In this part of our Defensive Driving series, we review procedures truckers should follow in the event of an emergency. Share and reinforce these measures with your drivers to keep them and others safe on the road. If Your Vehicle Stalls or Breaks Down The first thing a driver should do is secure the vehicle. … Continue reading “Defensive Driving Part V: Emergency Procedures for Truckers”
As with any industry, your words matter, not just with customers and employees, but also regarding disputes and potential litigation. Bold claims on your website, marketing materials, or job postings about trucking safety, service, or compliance may be intended to reflect your values. However, if actual practices do not back them up, they could become … Continue reading “Do What You Say: Implications of Your Public Representations”
Accidents are an unfortunate reality in trucking. However, how you respond after a crash can make all the difference in resolving a claim and controlling long-term insurance costs. When a claim isn’t reported immediately or lacks complete details, it creates a gap in the investigation process. That gap can be exploited by personal injury attorneys, … Continue reading “Why Fast and Detailed Claims Reporting Matters in Trucking”
Safety and compliance in the trucking industry are not just regulatory requirements; they directly impact a motor carrier’s insurance premiums. One of the key factors affecting trucking insurance rates is the Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) score. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) uses the CSA to measure a trucking firm’s safety record. These scores … Continue reading “CSA Scores Impact Trucking 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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
