Insurance & Risk Management, sponsored by Reliance Partners, is a weekly look at how trucking operations of all sizes, including owner-operators, can minimize their exposure to risk and insurance claims. More information on Reliance Partners’ offerings can be found at: www.reliancepartners.com.
Freight brokers can “increase their capacity by managing their own dedicated pool of leased trailers,” said Graham Gonzales, vice president of strategic accounts at Reliance Partners. Reliance is America’s fastest growing and most diverse insurance brokerage with a sole focus on the transportation space, specializing in annual and usage-based solutions.
The potential for higher pay and less idle time is appealing. However, constantly sharing a confined space with another person doesn’t work for everyone.
Reliance Partners’ CFO, Thomas Albrecht, warns about the underestimated impact of the ongoing bank crisis on the freight community. Discover how loan activity, interest rates, and funding for truckers and carriers may be affected.
“Some companies, not all, are willing to roll the dice on things like safety and maintenance to try to save money. But, when it comes to safety, neglecting small things can turn into big things,” Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels said.
In just a few weeks, law enforcement personnel across North America will be posted at roads, weigh stations and designated inspection areas to conduct thousands of inspections during CVSA’s 2023 International Roadcheck.
“There have been companies that have introduced [dashcams] with great success and haven’t lost any drivers at all, and then there are other companies that have lost quite a few drivers because of it,” Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels said.
Cargo insurance is vital protection for carriers, but preventing damages in the first place, like these tips from Reliance Partners, can help them avoid cash payouts and maintain trust with shippers and customers.
“If there comes a time when you have a crash and attorneys or law enforcement start digging into your records and find falsifications, it’s all going to come to the surface,” said Brian Runnels, vice president of safety at Reliance Partners.
Does your business distinguish the difference between policy and guidance? Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels explains why it should.
The best way to attract and encourage safety practices within an organization begins with a top-down approach, according to Reliance Partners’ Robert Kaferle.
Do you know what’s on your PSP record? Reliance Partners’ Mark Barlar shares insight into the story it tells about a driver, how it informs hiring decisions and what drivers can do about it.
By implementing a strong safety and compliance program — like Reliance Partners can help them build — carriers can minimize risk and pay less for insurance.
The once zero-point violation could cost carriers at least three points in a roadside inspection and potentially many more, according to Reliance Partners’ Mark Barlar.
“It’s possible to be one of the driver’s best allies, and if you have that sort of relationship with your driver, it makes the hard conversations much easier,” Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels said.
“As a driver, you make your living off your license to drive a tractor-trailer, so it’s critical to make sure it’s in a good standing,” said Robert Kaferle, vice president of safety at Reliance Partners.
Truck drivers should approach bridges and underpasses with caution when the temperature hovers at or below freezing.
“It’s just not going to be a very fun year, and truckers need to be a little bit more realistic about it,” says Reliance Partners’ Thom Albrecht.
Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels says that a disorganized permit book is a red flag to roadside inspectors.
Reliance Partners’ Robert Kaferle stresses the importance of continual training because no one knows everything — no matter how long you’ve been in the industry.
You don’t have to tackle your safety goals alone. Partner with a safety expert that can develop a plan with realistic and attainable objectives.
“Getting involved in state and national organizations is a great way to make an impact and make your voice heard,” said Reliance Partners’ Robert Kaferle.
Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels adds a few steps to your pre-trip inspection to combat harsh winter weather.
Reliance Partners’ Mark Barlar provides a crash course on the DataQs process.
Reliance Partners will dive into B-1 driver-specific violations and DataQ challenges.
COO Laura Ann Howell plans rapid growth and expects “HQ West” to be Reliance Partners’ second-largest branch.
Reliance Partners’ Graham Gonzales urges 3PLs to build more trust with shipper clients and warns against putting insurance on the chopping block.
“Violations that occur as a result of an accident are not supposed to count toward your CSA score,” says Reliance Partners executive Robert Kaferle.
“You can’t challenge a piece of missing information that’s required; it’s either there or it’s not.”
A Borderless Coverage risk management strategy equips shippers for Mexico’s many challenges.
Reliance Partners’ Robert Kaferle details the gear every trucker should have to survive an emergency situation this winter.
Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels discusses the trickiness of lanes.
Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels reacts to the results of this year’s International Roadcheck. He ponders whether drivers should take all the heat, but also says greater action can always be taken to mitigate violations.
Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels wades through the weeds of the driver pay debate.
Reliance Partners’ Robert Kaferle explains why it’s important to bring your driver and dispatcher together more often.
A new headquarters and a growing team have kept Reliance Partners on the rise.
Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels describes what it takes to be crowned a champion driver.
It’s not too late to take care of violations that could leave you sidelined. Be sure to conduct thorough pre- and post-trip inspections of your brakes, lights and tires.
FMCSA’s Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program will analyze the safety benefits or hazards that young drivers pose to interstate commerce.
Reliance Partners’ Robert Kaferle dives into FMCA’s DataQs system, what it is and why you should be eager to use it.
Consider your safety program as a rocket engine. How it’s designed and implemented is crucial.
Reliance Partners’ Thom Albrecht points to current negative trends as reasons to hunker down now and through the new year.
A better question is, what can carriers do to lower their rates?
Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels says letting things slide can have deadly consequences.
It’s probably poor planning rather than bad luck. Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels says you shouldn’t be shocked to find no parking available if you waited until the last minute.
Reliance Partners’ Graham Gonzales explains why a logistics career path — or career change — is definitely worth considering.
Reliance Partners’ Robert Kaferle describes simple ways fleets can derive savings.
The side of the road can be a very dangerous place to be, especially if you don’t make your presence known.
Insurance, safety and visibility solutions were major talking points as the industry anticipates an uptick in cross-border trade.
Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels details some of the items no driver should hit the road without.
Reliance Partners’ Graham Gonzales warns how easy it is for one to fall victim to a cyberattack.
The best way to keep your drivers satisfied is to know what they want.
Poor driving is often a reflection of management. So when fatal accidents occur, it’s not just drivers with blood on their hands.
Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels offers tips ahead of the inspections on May 17-19.
Reliance Partners’ Robert Kaferle dives into SMS scores and the BASICs that determine them.
Reliance Partners’ Robert Kaferle and Brian Runnels urge drivers to stay focused on the road, practice defensive driving and resist distractions no matter how insignificant they seem.
Underinsuring your truck can leave you on the hook for thousands of dollars in the event of an accident.
Reliance Partners’ Robert Kaferle explains that you’ve got to do some digging to identify your safety risks.
The former Mexican chief negotiator for the USMCA highlights the nation’s economic and trade advantages.
Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels and Robert Kaferle discuss ways to avoid unnecessary stresses with proper planning.
Along with product controls and safety checks, all-risk coverage helps Paragon transport Mexican seafood to the United States without worry.
Mexico’s wild west freight landscape is quickly being tamed by forward-thinking companies utilizing visibility technologies and all-risk insurance solutions.
Reliance Partners’ Graham Gonzales joins the show to discuss Reliance’s RUBI Program (Reliance Usage-Based Insurance), coverage that can be booked on a per-load basis.
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.
Reliance Partners’ Mark Vickers chats with NUAGE Logistics President Ryan Jones about Borderless Coverages’ game-changing All-Risk insurance.
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.
Andy Owens, a member of the Southwest Oregon Workforce Investment Board, explains how trucking can gain strong support at the local level.
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.
EZ Loader’s Brad Clark and Reliance Partners’ Jessie Merritt discuss how acquiring cargo and supplemental insurance in seconds rather than in days is leveling the carrier playing field.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Don’t miss the hottest freight event of the summer!
