The Importance of Small Trucking Fleets in Freight Transportation

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 transport our goods.

Regional and Local Specialization

Small trucking fleets are frequently family-owned businesses that specialize in serving certain regions or localities. They are well versed in local roads, routes, and customer requirements, allowing them to provide effective and timely delivery services. Their local presence helps get freight to destinations that larger carriers may find difficult to reach.

Nimble

Small trucking fleets can respond quickly to changes in demand, adjust routes, and meet unique customer needs. This adaptability allows them to deliver tailored and customized services, which is very useful for organizations with specialized shipping requirements.

Wide Range of Service Offerings

Small trucking fleets frequently provide services beyond freight transportation. They may offer specialist services such as last-mile delivery, refrigerated transport, or other industry-specific services. These services meet the unique demands of organizations in a variety of industries, helping to improve the supply chain’s overall efficiency.

Job Creators

Small trucking operations support local economies by creating jobs. They frequently hire drivers, mechanics, dispatchers, and administrative personnel from the neighboring communities, thereby promoting job prospects and economic growth. They also help to grow auxiliary sectors like truck maintenance and repair, fuel providers, and truck equipment makers.

Challenges for Small Trucking Fleets

Small trucking fleets have unique challenges such as limited resources and access to capital. They are concerned with maintaining a profitable business within the constraints of their financial resources, making it more challenging to deal with the industry’s volatility caused by external factors such as higher fuel prices, freight rates, and supply chain disruptions. With limited resources, small trucking fleets may also find it challenging to keep track of everything involved in fleet equipment, employees, booked revenue, and utilizing the most profitable routes.

Implementing an automated system that centralizes fleet, trip, and financial data supported by communication channels that keep drivers and dispatchers in sync can be a valuable investment for a small trucking company. It can help facilitate more on-time deliveries, improve client satisfaction, and establish a competitive edge in the marketplace.

About Western Truck Insurance Services

Western Truck Insurance Services is an insurance brokerage specializing in commercial truck insurance. We know this stuff and want to make sure you do too. Our clients appreciate our dedication to finding competitive rates and offering unparalleled service beyond excellent insurance options. They also value how our state-of-the-art automation provides lightning-fast truck insurance quotes, customer service, insurance certificates, and coverage changes. Contact us today at (800) 937-8785 to learn more.

The Benefits of Sponsoring an Occupational Accident Program for Motor Carriers

An Occupational Accident Program (OAP) provides a level of financial protection and support in the event of work-related accidents or injuries for independent contractors or owner-operators who may not be covered by traditional Workers’ Compensation insurance. It is commonly used in industries where independent contractors are prevalent, such as trucking and transportation, and is typically sponsored by a motor carrier.

An OAP may include the following:

  • Medical Expense Coverage: Helps reimburse medical expenses for work-related injuries or illnesses and may include coverage for the costs of hospital visits, surgeries, doctor consultations, prescription medications, and rehabilitation services.
  • Disability Benefits: Helps compensate for lost income during a temporary or permanent disability resulting from a covered accident or injury. These benefits can help contractors manage their financial obligations while they are unable to work.
  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Benefits: In the unfortunate event of a contractor’s death or the loss of a limb or sight due to a covered accident, the program may offer AD&D benefits to the designated beneficiaries or the affected contractor.

Why Sponsor an OAP?

Sponsoring an OAP as a motor carrier can deliver several benefits that make it a valuable investment. Here are some key reasons why a motor carrier should think about sponsoring such a program:

