Category: Trucking Regulations

Why Updating FMCSA MCS-150 Form Is Important for Transportation Carriers

Western Truck Insurance

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates that, every two years, transportation companies update their Motor Carrier Identification Report (Form MCS-150). Updates may include changes or modifications to contact information (phone number, address, etc.), operating authority changes, ownership and control changes, insurance information, safety data, USDOT number, vehicle and equipment information, and other info. … Continue reading “Why Updating FMCSA MCS-150 Form Is Important for Transportation Carriers”

Down the Road: Electronic Truck Inspections

Western Truck Insurance

Truck inspections are expected to change as federal trucking regulators and commercial vehicle enforcement agencies push for wireless roadside inspections. Motor carriers will have to equip their trucks with devices to transmit the identity and condition of trucks and drivers to roadside enforcement. However, according to the North American Transportation Association (NTA), how motor carriers … Continue reading “Down the Road: Electronic Truck Inspections”

The Importance of Small Trucking Fleets in Freight Transportation

Western Truck Insurance

The trucking industry is responsible for moving 72.5% of our country’s freight. Small trucking fleets, characterized by six or fewer vehicles, are responsible for handling 91.5% of this freight, demonstrating the significant role they play in the movement of goods across the country. Following are several reasons why we rely on small trucking fleets to … Continue reading “The Importance of Small Trucking Fleets in Freight Transportation”

Lawmakers Looking to Get the Younger Generation Behind the Wheel

Western Truck Insurance

As part of a requirement under the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), in 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) established the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program (SDAP). The goal of the three-year program is to help individuals ages 18, 19, and 20 explore interstate trucking careers and help trucking companies hire … Continue reading “Lawmakers Looking to Get the Younger Generation Behind the Wheel”

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”

How Florida’s Tort Reform Will Impact Trucking Industry

Bob Holtzman

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed sweeping tort reforms into law on March 24, 2023, making significant changes to the state’s litigation system. The reforms took effect immediately and are seen as a win for the trucking industry. Florida has been among the worst states in the nation for nuclear verdicts, where damage awards exceed $10 … Continue reading “How Florida’s Tort Reform Will Impact Trucking Industry”

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”