Insurance & Risk Management

The transport and logistics sector witnesses thousands of cyberattacks every year, and it is essential for stakeholders to be wary of opportunistic threats and impersonation attacks to keep their operations secure.

Assembly Bill 5 limits companies from classifying workers as independent contractors rather than employees to save operational expenses.

Warehouses are under pressure to increase product picking efficiency in a time of expedited e-commerce. Automation and robotics can help.

Ellen Voie, the CEO of Women in Trucking, spoke on the issues that female truckers in particular face when they are looking for parking spots.

Every day, more than 40% of all truck drivers on the road use an hour or more of productive driving time to search for a secure parking spot before their hours of service run out.

Digitalizing roadside assistance will help customers get quicker service, while service providers and garages/repair shops can track progress in real-time to ensure high customer satisfaction.

The hard deadline for the ELD mandate hits on December 16, and a significant portion of the fleets that run AOBRDs are looking to put off ELD adoption until the last minute.

The rise of e-commerce and the evolution of customer expectations on delivery schedules have propelled the last-mile segment to be more reactive to demand and highly digitalized.

Fleets have been investing in safety technologies, but the public does not seem to be recognizing this fact, with the majority of Americans believing they are safer drivers than most truck drivers.

The Hispanic community has contributed immensely to the new American dream and is currently one of the fastest growing ethnic minorities within the trucking sector.

High driver turnover rates have been common in the trucking industry for several decades. Improving the quality of discussions between fleet management and drivers might help reduce the churn.

Fatigue symptoms can be gathered by measuring the brain waves of truckers, which can be used to sound early warnings before drivers show visible signs of fatigue.

Last-mile freight delivery might involve drivers to act as assemblers, helping set up products like furniture and home appliances. These driver-assemblers have specific skill sets that could never be fully automated.

The driver appreciation week is celebrated across the country to pay respect to the 3.5 million truckers who haul freight all year round, rain or shine.

Even with all the publicity about the electronic logging device mandate, this year’s Roadcheck safety blitz in June still saw 37.2% of drivers placed out-of-service done so because of hours-of-service violations.

Mixed reality smart glasses allow workers to become hands-free with logistics operations, helping them to focus solely on the package at hand.

The freight industry is being battered by falling volumes and loosening capacity, with tightening credit standards further exacerbating the situation.

Small fleets need to fully understand their financial situation, improve awareness of technology and have set processes in place to fluidly scale up the business.

When designing software for truckers, it is vital for companies to consult drivers at every stage of its development, as apps developed in siloes will only make the lives of truckers more complicated.

Technology has helped smaller fleets band together to take advantage of discounts, real-time telematics and find loads through digital freight matching platforms.

With the growth of technology in the trucking sector, drivers are now being monitored every second they are in the cab, which has led to concerns about privacy.

Truck driving is one of the most stressful jobs in the economy, and it is vital for trucking fleets to address the issues drivers face and empower them to stay healthier – both physically and mentally.

The Fourth of July weekend brings a record number of Americans on the highways, increasing accidents due to driving distractions, intoxication and even fatigue.

Acknowledging the widespread issue of distracted driving is the first step to change. Technology can be used to monitor real-time driving behavior, with those insights leveraged to improve driver behavior.

In partnership with Reliance Partners…Data analytics has been disrupting the way the freight industry works and the insurance sector will not be left behind.

Truck drivers looking for a job will soon have to register with a new drug and alcohol clearinghouse.

Autonomous vehicles can be commercially deployed only after it convincingly addresses public and government concerns on safety and reliability.

Trucks without mirrors are entering the testing phase, but they could soon become a reality.

Accidents due to distracted driving is on the rise, and it critical to utilize technology to curb the numbers.

Fleets must look to leverage technology to improve the quality of life and driving experience of truckers, which eventually leads to driver retention.

In partnership with Reliance Partners …

ELDs are not just about tracking the hours of service of drivers. The data they gather can be used by fleets to improve driver behavior and operational efficiency, and by insurance companies to understand accident history for evaluating fleet risk profiles.

In partnership with Reliance Partners …

Truckers often are under a lot of stress due to being away from their family for days at end, erratic sleep cycles, and other issues while they haul freight. Communicating with their dispatchers and retrospecting stress-related incidents are key to reducing stress.