  • Protection for Independent Contractors: By offering an OAP, motor carriers can attract and retain independent contractors by providing them with a level of protection in the event of work-related accidents or injuries. In addition, an OAP can help differentiate motor carriers from their competitors. It demonstrates that the motor carrier is invested in the overall welfare and protection of its independent contractors. This can be a significant selling point when recruiting and retaining skilled independent contractors.
  • Reduced Exposure: An injured independent contractor can file a claim against the motor carrier’s Workers’ Compensation policy as an uninsured subcontractor. With an OAP, this exposure is minimized.
  • Cost Control: OAPs allow motor carriers greater control over their insurance costs. Instead of depending solely on Workers’ Compensation insurance, motor carriers can design customized programs with specific coverage limits and deductibles that suit their financial capabilities and risk appetite.
  • Coverage Flexibility: OAPs offer flexibility in coverage options. Motor carriers can tailor the program to meet their specific needs and the needs of their independent contractors.
  • Claims Management: Motor carriers have control over the claims management process with an OAP. They can work closely with their insurance provider to ensure claims are handled efficiently and in line with their policies. This can help expedite the claims process, reduce administrative burdens, and maintain a positive relationship with independent contractors.
  • Enhanced Safety Culture: The motor carrier, in sponsoring an OAP, can help foster a safety culture within the organization by encouraging independent contractors to prioritize safety practices and adhere to established guidelines. This proactive approach can lead to a reduction in accidents, injuries, and associated costs.

About Western Truck Insurance Services

Western Truck Insurance Services is an insurance brokerage specializing in commercial truck insurance. We know this stuff and want to make sure you do too. Our clients appreciate our dedication to finding competitive rates and offering unparalleled service beyond excellent insurance options. They also value how our state-of-the-art automation provides lightning-fast truck insurance quotes, customer service, insurance certificates, and coverage changes. Contact us today at (800) 937-8785 to learn more.

The Importance of On-Time Insurance Payments

Late insurance payments occur for a number of reasons, including accounting oversights or cashflow issues. However, it’s important to be aware of how late insurance payments can affect your trucking business.

Coverage Gaps

If insurance payments are not made on time, the trucking company’s policy may cancel and lead to a loss of coverage. For example, if a payment for the business’s Trucking Liability policy were missed, the policy canceled, and an accident occurred during the period of lapsed coverage, the firm would be responsible for bearing the full financial burden, including damages, medical expenses, and legal costs. This can be financially devastating for a business. The trucking company’s regulatory filings would also be cancelled, resulting in a suspension of DOT authority as well.

Additional Costs

Late insurance payments can result in additional charges, such as late fees, which can increase the overall cost of insurance coverage. These extra expenses can eat into the business’s profits and make it more challenging to maintain financial stability.

Underwriting Issues with Policy Cancellations and Reinstatements 

Insurance underwriters closely examine the payment history and financial stability of a business during the underwriting process. Policy cancellations/reinstatements due to late payments may raise red flags and prompt underwriters to scrutinize the business’s financial situation more thoroughly. This can lead to additional requirements, such as increased down payments or deductibles and/or additional documentation to demonstrate the business’s financial viability.  All of the above will affect the price of the insurance quoted, if quoted at all.

Legal Consequences

Operating a trucking business without insurance coverage is illegal in most jurisdictions. If a trucking company is caught operating without insurance due to late payments, it can face legal consequences, including fines, penalties, or even license suspension. This can seriously disrupt the business’s operations and tarnish its reputation.

Difficulty in Securing Contracts

Many customers, especially larger corporations, require proof of insurance coverage before entering into contracts or agreements with trucking companies. Late payments and lapses in coverage can create doubts about the reliability and financial stability of the trucking business, making it harder to secure contracts and potentially leading to a loss of business opportunities.

Impact on Credit Rating

Late insurance payments may negatively impact the trucking company’s credit rating. This can make it more difficult to secure favorable terms for loans, leases, or other financial agreements in the future, limiting the business’s ability to invest in new vehicles, equipment, or expansion.

It is crucial for a trucking business to prioritize timely insurance payments to ensure continuous coverage. These payments need to be top priority.

