Category: Truck Insurance Coverage

Overview: FMCSA’s Crash Preventability Determination Program Expansion

Western Truck Insurance

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has expanded its Crash Preventability Determination Program (CPDP) to provide motor carriers and drivers with an enhanced mechanism for disputing non-preventable crashes. The program is designed to improve the fairness of safety records and ensure that preventable and non-preventable crashes are better delineated. The program’s expansion allows the … Continue reading “Overview: FMCSA’s Crash Preventability Determination Program Expansion”

On-the-Road Safety Saves Life, Protects Your CSA Score

Western Truck Insurance

Winter driving can be challenging, even for the most seasoned commercial truck drivers. Icy roads with reduced traction coupled with poor visibility make it hard to handle loads and for big rig drivers to stop. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), 70% of roads in the United States are in snowy areas, increasing the … Continue reading “On-the-Road Safety Saves Life, Protects Your CSA Score”

Late or Unreported Reporting Trucking Accident Claims Drive Up Insurance Costs

Western Truck Insurance

Increased claims costs and litigation, coupled with high verdicts and settlements, are driving up Commercial Automobile insurance costs. Another factor behind rising insurance costs is late or unreported accident claims.  There are various reasons why waiting to file the first notice of claim with an insurance company or not filing at all increases costs. The … Continue reading “Late or Unreported Reporting Trucking Accident Claims Drive Up Insurance Costs”

Great Ready for FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse II Rule

Western Truck Insurance

Beginning November 18, 2024, State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs), such as the California Motor Vehicle Department, will be required to remove the commercial driving privileges of drivers in a “prohibited” status in the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the Clearinghouse was established as Phase I in January … Continue reading “Great Ready for FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse II Rule”

Hurricane Preparedness for Trucking Operations

Western Truck Insurance

Weather researchers are predicting an explosive Atlantic hurricane season this year. Forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted an 85% chance of an above-normal season, with 17 to 25 total named storms. Of those, eight to 13 are forecasted to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including four to seven … Continue reading “Hurricane Preparedness for Trucking Operations”

Top 10 Mistakes Truck Owners Make When Choosing Insurance Coverage

Western Truck Insurance

Buying insurance to protect your trucking operation is a serious business. Here are the top 10 pitfalls to avoid when looking for coverage. Working with a generalist insurance agency. Trucking is a niche business and requires an agency that understands your operation, the exposures you face, and how to address them. You want an insurance … Continue reading “Top 10 Mistakes Truck Owners Make When Choosing Insurance Coverage”

What You Need to Know About DOT Audits

Western Truck Insurance

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), an agency of the Department of Transportation (DOT), oversees nearly 600,000 motor carriers and millions of commercial drivers across the U.S. The agency is responsible for ensuring carriers comply with regulations. DOT regulations cover driver qualifications, hours of service (HOS), vehicle maintenance requirements, drug and alcohol testing, cargo … Continue reading “What You Need to Know About DOT Audits”

The Garden State Increases Minimum Trucking Liability Insurance Limits to $1.5 Million

Western Truck Insurance

Two years ago, New Jersey introduced legislation to raise its minimum Trucking Liability insurance limits to $1.5 million, double the current FMCSA requirement of $750,000. The state law was approved and signed by Governor Phil Murphy in January 2024. The increased minimum trucking liability insurance requirements will take effect July 1, 2024, and apply to … Continue reading “The Garden State Increases Minimum Trucking Liability Insurance Limits to $1.5 Million”

FMCSA Alerts Motor Carriers to Fake Safety Audit Scam by Cybercriminals

Western Truck Insurance

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently issued an alert for motor carriers where cybercriminals are posing as agency auditors via email to obtain information and gain unauthorized access to their FMCSA accounts. Once the bad actors gain access, they can change the information and impersonate carriers and other entities to engage in fraudulent … Continue reading “FMCSA Alerts Motor Carriers to Fake Safety Audit Scam by Cybercriminals”

On the Road After Dark: Safe-Driving Tips for Truckers

Western Truck Insurance

With the sun setting comes additional risks for truckers driving at night. Visibility is reduced, making it more challenging to see the road, other vehicles, and obstacles. Depth perception, color recognition, and peripheral vision can all be compromised in the dark. The glare of headlights from an oncoming vehicle can also temporarily blind a driver. … Continue reading “On the Road After Dark: Safe-Driving Tips for Truckers”