Trucking Risk & Compliance

A California high school truck driving instructor has revamped his curriculum with a fitness app to emphasize the benefits of staying active and eating well.

Driving a big rig isn’t a vacation, nor is it as flexible as one would expect — there’s a job to do.

Raul Saucedo, president and CEO of SBGroup, explains why Mexico is a good choice for your next international shipments.

Reliance Partners’ Safety Team is set to roll out a Trucking 101 series to tackle the skills every trucker should know but hasn’t been taught.

Another guilty plea last week brings the total to 30 for the U.S. attorney’s office.

Reliance Partners’ Mark Vickers chats with NUAGE Logistics President Ryan Jones about Borderless Coverages’ game-changing All-Risk insurance.

The international agency will use its platform to conduct outreach while training the industry on how to combat fatigue.

Federal rules mandate the collection and maintenance of driver qualification files, but for fleets, managing this process can be cumbersome and fraught with potential liability.

Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels reacts to Central Freight’s closure and shares his thoughts on the drivers’ next steps on FreightWaves’ WHAT THE TRUCK?!?.

The trucking industry is in need of new talent. But don’t expect sign-on bonuses to attract drivers in it for the long haul.

Jose Minarro of Sunset Transportation chats with Reliance Partners’ Mark Vickers on why Mexican cargo insurance is a must-have for shippers.

Using a combination of the Safety Management Cycle and the 5 Why’s helps fleets identify the root cause and eventually end patterns of FMCSA violations.

Andy Owens, a member of the Southwest Oregon Workforce Investment Board, explains how trucking can gain strong support at the local level.

Trucking companies received an unexpected boost to their income statements in 2020 but inflation clouds loom.

Reliance Partners’ Mark Vickers chats with Redwood Logistics’ Troy Ryley on how shippers can best protect themselves against cross-border risks.

Reliance Partners’ Robert Kaferle and Brian Runnels share what they’re thankful for this year, highlighting the many qualities that make the trucking industry great.

Reliance Partners’ Mark Vickers discusses how usage-based insurance introduced to freight markets moving into Mexico is a relatively new product that protects a shipper against the very different Mexican laws on liability.

Reliance Partners’ Robert Kaferle shares a few ways for fleets to retain their experienced workforce.

Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels and Robert Kaferle spotlight blind spots to expose their hidden dangers.

Reliance Partners’ Mark Barlar reacts to CVSA’s HM/DG Road Blitz and encourages the industry to clean up its act when hauling volatile materials.

Recruiting, cybersecurity and human trafficking were major discussion topics at this year’s conference in Dallas.

Brian Runnels and Robert Kaferle lead Reliance Partners’ revamped loss control and safety services team.

From time to time, truck drivers require additional training. Whether it is refresher training or due to a recent incident, success depends on having the right approach.

It’s vital to look both ways and make sure your vehicle will have enough space to fully clear the tracks before crossing. Also, be sure to roll up your landing gear to avoid getting stuck.

Reliance Partners’ Robert Kaferle reveals how common it is for companies not to have rules in writing. No wonder driver safety remains a heated issue.

J. J. Keller announced its VideoProtects monitoring platform is available on the Geotab Marketplace, making the safety solution available to more than 2.4 million vehicles.

Reliance Partners’ Robert Kaferle says that successful safety cultures empower all employees to voice concerns and offer solutions.

President Chad Eichelberger details Reliance Partners’ appearance yet again on the list and why 2021 was a major year for the company.

Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels joins WHAT THE TRUCK?!? to encourage greater participation in mock trials.

Daimler Trucks North America’s participation in this round points to an increasing market for Truck-as-a-Service products, tools integrated during the manufacturing process to help fleets manage safety, privacy and intelligent automation tools.

Many organizations, including the Future Leaders of Indiana, are partnering with the Next Generation in Trucking Association to attract younger people to trucking.

Brake Safety Week is set for Aug. 22-28, meaning drivers and carriers have only a few more days to tighten up on brake safety.

Manufacturing is increasing in Mexico as nearshoring has caught the attention of many U.S. companies.