About Western Truck Insurance Services

Western Truck Insurance Services is an insurance brokerage specializing in commercial truck insurance. We know this stuff and want to make sure you do too. Our clients appreciate our dedication to finding competitive rates and offering unparalleled service beyond excellent insurance options. They also value how our state-of-the-art automation provides lightning-fast truck insurance quotes, customer service, insurance certificates, and coverage changes. Contact us today at (800) 937-8785 to learn more.

 

Why Proper Training of Truck Drivers Is Critical

Driver training is critical for trucking companies to ensure safety, regulatory compliance, efficient operations, cargo protection, and risk management.

Trucking companies have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their drivers, other road users, and the cargo they transport. Proper driver training in tractor-trailers plays a crucial role in promoting safe driving practices, teaching defensive driving techniques, and raising awareness about potential hazards on the road. Drivers learn how to handle various driving conditions, for example, such as different road types, weather conditions, and traffic situations. They’re also trained on lane positioning, speed management, merging, safe passing, and anticipating potential risks.

Well-trained drivers are more likely to make informed decisions, handle challenging situations effectively, and minimize the risk of accidents.

In addition, the trucking industry is subject to various regulations and compliance requirements, such as hours-of-service rules, weight restrictions, and vehicle inspection standards. Driver training helps drivers understand and comply with these regulations, ensuring that the company operates within the legal framework. Non-compliance can result in fines, penalties, and reputational damage for the trucking company.

Well-trained drivers are also more efficient and productive. They understand how to properly operate and maintain the vehicles, reducing the likelihood of breakdowns or mechanical issues. Additionally, driver training can teach fuel-efficient driving techniques, optimizing fuel consumption and reducing operating costs for the company.

The safe delivery of cargo is of utmost importance for the success of any trucking company. Driver training focuses on teaching proper cargo handling and securement techniques, ensuring that the load is protected during transit. This reduces the risk of damage, loss, or liability claims associated with improperly secured cargo.

Risk Management and Insurance

Trucking companies often face significant risks related to accidents and liability claims. Implementing comprehensive driver training programs can help mitigate these risks by promoting safe driving practices and reducing the likelihood of accidents. This can lead to improved insurance rates and better coverage options for a trucking company. In fact, the majority of insurers require a minimum of two years of experience with tractor-trailers before they will consider adding a driver to a policy.

Additionally, proper driving training can play a game-changing role in the outcome of an accident involving a tractor/trailer. If a plaintiff in the course of a lawsuit can show an inexperienced or unskilled driver was placed on the road jeopardizing the public and contributing to the accident, this will help establish the motor carrier’s negligence in failing in its duty to properly train the driver.

About Western Truck Insurance Services

Western Truck Insurance Services is an insurance brokerage specializing in commercial truck insurance. We know this stuff and want to make sure you do too. Our clients appreciate our dedication to finding competitive rates and offering unparalleled service beyond excellent insurance options. They also value how our state-of-the-art automation provides lightning-fast truck insurance quotes, customer service, insurance certificates, and coverage changes. Contact us today at (800) 937-8785 to learn more.

Lawmakers Looking to Get the Younger Generation Behind the Wheel

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 and train new drivers.

The program was started to help address the truck driver shortage in our country. The trucking industry is currently facing a shortage of more than 78,000 truck drivers coupled with a need to hire 1.2 million new drivers over the next decade to meet increasing freight demands, according to the American Trucking Associations (ATA).

Under the SDAP, a maximum of 3,000 drivers can participate in the program at any one time; however, there have been fewer than a dozen enrollees. The program’s failure is because of extra requirements by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) that were not included in the original law.

Bill Introduced to Get Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program on Track

To help get SDAP back on track, Congressmen Rick Crawford (R-Arkansas) and Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) urged the DOT to take corrective actions that would improve participation in the SDAP and required DOT to provide Congress detailed reports on SDAP’s status and corrective actions taken to improve participation.

These changes directs the Secretary of Transportation to move forward with regulations to allow 18- to 20-year-old commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers to operate across state lines if the data does not demonstrate that those in the IIJA pilot program drive less safely than other CMV drivers.

