Category: Trucking Operations

FMCSA’s New MOTUS System: What Trucking Companies Need to Know

Western Truck Insurance

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has released a new platform called the MOTUS USDOT Registration System, changing how motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, and other regulated entities manage their USDOT registration information. If your company already has a USDOT number, you’ll need to claim your record in the new system to ensure your … Continue reading “FMCSA’s New MOTUS System: What Trucking Companies Need to Know”

FMCSA Upgrades DataQs to Improve Fairness and Accountability

Western Truck Insurance

For professional truck drivers, an error on your safety record isn’t just a paperwork headache; it can affect your livelihood, your carrier’s safety ratings, and your ability to work. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has long maintained the DataQs system as the official channel for drivers and carriers to dispute inaccurate federal and … Continue reading “FMCSA Upgrades DataQs to Improve Fairness and Accountability”

CVSA’s International Roadcheck 2026: What Motor Carriers Need to Know

Western Truck Insurance

From May 12 to 14, commercial motor carriers across North America will face one of the most concentrated enforcement events of the year: the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) International Roadcheck. The CVSA is a non-profit organization composed of local, state, provincial, territorial, and federal commercial motor vehicle safety officials and industry representatives. This annual … Continue reading “CVSA’s International Roadcheck 2026: What Motor Carriers Need to Know”

Telematics: A Must-Have Tool in Controlling Risk

Western Truck Insurance

Over the last several years, telematics has emerged as a foundational component of fleet risk management. What was once looked at as a tracking tool is now a core component of risk control and a key factor in underwriting outcomes. For fleets operating in today’s environment, where loss severity, litigation, and operational pressures continue to … Continue reading “Telematics: A Must-Have Tool in Controlling Risk”

Defensive Driving Training Part III: Cargo Handling & Security

Western Truck Insurance

A safe transport trip doesn’t end with good driving. It also depends on how the cargo is handled before, during, and after transportation. Defensive driving training should involve teaching truckers the skills to load, secure, and protect cargo in a way that prevents damage, loss, and theft. Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can compromise vehicle … Continue reading “Defensive Driving Training Part III: Cargo Handling & Security”

Defensive Driving Training Part II: Regulatory Compliance for Truckers

Western Truck Insurance

In addition to mastering safe driving skills, professional truck drivers must navigate a complex web of regulations designed to protect drivers, the public, and the integrity of the transportation industry. Defensive driving training should go beyond behind-the-wheel skills to include a strong foundation in regulatory compliance. In the following article of our “Defensive Driving” series, … Continue reading “Defensive Driving Training Part II: Regulatory Compliance for Truckers”

FMCSA Releases New Guidance Enforcing English Proficiency

Western Truck Insurance

In late May, at a trucking event in Austin, Texas, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy signed an order introducing updated enforcement measures to bolster compliance with English language requirements for commercial truck drivers. Under the new directive, commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers who do not meet the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s … Continue reading “FMCSA Releases New Guidance Enforcing English Proficiency”

California’s AB 5 Independent Contractor Rule Upheld by Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals

Western Truck Insurance

California’s AB 5 legislation requires applying the “ABC test” to determine if workers in the state are employees or independent contractors for purposes of the Labor Code. Under the ABC test, a worker is considered an employee and not an independent contractor unless the hiring entity satisfies all three of the following conditions: Free from … Continue reading “California’s AB 5 Independent Contractor Rule Upheld by Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals”

The Road Ahead with AI and Telematics in Trucking Insurance

Western Truck Insurance

The trucking industry is increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) and telematics to help manage risk and reduce Liability insurance costs. AI-driven telematics tracks trucks and other assets using GPS technology and onboard diagnostics (OBD) to plot their movements on a digital map. The data can reveal key insights, including speeding incidents, hard braking and sudden … Continue reading “The Road Ahead with AI and Telematics in Trucking Insurance”

The Road Ahead: Top Trucking Issues in California

Western Truck Insurance

The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) covered several of the top issues facing the trucking industry in California, from strict environmental regulations to driver shortages and rising operation costs. Following is an overview of some of these issues. California’s Environment Policies One of the most pressing concerns for California’s trucking sector is the state’s environmental … Continue reading “The Road Ahead: Top Trucking Issues in California”