“It’s a true domestic and international cargo insurance product that brokers and carriers are now utilizing to win the highest-margin freight and strengthen ties with their current client base,” Mark Vickers said on shipper’s interest insurance.

Trucking fleets that still use pen and paper to meet their recordkeeping requirements are adding unnecessary costs and complexity, and upping the chance of a recordkeeping violation during an FMCSA audit.

FreightWaves meteorologist Nick Austin and Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels urge the industry to hunker down in August and September — hurricane season’s peak months.

Reliance Partners Director of Safety Robert Kaferle explains the importance of proactive safety amid a high-risk environment.

The USMCA has brought about new opportunities for cross-border trade. Is your organization taking advantage of these changes?

“A lot of carriers kind of look the other way,” Reliance Partners’ Robert Kaferle said. “I’ve heard it more times than I can count, ‘They’re a really good driver,’ but upon digging into their history and violations, you may find that they’re in need of some retraining.”

The convenience of GPS often overshadows its flaws. Double-check your route with the hard facts of a map.

Reliance Partners Director of Safety Robert Kaferle makes it clear that safety consulting in most cases helps rather than hurts premiums.

Nearly 25 years to the day of his accident, Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels recalls the crash that altered his driving habits and the emotional scars that it left on those affected.

CFO Thom Albrecht doesn’t think the lumber shortage has been “that big of a deal” for flatbed carriers.

Turning to younger drivers may be the key to assuring the success of the next generation of truckers.

Compliance reviews can catch any motor carrier off guard. Reliance Partners’ John Seidl encourages participation in mock audits to reveal and correct violations before the federal government does.

Bizarre actions behind the wheel during 2020 should raise alarm bells for truckers and fleets, survey’s author says.

The cyberattack that temporarily shut down the Colonial Pipeline this month serves as a stark reminder that all industries are prone to security threats.

“One click is all that’s required to buy the coverage needed for a load,” said Micah Keith, Reliance Partners’ senior director of sales. Securing shipper’s interest coverage has never been easier.

Truck Talk is a weekly newsletter providing background, context and perspective to the trucking industry.

Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels and Mark Barlar speak from their driver and State Patrol experience on the dangers that speed, distractions and fatigue present in construction zones.

Are you ready for next week’s International Roadcheck? Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels offers some tips to remain violation free.

Carriers continue to face fines and out-of-service violations because they don’t understand the difference between intrastate and interstate operating authority.

Reliance Partners’ Brandon Richards offers those new to the industry advice on auto liability policies — a prerequisite for every motor carrier.

Reliance Partners’ Thom Albrecht comments on the industry’s recovery efforts and job growth figures, as well as his thoughts on increasing driver pay.

Reliance Partners’ Kelly Teg and Arvin Castellanos detail the insurance basics of intermodal freight.

The FMCSA will still not disqualify a truck driver for failing a hair test for drug use.

Trucking’s ever-changing demographics make the thoughts and opinions of minority drivers increasingly an invaluable asset.

Drivers often take the blame for roadside violations, but remaining in compliance with regulations is a team effort that includes maintenance personnel and safety operations in a fleet.

As International Roadcheck 2021 quickly approaches, truck drivers need to prepare for the inspection process. Here are five tips J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. recommend drivers follow to make the process easier.

Sahej Singh steps through Reliance Partners’ usage-based and API insurance offerings for the transportation and logistics industry.

Automation will mitigate exposure created by process errors and duplication of efforts by integrating disparate systems.

“Take some time each week to clean out the cab, and stay on top of it, just like you would your house. It’s a healthier atmosphere to be in if it’s clean,” says Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels.

“A lot of truck drivers, just like law enforcement, don’t understand that girls in these types of situations are usually not there by their own will; there’s usually someone else behind the scenes compelling them to do it,” said Reliance Partners’ Mark Barlar.

In light of recent wind-related accidents, Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels advises truckers to check their weight, slow down and monitor weather reports before hitting the road.

Mark Vickers of Reliance Partners warns transportation providers of Mexico’s eye-opening insurance regulations, which he compares to the “Wild West.”

Trucking fleets that conduct only yearly reviews of driver records may miss signs of risky driver behavior that ultimately could put lives in jeopardy.