In partnership with Reliance Partners …Data analytics and machine learning can help companies irrespective of the size of their data sets, as long as the data being captured is of good quality and is specific to the required operational needs.

In partnership with Reliance Partners …Payment solutions have evolved over time, from being cash-based in the 1950s to now using data analytics and AI over data streams coming out of fuel cards, to provide better safety and security to fleets and drivers.

In partnership with Reliance Partners …Before autonomous driving systems are commercially available, it is essential to not just work on functional safety but also on cyber security, so as to ensure that the vehicle is completely safe to drive around once deployed.

In partnership with Reliance Partners …If the DRIVE-Safe Act gets passed in the Congress, it would usher thousands of young drivers into the long haul trucking space. For them to have a long and successful career in the industry, it is critical for them to focus on body movement and the way they interact with their environment to prevent workplace injuries.

In partnership with Reliance Partners …Speeding has been one of the single largest causes for road accidents. Today, technology can learn from data on dangerous driving behavior to help drivers modify their risky traits via consistent and positive feedback.

In partnership with Reliance Partners …What occurred in Alabama and Georgia is devastating and something that can happen suddenly in any area of the U.S. prone to this type of weather. It’s important to consistently communicate with drivers on how to remain safe under such conditions, as we can’t control the weather regardless of how much we monitor it.

In partnership with Reliance Partners …Cargo theft is a threat for warehousing operations, and visualizing floor operations using 3D interactive maps could be a easier way out for security to pinpoint locations and movement of items in the warehouse space.

In partnership with Reliance Partners …Predictive data analytics has helped foster preventive maintenance in the trucking industry. It helps fleets plan their asset usage better, recruit and retain skilled drivers, and more importantly, reduce unplanned equipment downtimes.

In partnership with Reliance Partners …Telecom operators are terminating cell phone based tracking services, which would be a game changer in the freight industry as many shippers and 3PLs depend on cellphone pings to track freight movement.

In partnership with Reliance Partners …Fleet safety needs to be looked at as a part of operations and not as an addendum, as initiatives like video safety can help reduce driver turnover and mitigate the impact of litigations that arise due to collisions, both from a cost and a time perspective

In partnership with Reliance Partners …When incurring demurrage and detention charges, shippers and carriers lose out on hundreds of dollars per diem. Optimizing drayage operations and dispatching cargo as quickly as possible could help in reducing the burden, especially during unanticipated port delays.

In partnership with Reliance Partners …Winter has set in, making it hard for truckers to navigate the snowed-in and slippery roads. Marilena Acevedo from PetroChoice outlines measures that could be taken by the fleet leadership and drivers to stay safe during these times.

In partnership with Reliance Partners …Cargo theft in absolute numbers is minuscule. But that does not negate the havoc it plays on the image of the carrier in question, and the supply chain disruptions it leaves at its wake.

In partnership with Reliance Partners …With cargo theft being a regular occurrence, it is vital for fleets to stay alert and train their personnel to keep the truck and the trailer safe from hijackers.

The Department of Homeland Security is looking for some innovative companies to get them on a blockchain. Smart contract tendering—among other applications—should be readily achievable by a company with some sensible approaches.

In partnership with Reliance Partners …It’s not just hackers and security that can lead to a “cyber” problem. Exposures are vast. Just having an internet presence and shared databases creates exposure. Awareness is essential to managing risk.

In partnership with Reliance Partners …This week we offer specific ways to focus on air systems, electric and controls, and wheel ends.

In partnership with Reliance Partners …Why are rates rising in this first year of full ELD compliance? What can be done to maximize margins?

In partnership with Reliance Partners …Since July 2017, dayzz has been developing an evidence-based, personalized sleep training app for enterprise workforces to improve sleep quality while reducing healthcare and employer costs.

It’s a tricky balance between risk and safety, but in the trucking world, before freight futures, there was no way to protect a company’x exposure.

In partnership with Reliance Partners …Think you’re well acquainted with the fundamentals? Safety is about more than just good planning and communication.

In partnership with Reliance Partners …Still in its infancy, blockchain is increasingly being adopted by companies seeking data security solutions. Scroll is one such company.

In partnership with Reliance Partners …The company’s patent-pending approach is differentiated by its reliability, low power consumption, and what they call seamless integration.

In partnership with Reliance Partners …A Canadian research team is trying to better understand factors that impact driver’s health, safety, and wellness.

