truck insurance Archives

The Best Things for Truck Drivers to Do on Their Breaks

March 19, 2019January 2, 2021Bob Holtzman

It’s not surprising to say that truck drivers spend a lot of time behind the wheel and feel the effects of long hauls and time away from home. Some spend up to 80 hours a week hauling freight from here to there by getting up early to beat the sun and get a head start on the road. So, it’s also easy to say that trucking professional value their breaks.

But with all that time on the road they may feel drained and not encouraged to do more than rest up, which is probably the most important thing in terms of driver health. In fact, truck insurance plans have been accessed by companies needing financial support following incidents related to driver health.

It should also be encouraged that drivers find a nice middle ground and stay active by keeping the mind and body as active as possible. Here are some of the different ways in which truck drivers can make the most of their breaks while still sticking to a schedule.

Yoga and Fitness

When it comes to the body, pulling long hauls can be taxing. Back stiffness, leg soreness and more issues can arise over time and take a toll on a trucker’s overall health. One way this can be alleviated is to swan dive into a daily dose of downward dog. Even 10 minutes of stretching and challenging your body to try new stretch positions can help to increase flexibility, bone density and breathing ability. Drivers should be encouraged to take 10-15 minutes a day to try yoga and make sure they’re as loose as possible, especially in between long stops.

Another way to keep as fit as possible is to incorporate other fitness options. While it may not be possible to haul your own weightlifting equipment there are things like less-heavy dumbbells you can store aboard. If you’re wanting to stay away from bulking up there are cardio-based workouts that can boost a healthy heart, such as running, long walks, and high intensity interval training workouts that are short and impactful.

Staying Knowledgeable

Thirty minutes of rest time can also be 30 minutes of study time or getting in touch with the latest news. Taking even a short break to get plugged in to learning about a new subject or getting up to date on things going on in sports or political news can help to keep the mind moving.

Have you been pushing off reading that spy thriller or latest issue of a favorite magazine? This is the perfect time to read up and stay informed.

Healthy Eating

Eating options while on the road aren’t always the healthiest and with limited time to rest getting something quick and easy may be the only choice. But drivers can also find ways to incorporate healthy eating with limited time and resources.

Drivers can get access to ideas on quick, easy-to-prepare meals that they can make right in their cabins. Limited time doesn’t have to translate to only things like fast food or fatty snacks. From fruits to smoothies, nuts to easy salads, truck drivers can learn take their breaks to learn how to cook some new meals.

About Western Truck Insurance Services

Western Truck Insurance Services is a commercial truck insurance agency with roots dating back to 1954. We have evolved into a highly respected, professionally managed, truck and transportation insurance brokerage. The hallmark of our organization is our desire to provide unparalleled service. We go way beyond what you expect to receive from an insurance brokerage. Equipped with state of the art automation, Western Truck Insurance can provide you with lightning fast truck insurance quotes, customer service, Insurance certificates and coverage changes.

Why It’s Important for Truck Drivers to Have Roadside Assistance Coverage

March 12, 2019January 2, 2021Bob Holtzman

One of the worst situations a trucking professional can be in is being stranded on the side of the road without help coming their way. It’s even worse when a tire fails or an engine burns out while hauling across the country and having to pull over in the middle of nowhere.

Trucking companies and their drivers need to know the risk of operating without specialized commercial truck insurance programs, such as roadside assistance. Having a 24-hour roadside assistance plan covering your vehicles while they’re on the road will add peace of mind and a comprehensive solution to keeping everything safe. From towing to flat tires, mobile mechanic service to a simple jump start, commercial truck roadside assistance is a must-have for trucking companies.

No one can predict when something will go awry while behind the wheel. If you find yourself stuck on the side of the road with no help coming there’s probably a lot to consider. Will you get to your pickup spot on time? Will you be able to drop off in time? What about the cargo you’re hauling—is it something that needs to be kept at a certain temperature?

There are so many factors to consider when it comes to having roadside assistance. Even just being stranded can be a taxing on a truck driver as it keeps them away from home as well as putting their job in possible jeopardy.