“Building a 21st century supply chain requires a strong, vibrant, and growing trucking workforce,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. This update will bolster new career pathways into interstate trucking while promoting safety and training standards that far exceed the bar set by states today. Congressmen Crawford and Cuellar’s efforts offer a timely and essential trucking workforce and supply chain solution, built off years of broad bipartisan Congressional support. By directing DOT to steer the Program back to the course Congress originally intended, and providing a path forward to a new trucking workforce to safely enter the industry, this bill will ensure that trucking has the talent it needs to meet the economy’s growing freight demands in the years to come.

About Western Truck Insurance Services

Western Truck Insurance Services is an insurance brokerage specializing in commercial truck insurance. We know this stuff and want to make sure you do too. Our clients appreciate our dedication to finding competitive rates and offering unparalleled service beyond excellent insurance options. They also value how our state-of-the-art automation provides lightning-fast truck insurance quotes, customer service, insurance certificates, and coverage changes. Contact us today at (800) 937-8785 to learn more.

 

FMCSA Proposes Changes to Its Safety Measurement System

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 their safety issues are documented; improve the quality of the data; and help motor carriers better understand their results and how to use them to adopt safer behaviors.

The Safety Measurement System (SMS), the CSA enforcement tool, currently analyzes motor carrier safety data — violations, crashes, and other metrics — to assist in identifying high-risk motor carriers. The proposed CSA changes would not affect the data sources but, rather, how the data are used. According to the FMCSA, some of the revisions include:

  • Move the violations and crashes that fall under what is now called “Basics” to a new set of “Safety Categories.” The categories will include unsafe driving, crash indicator, hours-of-service compliance, vehicle maintenance, hazard material compliance, and driver fitness.
  • Split vehicle maintenance into two categories: (1) “Driver Observed” – what a driver should detect pre- or post-trip and (2) the “Other” category, which will include all vehicle maintenance violations.
  • Reorganize roadside violations. Categorize 973 violations into 116 groups, with each group including violations for similar safety behaviors, to prevent multiple violations cited for a similar underlying issue. For example, if an officer cites a motor carrier during a roadside inspection for two or more violations from the same violation group, it is attributed to the group as a whole and scored only once.
  • Simplify severity weight slimdown to no more than 1 to 10 weighting of violations.
  • Adjust some of the intervention thresholds that identify companies for possible intervention.
  • Use a proportionate percentile for the exact number of inspections and crashes rather than cutoffs in the SMS established by safety event groups. This is designed to have the carrier’s percentile impacted by its events.
  • Update utilization factor from 200,000 to 250,000 vehicle miles traveled (VMT).
  • Segment driver fitness into “straight trucks” and “combination” carriers.

If and when these changes go into effect, it’s important to know what to expect so you understand how these proposed revisions will impact your safety score – up or down. You can visit CSA Prioritization Preview for more information.

About Western Truck Insurance Services

Western Truck Insurance Services is an insurance brokerage specializing in commercial truck insurance. We know this stuff and want to make sure you do too. Our clients appreciate our dedication to finding competitive rates and offering unparalleled service beyond excellent insurance options. They also value how our state-of-the-art automation provides lightning-fast truck insurance quotes, customer service, insurance certificates, and coverage changes. Contact us today at (800) 937-8785 to learn more.

90-Day Truck Inspections: Part II

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 10,000 lbs. or more in California, it must be inspected every 90 days. Known as a BIT (Basic Inspection of Terminals) inspection, it’s essentially the same as DOT’s annual inspection requirements. Even if you lease your trucks, you are responsible for BIT inspections and recordkeeping. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) will ask to see your records for the inspections done by a mechanic during an audit.

What Items Are Inspected?

