPA). Without proper coverage, these costs come directly out of pocket.
How to avoid it: Implement spill response procedures, train drivers thoroughly, and carry adequate environmental liability insurance.
3. Hiring Inexperienced or Unqualified Drivers
Another costly mistake is putting unqualified drivers behind the wheel of heavy vacuum trucks or tanker units. Poor driving records, lack of oilfield experience, or inadequate training can increase accident risk and insurance premiums.
How to avoid it: Screen drivers carefully, conduct background and MVR checks, and invest in safety training. Strong safety programs can also help reduce insurance costs over time.
4. Poor Equipment Selection and Maintenance
New haulers sometimes purchase used or underpowered vacuum trucks to save money upfront. While this may reduce initial costs, unreliable equipment often leads to breakdowns, missed loads, and higher long-term expenses.
How to avoid it: Choose equipment designed for oilfield conditions and maintain it consistently. Well-maintained trucks not only improve uptime but also reduce claims and insurance risk.
5. Failing to Meet Operator Requirements
Many new saltwater haulers lose contract opportunities simply because they don’t meet operator insurance or compliance standards. Missing certificates, incorrect policy limits, or lapsed coverage can immediately disqualify your business.
How to avoid it: Partner with an insurance broker who understands operator requirements and can provide compliant certificates quickly.
Protect Your Business From Day One
Avoiding these mistakes can save new saltwater haulers thousands of dollars and help build long-term success. Insurance plays a critical role in protecting your trucks, drivers, contracts, and reputation.
Wexford Insurance works with saltwater hauling companies across the country to design insurance programs that meet oil & gas operator requirements and scale with your business.
Request a quote from Wexford Insurance today and start your saltwater hauling operation the right way.