What Our Roadside Assistance Can Do For Your Operation

Western Truck Insurance offers commercial truck insurance with roadside assistance services that can help to answer the call when something doesn’t go according to plan. This is a great and inexpensive service that won’t be taxing on your company’s budget and will help to keep everything moving without having to worry about forking over too much. Here are some of the benefits you get with roadside assistance:

Unlimited Roadside Assistance
Towing – up to 50 miles per disablement
Flat Tire Assistance
Tire Replacement Assistance – up to $100 per disablement
Mobile Mechanic Service
Vehicle Winching / Extricating
Custom Trip Routing / Navigation Assistance
Vehicle Jump start
Hotel and Travel Discounts
Oil, Fluid and Water Delivery Service
Lockout / Replacement Key Services – up to $100
Fuel Delivery Service – up to 30 gallons of fuel
Concierge Service – restaurants, lodging, truck stops, fuel stops, etc.
Road America’s Savings Connection Program – save on prescriptions, car rentals, theme parks and more

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What Additional Coverages Do Couriers Need?

February 26, 2019January 2, 2021Bob Holtzman

On-demand food and package delivery has seen a huge rise in engagement in the last couple of years, with options like Amazon Prime, Uber Eats and GrubHub taking over space on the phones of consumers. While this is great for people who want their orders delivered on time, this is causing those companies to find new employees to meet the high and growing demand.

This growing market is also bringing to light another major issue: liabilities. And this isn’t just for food delivery or small packages—it’s also for independent contractors who haul mid-sized to large orders. Who’s at risk and for what, and what can be covered? These are some questions that independent couriers have to ask and find answers for taking on new work.

Different Types of Insurance

Courier businesses who use five or fewer vehicles will need to take on courier insurance. This is similar to truck insurance for trucking operations, but with a very specific bend. For larger operations more than five vehicles, there can be an option for something called van and fleet insurance. And independent couriers who drive freight trucks can look into specific protection under truck insurance policies as notes above.

Some courier insurance policies can be combined with additional extra protections such as breakdown and accident recovery and protected no-claims discounts. Couriers should take time to think about what exactly they need covered and what sorts of premiums and excess they would be willing to pay for. For courier fleet insurance, courier businesses can find protection that allows the owners to change the vehicles they cover through time.

Independent couriers operate in a wide range of areas with differing circumstances, so it’s important to find a tailor-fit protection plan that will cover all your unique needs.

What Exactly Does Courier Insurance Cover?

Like truck insurance, courier insurance can offer a wide range of protection for couriers. A basic courier insurance policy covers damage to goods being delivered, loss of goods being delivered, and damage to a vehicle in the event that an accident happens during delivery, which can always happen.

Courier insurance is frequently sold as a package with coverage that apply to your business operations. It’s important to know what is covered and what needs to be supplemented in order to receive the best, full-scale coverage so you are financially protected in the event of a loss.

More specifically, there are a few levels of courier insurance that include:

Third-party only (TPO): A basic type of insurance coverage as required by the law. Third party only (PTO) covers third-party liabilities in case an accident happens.
Third party fire & theft (TPFT): This is a middle of the road-type insurance that covers liabilities as well as fire and theft that could happen on vehicles.
Comprehensive courier insurance: This kind of insurance covers all basic elements, fire, theft as well as the vehicles in question.

About Western Truck Insurance Services

What Are the Most Common Causes of Truck Breakdowns?

February 19, 2019January 2, 2021Bob Holtzman

If you’re on a family trip and your car pops a tire, it may be unfortunate and a little stressful, but it’s a relatively easy fix. If the family van breaks down, again, very unfortunate, but a tow truck can come out. But what if it’s you’re truck that’s hauling loads of cargo and you’re in the middle of a desert highway? This is the situation all trucking professionals dread.

Sometimes, even the most seasoned truck driver may be stuck on the side of the road with a major issue. While some truck breakdowns may be caused by mechanical errors, many of the common reasons for trouble can be caught early and even prevented. Here are some ideas as to what could be causing unwanted breakdowns.