BIT inspections ensure the safe operation of regulated vehicles by motor carriers. During the 90-day inspection the following items may be inspected:

  • Brake adjustment
  • Brake system components and leaks
  • Steering
  • Suspension
  • Tires and wheel
  • Fuel system
  • Vehicle connecting devices (fifth wheels, kingpins, pintle hooks, etc.)
  • Exhaust system
  • Frame (cross members, fasteners, tire clearance, and slider-rail)
  • Safety Items (triangles, horns, speedometer, seat belt, mirrors, etc.)
  • Lighting devices (tail, brake, back up, license, markers, flashers, etc.)
  • Windshield wipers
  • Ensure proper lubrication
  • Inspect for leaks (oil, grease, coolant)
  • Tread depth is measured and recorded on the report
  • Brake lining is measured and recorded on the report
  • Unit is stickered per state and federal regulations (49 CFR §396.21(a))
  • Report is filled out per state and federal regulations (49 CFR §396.17(c)(2))

Each 90-day inspection report at minimum must include:

  • Identification of the vehicle, including make, model, license number, company vehicle number, or other means of positive identification.
  • Date and nature of each inspection and any repair performed.
  • Signature of the motor carrier’s authorized representative attesting to the inspection and to the completion of all required repairs.

About Western Truck Insurance Services

Western Truck Insurance Services is an insurance brokerage specializing in commercial truck insurance. We know this stuff and want to make sure you do too. Our clients appreciate our dedication to finding competitive rates and offering unparalleled service beyond excellent insurance options. They also value how our state-of-the-art automation provides lightning-fast truck insurance quotes, customer service, insurance certificates, and coverage changes. Contact us today at (800) 937-8785 to learn more.

DOT-Compliant Vehicle Inspections: Part I

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 vehicle used and complete a driver’s vehicle inspection report (DVIR). A DVIR is used to notify a driver’s company about any unsafe or missing equipment on the vehicle. It’s an integral part of a systematic and compliant vehicle maintenance program. Before anyone else can drive the vehicle, the company must repair the defect(s).

Who Is Required to Fill Out a DVIR?

The DVIR rules apply to drivers of commercial trucks (and buses) weighing 10,001 pounds or more.

DVIR Exemptions

Certain types of vehicle operators are exempt from DVIR inspection rules:

  • Driveaway-towaway operations, in which the vehicle or trailer being towed is the commodity being transported
  • Motor carriers with only a single commercial vehicle
  • Private motor carriers that transport passengers but not as a business operation

What Does the DVIR Include?

The DVIR should include the following information:

  • Date
  • Vehicle identity (fleet unit number, license plate number, etc.)
  • Signature of the driver who filled out the form
  • Signature of the mechanic or other person who repaired the vehicle (or decided that repair was not needed)
  • Signature of the next driver of the vehicle to acknowledge that the repair was done or not needed

Vehicle Parts to Include in the Inspection

Each DVIR must include any defects found on the following parts and accessories:

  • Service brakes (including trailer brake connections)
  • Parking (hand) brake
  • Steering system
  • Lights and reflectors
  • Tires, wheels, and rims
  • Horn(s)
  • Windshield wipers
  • Rearview mirrors
  • Coupling devices
  • Emergency equipment (fire extinguisher, reflective triangles, spare fuses)

If a driver or company violates the DVIR rules, the penalties for violations are significant: up to $1,270 per day for failing to complete a DVIR when required, up to $12,700 for falsifying a DVIR to hide a safety defect, and up to $15,420 for failing to repair a reported safety defect.

About Western Truck Insurance Services

Western Truck Insurance Services is an insurance brokerage specializing in commercial truck insurance. We know this stuff and want to make sure you do too. Our clients appreciate our dedication to finding competitive rates and offering unparalleled service beyond excellent insurance options. They also value how our state-of-the-art automation provides lightning-fast truck insurance quotes, customer service, insurance certificates, and coverage changes. Contact us today at (800) 937-8785 to learn more.