It’s hard to predict when and where ice will strike, but the magnitude of such events can be mitigated. Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels explains why it’s imperative that drivers slow down and increase their following distance during adverse conditions.

When it comes to risk mitigation, due diligence of the carriers you broker to is just as important to having the right insurance policies.

Reliance Partners’ Jordan Chastain suggests spending more time with a motor carrier before jumping into the world of independent driving.

Slips, trips and falls can bring about lifelong injuries for truckers, but thankfully, they’re easily preventable. Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels details basic safety tips around the truck and trailer.

Reliance Partners’ John Seidl explains that managers can avoid pestering drivers for their signatures altogether by simply using limited queries for their annual Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse checks.

Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels fears that relaxed regulations may result in an uptick in CDL fraud in driver schools.

The Geotab reseller segment will be the initial target for VideoProtects transport technology, which J. J. Keller has acquired.

Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels explains that driver trainers should be everything from instructor and mentor to trainer, psychologist and friend to their students.

Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels demonstrates how to chain up when winter weather strikes.

As trucking fleets reassess their safety programs for 2021 and the post-pandemic world, here are five steps they can take to reduce their risk exposure.

Early signs about the end of tight capacity begin to surface.

Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels says, “Communication between a driver and their fleet manager or safety department should be an open line for expressing what you want from them, but also what should they expect from you?”

Reliance Partners’ Mark Barlar details the steps drivers should take to mitigate the risk of igniting a cargo tank disaster.

Reliance Partners’ Nicole Guinn explains why you should never allow police to make towing arrangements on your behalf and the benefits of rental reimbursement coverage.

Although the pandemic has forced cutbacks in many areas, safety shouldn’t be one of them. In fact, fleets should invest more in safety compliance. Start by hiring a safety manager.

Runaway truck ramps are a trucker’s last resort. Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels reminds truckers that the best way to tackle the downhill drive is through preventative maintenance, obeying road signage and simply taking things slow.

Reliance Partners’ John Seidl touts the importance of understanding queries and advises drivers to steer clear of marijuana, regardless of what California or Colorado permits.

Life on the road isn’t for everyone — including dogs. Truckers should ask themselves whether their furry friend will enjoy life on the go.

Ransomware attacks have risen during the pandemic. Reliance Partners’ Jamie Cannon details how to protect your company immediately after an attack.

“The best way for drivers to protect themselves and their cargo is to always pay attention to where you are, what’s going on around you and ask yourself if your parking arrangement is as safe as you can make it,” said Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels.

Reliance Partners’ John Seidl shares thoughts on the latest HOS changes and explains the benefits of doing your regulatory homework.

“In the event of loss or damage, you may quickly discover all the gaps and loopholes in — and limits of — carrier liability.”

Phase 2 standards could tack thousands of dollars onto the cost of a new trailer.

As more and more consumers exchange the shopping mall for the mouse pad, the swift uptick in e-commerce has greatly benefited couriers, but can the sector sustain this trend?

Reliance Partners’ Jordan Chastain explains that controlled growth is the key to successful fleet scalability.

The move signals the beginning of what could be many — or maybe just a few — actions against employers for violations of virus-related rules

Reliance Partners’ Joe Schreiner explains that elevated CSA scores limit the markets available to you. Drivers and carriers alike can take steps to clean up their scores and help keep their premiums lower.

“Because of the efficiencies we’ve gained with the system, we’ve reduced our administrative labor costs by 33%,” Whisenant said.

Truckers continue to supply ravaged Gulf Coast communities despite paid opportunity elsewhere. What should drivers expect upon reaching hurricane-affected areas?

Never assume that your cargo policy is all-encompassing. Time and time again truckers learn far too late that their coverage form excludes their mainline cargo.

UPS Capital customers are able to go to an online portal 24/7 and submit claims for themselves.

A fresh start in trucking can be overwhelming and risky for those without prior experience. Reliance Partners’ Morgan Thomas details what new ventures can expect within their first years of operation.

Keller Trucking uses TCA benchmarking program to identify Best Practices and elevate profitability.

Anyone can be the target of an employment-related lawsuit; don’t think that because your motor carrier is small or lacks a formal office that the need for insurance diminishes.