Tire Trouble

When it comes to physical issues with your truck, tires are typically considered to be the most important components of any vehicle. A simple flat really isn’t that simple and can sideline a truck for hours. Tires are the leading cause of truck problems for drivers, making up around 50 percent of all roadside failures. These failures are related to under inflation, low tread depth or misaligned axles. Always make sure to have each of your tires inspected thoroughly before you hit the road and look for those issues.

Electrical System

This mechanical part of a truck can cause some serious issues down the road—literally. This system is made up primarily of the starter motor, alternator and battery. If even just one of these components fails to function properly, your truck can’t continue on. Signs of a malfunctioning system include things like dead batteries, dim or flickering lights, unusual smells and clicking sounds when the engine starts up.

Refrigerated Trailers

These trailers are important for hauling temperature-controlled freight, such as food and medicine. When this kind of trailer breaks down, repairs are needed quickly so the load that is being hauled is not damaged, because this could turn into a major financial issue. To avoid this, it’s important to monitor the trailer during transit and look for any in-cab signals that indicate the unit is not working the way it should. To protect against loss, trucking professionals should also haul truck insurance.

Truck insurance can come in many forms including commercial truck roadside assistance, which can provide the right coverage when your semi is stuck on the side of the road for a myriad of reasons. Truck insurance will not only provide things like towing and roadside repair, but it can also provide financial protection in the event of a loss.

Brakes

Brake-related problems can lead to major accidents on the road and can involve passenger vehicles as well. A truck’s disc and drum brakes are exposed to consistent heat, pressure and friction, which means they wear down without the right maintenance.

Brake issues are usually related to things like air leaks, external corrosion and wear, and internal water contamination that causes airline freezing during the colder months.

About Western Truck Insurance Services

Western Truck Insurance Services is a commercial truck insurance agency with roots dating back to 1954. We have evolved into a highly respected, professionally managed, truck and transportation insurance brokerage. The hallmark of our organization is our desire to provide unparalleled service. We go way beyond what you expect to receive from an insurance brokerage. Equipped with state-of-the-art automation, Western Truck Insurance can provide you with lightning fast truck insurance quotes, customer service, Insurance certificates and coverage changes.

The Key Differences Between General Liability Insurance and Truck Liability Insurance Coverage

February 12, 2019January 2, 2021Bob Holtzman

General liability insurance and specialized commercial truck insurance may sound like they are one and the same, or interchangeable, but there are some key differences that can be addressed to clear up confusion. The main thing to know is that a general liability policy is not be enough to cover a trucking operation that wants to protect their company from costly bills and reputational damage.

To better understand the right option for your trucking operation, let’s go over a few key comparisons that can help you make the right coverage decision depending on your needs.

Overview

For general liability insurance, the name itself should be an indicator as to its coverage and extent. This kind of coverage pertains to very broad third-party liability coverage not related to automobiles or trucks. Protection for injuries or property damage, such as injuries sustained while on company premises, are the types of things this kind of coverage is made for.

Truck (auto) liability insurance is meant to zero-in on the use of, and third party liability for, trucks and their operations. This kind of protection is a requirement and is usually the costliest type of insurance.Truck liability insurance protects for property damage or injuries to other people as a result of truck accidents and is required by State and Federal agencies.

Policy Limits

For Commercial General Liability insurance, policy limits are usually issued at $1,000,000 per any one occurrence and $2,000,000 in aggregate for the policy for one year. Of course, higher limits can be set depending on your operation and needs.

Truck liability insurance is generally issued at limits of $750,000 per any one occurrence which is the limit set by US DoT for trucks having a GVW over 10,000 lbs. Most trucking companies are carrying $1,000,000 limits of coverage and the recent trend is to get higher limits. For those vehicles under 10,000 GVW, or not subject to Federal DOT requirements, lower limits may be obtained. Your insurance broker can verify the requirements you are subject to.

Additional Considerations

When it comes to truck liability insurance, various policy endorsements are available. Some additional coverage to keep in mind include pollution liability, Federal MCS90 and State form endorsements that extend coverage to regulatory agencies.

Additional broader forms are available where the policy can be issued on an “any auto,” basis, or issued with Hired and/or Non-Owned Autos which further protects the trucking company from other liability they may have on vehicles they do not own.