 

Tips for Commercial Truck Drivers: Making Safe Right Turns

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 big rig is making the turn. In addition, when there are tight turns (often with obstacles like poles in the way), a commercial truck driver may swing outside the lane – either into the left lane or slightly over the double yellow lines into oncoming traffic – to orchestrate the turn. The swinging turn error may result in a rollover crash when it collides with an oncoming vehicle or a side-swipe of a passenger vehicle caught in the blind spot while attempting to pass.

The safety rules of commercial motor vehicles are clearly outlined, including when making right turns. Here are several driving trips to serve as a reminder for all truckers when making right turns:

  • Know well in advance when you’ll be making a right turn.
  • Give yourself at least 100 feet before the intersection to:
    • Start with the truck and trailer in the right line
    • Activate the right turn signal early to alert other drivers of your intention; don’t cancel the signal until you have completed the turn
    • Check your mirror on the left side for traffic
    • Proceed slowly
  • As you approach the intersection, keep the trailer in the right lane to block the road from cars trying to pass you on the right side as you pull slightly to the left to begin the right turn.
  • Do not swing wide left and cross over dividers. If you have to cross over into the oncoming lane you’re turning into, wait for any vehicles in that lane to pass by.
  • Never back up to complete a turn.

Watch your trailer every time you’re making a turn. The most common mistake new drivers make is forgetting to watch their trailer. If you’re unaware you hit something, like a stop sign, for example, you may be cited by the police for distracted driving and property damage.

About Western Truck Insurance Services

Western Truck Insurance Services is an insurance brokerage specializing in commercial truck insurance. We know this stuff and want to make sure you do too. Our clients appreciate our dedication to finding competitive rates and offering unparalleled service beyond excellent insurance options. They also value how our state-of-the-art automation provides lightning-fast truck insurance quotes, customer service, insurance certificates, and coverage changes. Contact us today at (800) 937-8785 to learn more.

How DOT Inspections Are Used for Insurance Underwriting

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 Underwriting?

There is a great deal of industry and insurance data available to support a strong correlation between safety scores and crash events. In fact, underwriters put as much evaluation weight on safety scores as they do on drivers and loss histories.

Underwriters will look at out-of-service rates (driver, vehicle, hazmat) and compare them with the national average, safety ratings, and the seven basic alerts from FMCSA (unsafe driving, crash indicator, hours-of-service compliance, vehicle maintenance, controlled substances and alcohol, hazardous materials compliance, and driver fitness). If, for example, a trucking company has as few as two out-of-service alerts on its record for the last two years, many insurance companies will decline to quote the account. Others may offer a higher-priced quote that is too expensive for the carrier to pay.

The poorer the roadside DOT inspections, the more likelihood there is for onsite intervention. Not only do poor DOT scores impact insurance, but your trucks will also be stopped more, causing delivery delays.

It’s also important to note that safety scores are admissible in court when there is an accident and subsequent litigation. In addition, settlements and jury awards tend to be higher when safety scores are substandard.

Strategies for DOT Compliance

Following are several strategies to implement to help with DOT inspections and safety scores:

  • Communicate with drivers about the impact of safety scores on your operation
  • Reward drivers for passed inspections (an annual safety bonus, a gift card, and recognition)
  • Discipline drivers for failed inspections
  • Check the Safety Measurement System (SMS) website periodically to review your score
  • Analyze inspections to determine where the majority of issues arise and address them
  • Ensure MCS-150 is filed as required and accurately reflects your account
  • Hire right – view your drivers’ prior inspection history
  • Challenge incorrect inspection results – DATAQ

About Western Truck Insurance Services

Western Truck Insurance Services is an insurance brokerage specializing in commercial truck insurance. We know this stuff and want to make sure you do too. Our clients appreciate our dedication to finding competitive rates and offering unparalleled service beyond excellent insurance options. They also value how our state-of-the-art automation provides lightning-fast truck insurance quotes, customer service, insurance certificates, and coverage changes. Contact us today at (800) 937-8785 to learn more.