Toms Blog

Whether your trucking business is seasoned or a new venture, trucking insurance will be one of your greatest expenses. And unfortunately, rates continue to rise. So, how do you keep your insurance expenses down for the long haul? Here are 5 ways to get the lowest rates on trucking insurance. Maintain Clean Driving Records- Your drivers can make a huge impact on your trucking insurance premiums. Insurance companies know that claim settlements resulting from trucking accidents can be astronomical. Statistically, a driving record with just one traffic violation will lead to an increased probability of claims from accidents. Before hiring a driver, run a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) so you won’t be surprised when your [...]

If you are in the trucking industry or interested in pursuing a career driving a commercial vehicle/truck, you will probably be required to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License, otherwise known as CDL.  As a truck driver, you are in the business of hauling and transporting goods across the United States and while this profession comes with its own share of inherent risks on the roadways, it can be quite profitable.  However, before you get started, you need to find out about CDL license(s) and how to obtain it.    Steps Required to Obtain a CDL License(s)     There are some required steps required to obtain your CDL license; however, keep in mind there are some [...]

A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is a type of driving license required to operate commercial motor vehicles including passenger buses, tractor trailers, and semi-trucks, to name a few.  If you are preparing for a career in the transport business on the road, you are most likely required to obtain your CDL before you can begin.  There are varying types of CDL licenses and categorizations regarding the types of vehicles you are permitted to operate, and they are Class A, Class B, and Class C.  Furthermore, the classifications are determined by the vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) along with other features. As you can imagine, operating commercial motor vehicles requires specialized skills and comes with [...]

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the chief federal government agency that focuses on and regulates transportation in the United States.  Their mission emphasizes safety on the roadways involving commercial trucking companies, commercial motor vehicles, buses and those driving with a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License).  Part of the FMCSA’s job includes overseeing, handling, and providing the information in Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER). Hence, the basic correlation between SAFER and FMCSA. The material available in SAFER’s links comes from data that is founded and provided by the FMCSA and typically include the following areas for review when providing insurance: Licensing and Insurance- The Licensing and Insurance links have information from the OP1 [...]

While there are many perks of using flatbed trucks and trailers (no special constrictions, easy access, easy to secure cargo as opposed to securing cargo in a four-walled truck) there are just as many inherent risks involved that need to be addressed when considering the insurance protection you need.  Find out what you should know about insuring flatbed trucks and trailers. Driving a flatbed truck means driving and hauling cargo in an opened area which poses a higher risk for liability compared to other trucks on the road.  Whether you hit potholes, have to stop suddenly in congested traffic, or you fail to properly tie down the cargo, accidents can happen; hence the need for [...]