Regardless of all the moving parts that need to be taken into consideration, consulting with your commercial truck insurance representative is always a good rule of thumb to follow to get accurate pricing and coverage options.

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How to Stay Safe When Cooking in a Truck

January 22, 2019January 2, 2021Bob Holtzman

For long-haul trucking professionals, finding time to stop and eat can sometimes be an issue. Schedules have to be kept and sometimes sacrificing a sit-down meal may be the only option to save time. But when time does allow for a meal and a break, it’s easy to head into the truck stop or a nearby diner and go for something easy and probably unhealthy.

In fact, eating healthy on the road can be tough for truck drivers, leading to major concerns in the health field. Approximately 33% of Americans classify as overweight, but nearly 86% of the 3.2 million trucking professionals on the road fall under that category. That’s why it’s important for truck drivers to be diligent about not only what they’re eating, but how they’re preparing meals. Cooking safety on the road is important and should be practiced. Here are some ideas on how to follow that.

Healthy Eating Ideas

If you’re in a hurry on the road, setting aside time to eat healthy may be hard to come by. The lure of fast food or truck stop snacking can be strong, which can take a toll on your bank account and your health. But taking small steps to eat more consciously while on the road can make a big difference in those areas.

Have a well-stocked cab with healthy snacks to minimize the need to grab fast food on the go. When hunger settles in, healthy eating items like fruit, granola bars, nuts, and individual snack packs like peanut butter and crackers can help to keep things light and easy. If your cab has a portable refrigerator, try packing Greek yogurt, vegetables, and string cheese inside.

Cooking Safety and Storage

Fortunately, trucking professionals have plenty of options to keep food preparation safe while on the road. Mini-appliances can fit inside a sleeper cab and run off batteries. Drinks can be kept cool with a 12-V cooler during warmer months, microwaves can warm up meals, and coffee makers can be stored for early morning cups of coffee. Altogether, these items can help to cut down on costs.

For more intricate meals, slow cookers can be utilized, creating homecooked meals away from home. But while slow cooker meals can take a little more care to prepare, they can be made easily, even while behind the wheel.

Truck drivers should stay away from using a propane stove inside their cab as carbon monoxide can fill the air and cause major health problems. Also, electric frying pans can be used, but along with small grills during overnight breaks and afternoon stops.

What you have to be aware of is keeping away from open flames as well as any gases on the inside of your cab. Have the urge to grill? This can only be done outside, of course, and when you have time to make a stop and enjoy time preparing and cooking.

Insuring Drivers’ Safety

Trucking companies should enforce specific and strict safety guidelines for their employees. Truck insurance can help to protect truck companies in the event of an accident, even those including food-related injuries. While things like overeating and weight issues can’t be covered, injuries related to cooking preparation may be brought up as claims. It’s important for drivers to follow installed guidelines to ensure their safety.

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When Do Trucking Operations Need Occupational Accident Insurance?

December 26, 2018January 2, 2021Bob Holtzman

Those in the trucking industry know that being safe behind the wheel may not always come by easily. There are a number of things to consider when trying to be safe—from weather conditions to other drivers to the truck itself, it’s becoming even more dangerous to get behind the wheel of a truck. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, more than 4,500 people lost their lives as a result of a large truck or bus accident in the United States in a 2016 study, a 5% increase from 2015.

To protect against liabilities, there are different kinds of insurance that can help to keep trucking companies safeguarded from legal issues down the road. Among these truck insurance options is occupational accident insurance. This is similar to workers’ compensation, but has some specific parts that keep it separated. Let’s look at why you’d need this kind of truck insurance.

Occupational Accident Insurance

This kind of truck insurance provides benefits similar to workers’ compensation, but is specifically designed for independent contractors/owner operators. Since independent contractors aren’t technically on the payroll as employees, trucking companies aren’t bound by law to pay for their medical, disability, death, or dismemberment benefits in the same fashion that they would have to for a hired employee. If a trucking company hires an independent contractor for a job or set of jobs and that contractor is hurt, this is when occupational accident truck insurance would step in instead of workers’ comp.

