Category: Truck Safety

FMCSA Proposes Changes to Its Safety Measurement System

Western Truck Insurance

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA) in February announced proposed changes to its Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program to reduce and prevent crashes. Public comments on the proposed changes are due this month. The FMCSA’s goal is to ensure greater consistency in results by holding similar carriers to the same standard, regardless of how … Continue reading “FMCSA Proposes Changes to Its Safety Measurement System”

90-Day Truck Inspections: Part II

Western Truck Insurance

In a previous article, we discussed the requirement for daily vehicle inspections by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). In this article, we will look at the requirements for 90-day inspections, as required by the state of California. If your truck has a GVW (gross vehicle weight) rating of … Continue reading “90-Day Truck Inspections: Part II”

DOT-Compliant Vehicle Inspections: Part I

Bob Holtzman

Over the next few articles, we will review vehicle inspection requirements for commercial trucks as required and endorsed by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). In this article, we will review daily vehicle inspections. Drivers must conduct inspections at the beginning and end of each shift and on each … Continue reading “DOT-Compliant Vehicle Inspections: Part I”

Tips for Commercial Truck Drivers: Making Safe Right Turns

Bob Holtzman

Commercial trucks are difficult to maneuver and stop. If a large truck and automobile collide, the accident could be catastrophic. Instances of accidents occurring include when truckers are making a right turn. Other vehicles, for example, attempt to squeeze along the right side of a truck to pass or make a right turn while a … Continue reading “Tips for Commercial Truck Drivers: Making Safe Right Turns”

How DOT Inspections Are Used for Insurance Underwriting

Bob Holtzman

Information collected about a transportation carrier during a routine inspection at weigh stations is posted and kept on the Department of Transportation (DOT) website and available to the public. Insurance company underwriters utilize this data when evaluating a risk and determining account acceptability and pricing. Why Are DOT Inspections and Compliance So Crucial for Insurance … Continue reading “How DOT Inspections Are Used for Insurance Underwriting”

Inside Finance/Lease Gap Coverage As Part of Physical Damage Truck Insurance

Bob Holtzman

Our last article looked under the hood of Physical Damage Truck insurance, which provides owners/operators of truck and trailer equipment with collision and comprehensive coverage. Collision coverage protects you in the event of a collision or overturn, while Comprehensive coverage protects you against most other physical damage losses. These losses could be caused by fire, … Continue reading “Inside Finance/Lease Gap Coverage As Part of Physical Damage Truck Insurance”

ATRI Looking to Collect Data on the Impact of Predatory Towing in Trucking Industry

Bob Holtzman

The nonprofit research organization American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) recently issued a news release calling for motor carriers and drivers to complete a survey so it can analyze the impact of predatory towing in the trucking sector. The survey asks drivers and motor carriers about the most common types of predatory towing, what fees or … Continue reading “ATRI Looking to Collect Data on the Impact of Predatory Towing in Trucking Industry”

Truck Safety: Past Driving Behaviors Provide Insight into Future Accidents

Bob Holtzman

There is a lot to be said about looking at someone’s past work performance to get an idea of how they will do in the future. This goes for any occupation, including transportation. Look at a previous driver’s performance and behaviors to gain insight into whether he or she is a potential risk for future … Continue reading “Truck Safety: Past Driving Behaviors Provide Insight into Future Accidents”