Independent contractors hurt on the job still need help paying for hospital bills and can sue a trucking company claiming they legally are deserving of compensation. This kind of coverage doesn’t automatically cover the same statutory limits that workers’ comp does, but it’s an effective alternative, in essence. Most carriers usually purchase smaller workers’ comp packages to cover hired employees and add occupational accident truck insurance policies to cover contract drivers.

Know Your State Laws

There are some states in which trucking companies are allowed to cover their workers’ comp obligations through an OCC policy and some don’t. Almost every state has their own fine details when it comes to the wording of their requirements, so it’s important for trucking companies to look into what is needed to be done.

In Texas, trucking companies can be more flexible about allowing for occupational accident insurance rather than workers’ compensation. However, in California, where workers’ compensation is largely unaffordable by typical standards, most motor carriers have to rely on state funds for coverage. Regardless of your location, it pays to be diligent about the kind of insurance that is needed to keep your operations safe against legal risks.

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How Trucking Operations Can Protect Their Drivers’ Mental Health

December 18, 2018January 2, 2021Bob Holtzman

While it’s important for trucking professionals to do their job well, including getting every haul to its destination on time and taking care of their payload to the utmost, it’s also important for drivers to take care of their self, just like how trucking companies can take care of their operations with truck insurance.

Driving for long hours alone on the road can take a toll on drivers’ mental and physical outlines, so knowing how you can take better care on the road is key. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, more than one million truck drivers in the United States will be involved in serious road accidents at some point in their careers, opening the door for post-traumatic stress.

Trucking companies can take care of their employees by offering suggestions to keep their minds sharp and spirits lifted. Here are some suggestions:

Consider a Travel Companion

If it’s allowed, truck drivers can consider bringing on a co-pilot for long hauls. This will help beat road isolation that becomes a common threat for drivers. From spouses to friends, fellow drivers or even dogs, having someone in the passenger seat can help keep spirits up, especially for bigger projects.

Keep a Strong Network

During taking breaks on the road, drivers should check in with loved ones or even support groups back home. The good news is there are so many different ways to stay connected. Social media, video calling, text, email–drivers have so many options to keep in touch. Even a quick chat between stops can make a big difference.

Have a Routine

Sometimes it actually backfires to have the same routine every day. But for drivers it can give them something to look forward to. From waking up at certain times to having morning rituals, like a stretch session or going on a run before getting the day started, drivers should make an effort to have some consistency every day. After the day gets going, drivers can add some variety to their days by looking forward to checking in with family and friends, posting on social media or even listening to podcasts.

Keep Fit

Spending long hours behind the wheel can also be hard on the body; back stiffness and leg problems are the most prevalent. That’s why making small efforts to keep fit on a schedule can make a big difference. Not only will staying active be helpful to the body, it can also be good for the mind and soul by adding confidence and helping with sleep. From light jogs to yoga to high-intensity interval training, drivers can help keep their mind and body in shape.

Bring Some Comforts From Home

While truck cabs may not be a good replacement for your living room back home, they can still stand in as great reminders of what’s waiting for you. Bring photos and small decorations to remind you of home and family or even just your favorite spots back in your hometown, like restaurants and sports venues.

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How to Recruit Truck Drivers During the Labor Shortage

November 20, 2018January 2, 2021Bob Holtzman

The truck driver shortage has spread to the level of an epidemic in the United States as trucking companies are trying to find new ways to hire a new wave of drivers. Currently, about 51,000 drivers are still needed to fill empty driving roles, according to recent data. But with the trajectory of those statistics, the need will balloon to 175,000 by the year 2024. What’s more, the average age of a trucking professional hovers around 50 years old, with many approaching retirement, and technology has changed the landscape as well.

The trucking industry has been quietly changing for years with technological advances and the overall shift in American commerce. Consumers are ordering online at a higher rate and companies like Amazon are developing their own in-house trucking components. And on the tech side of things, companies like Uber and Tesla are already testing out their own self-driving trucking units. Given these tough facts, how are these trucking companies going to fill the massive gaps left by aged-out drivers and new automations?

Finding New Ways to Hire Drivers

Given the fact that truck drivers today will be phasing out in the coming years, trucking companies are needing to look at younger professionals to fill their seats. This can be a blessing in disguise as Millennial targets (those born between 1980 and 1998) are more prone to look at the role technology plays in their career path. Trucking firms that recognize the potential behind Millennial drivers can find successful and creative ways to recruit. Here are some to consider:

Social Media: No, your company doesn’t have to invest in augmented reality technology and try to keep up with trendy filters, but using social media as a recruiting platform has now become natural. One of the strongest options to entice recruits is to utilize Facebook, which now has a heavy emphasis on videos and live streams. Video ads and digital content outperform print ads, grabbing attentions and opening up plenty of storytelling opportunities.
Mobile Job Applications: The application process is now catering to an audience that wants things simplified. Who wants to continue to scroll on a desktop when all they want to do is throw their hat in the ring for a job? Offering streamlined, efficient and mobile-friendly applications will make this part of the process simple and to the point.
Promote Benefits: It would behoove trucking companies to tout their benefits and wellness programs. The trucking profession can be looked at as detrimental to a driver’s physical health, but companies are now investing in wellness benefits. Just like Truck Insurance is important for a company to have to protect its own well-being, it should be offering better benefits to cater to a new batch of drivers who are looking for long-term careers.
Work-Life Balance: Obviously, this is a big one. The idea around the trucking industry is that drivers are on the road, away from their homes and families, and missing out on living their lives. Having more time off and flexible schedules are great ways to improve the lifestyle of the truck driver. Also, trucking firms can use intermodal solutions to keep more drivers local and offer things like Wi-Fi in their trucks so they can stay in touch with their families while on the road.

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The Best Practices of Efficient Trucking Operations

November 6, 2018January 2, 2021Bob Holtzman

Running a trucking company comes with its challenges, that much is true. But trucking operations owners can invest in a series of best practices to make daily operations smoother and more efficient.

From keeping vehicles and drivers safe to saving money and looking out for your bottom line, emphasizing a focus on efficiency in your company’s blueprint is an effective overall plan. Here are some best practices to consider when wanting to create and run on an atmosphere of efficiency.

Improving Safety

Safety should be the top priority of every trucking company. It’s important to keep vehicles maintained regularly, educate your employees on driver safety, and keep your truck insurance policy updated. Commercial truck insurance is specifically tailored to your trucking company’s needs and can dive into things like trailers, pollution and in general cover repairs and replacements of parts and trucks.

Trucking companies should stress the importance of having safe operational trucks that employees use daily. And with a new wave of self-driving trucking technology stepping into the big rig world, companies that are adapting have a lot more to worry about in terms of safety. Improving safety in trucking goes together with solid operation conditions and training for drivers. Trucking owners should also arrange safety programs and schedule regular meetings on refreshing everyone’s mind on driver safety.

Maintenance

As mentioned in the section above, it’s important to have vehicles routinely worked on to ensure overall operational safety. But beyond safety, vehicles can also be optimized to keep efficiency a priority. Tire pressure is always an issue with fuel consumption, especially when it comes to large commercial fleets driving from highway to highway.

Trucks should have regularly scheduled tire pressure checks as well as once-overs of assessing the integrity of axle alignment. Maintenance is a broad term when it comes to commercial trucking operations, but what’s important is to understand the frequency in which truck safety should be established through assessments.

Load Management Optimizations

Trucks can cut down on overall operations costs by maximizing the best potential load. Trucking companies should require packing and loading their trucks to as close to capacity as possible, especially when it comes to short-distance deliveries.

Trucking operations should try their best to keep away from running an empty load when picking up another load. There is software that is specifically outfitted to optimize pickup and delivery routes, whether it’s distance or vehicle capacity.

Optimizing Routes

The same software that helps boost more efficient loads can also do the same for travel routes. The goal is to select the most fuel-efficient and time-efficient routes, which may not be the shortest distances. Companies should consider factors such as speed limits, traffic signals, regular traffic levels in certain areas, and other times where trucks are stopped.

One way trucking operation companies can help themselves when it comes to planning routes is to make running lists of notes related to things like hazardous materials routes, preferred routes, and construction zones that are all need-to-know pieces of information.