In partnership with Reliance Partners …Learn how truck drivers can be more proactive about safety on the roadways in light of the recent increase in fatal crashes.  

In partnership with Reliance Partners …As we witness an open flow of IT information from vehicles of all kinds, it is critical to consider firewalls and anti-malware protection as well as cyber liability insurance coverage.

In partnership with Reliance Partners …It’s been a wild year, and while at times it may feel more like riding a bull than being “King of the Road,” just hang on a little longer. The times are changing and they’re changing fast.

In partnership with Reliance Partners …Many of the 1,600 violations were easily preventable, but no one had caught them prior to the surprise inspection.

In partnership with Reliance Partners …One of the most important opportunities remains frequently overlooked when it comes to data: the human element.

In partnership with Reliance Partners …The idea that technology will save lives is exciting on the one hand. On the other, just how seamless will the technology be? Will it be optional or mandatory?

In partnership with Reliance Partners …A survey of nearly 16,000 warehouse workers uncovers three key factors to attracting and retaining supply chain talent in anticipation of holiday peak season and single-digit unemployment rate.

In partnership with Reliance Partners …If you’re obsessed with growth, you’ll love the report. If you’re obsessed with logistics and the movement of freight, you’ll love the news even more.

The idea behind the new training program is to work with the drivers involved in an incident right away, wherever they are, and not eat up too much of their time.

In partnership with Reliance Partners …Among other things, women are known to take fewer risks on the road and also drive more carefully compared to men, thereby reducing the number of accidents caused due to negligence.

In partnership with Reliance Partners …Savvy companies know how to utilize technology to help solve retention issues, which, with patience, will lead to stronger quarters.

Sponsored by Reliance Partners…The DOT’s pilot program to study the feasibility of 18-21-year-old drivers will have an insurance impact, but what exactly do insurance providers think of the proposal?

In partnership with Reliance Partners …With autonomous vehicles virtually at our doorstep, it is becoming mission critical for carriers and drivers to protect themselves. Points of vulnerability will be exploited by those who seek to cause harm, economically or otherwise.

Sponsored by Reliance Partners…Other than the economy slowing and unemployment rising, is there a solution to the driver problem?

Sponsored by Reliance Partners…On the heels of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s announcement regarding the Solving for Safety Visualization Challenge, FreightWaves spoke with Reliance Partners’ John Seidl to learn more about risk management in the industry.

Sponsored by Reliance Partners…There are a lot of reasons why it’s hard for owner-operators to get the best deal possible on their truck insurance. Owner-operators are busy.

Sponsored by Reliance Partners…One of his specific points of focus for improving driving retention has to do with compensation packages. Compensation packages have become more sophisticated in recent years, but there is room for improvement.

On June 7th, the highest odds for a truck being in a collision will occur between 4 pm and 7 pm and between 9 pm and midnight, accounting for 21% and 19% of the day’s accidents, respectively, almost twice what would be expected if accidents occurred at random times.

Sponsored by Reliance Partners…FreightWaves visited the Reliance office in downtown Chattanooga this week to speak with COO and president, Chad Eichelberger and Laura Anne Howell and get a sense of what makes the secret sauce so special.

Everyone sees the market as strong and staying that way, but are there other headwinds in the trucking sector?

Sponsored by Reliance Partners…Depending on the limit and deductible you choose, your trailer interchange coverage should add between $100 and $1500 a year to your overall insurance cost.

Sponsored by Reliance Partners…Regardless of whether the accident was the driver’s fault, documentation helps support the ease and efficiency of the process. The point is, document first, ask questions later.

Sponsored by Reliance Partners…Two very different approaches could give some breathing room to the tightening CDL driver shortage.

Brought to you by Reliance Partners…Begin the process by providing clarity and expectations first on the basics, such as driving, detention, and layover, the nuts-and-bolts of the driving job.

Presented by Reliance Partners…While there are loads of ways to save on insurance costs, some aren’t as realistic as others. We’ve distilled it down to a concentrated Top 5.

Presented by Reliance Partners …The jury is still out as to whether or not ELDs actually make our roads safer, but many say they’re working.

Presented by Reliance Partners …CAB compiles data and translates that into actionable information for insurers and underwriters to make more informed decisions on carriers.

In partnership with Reliance Partners …It isn’t easy, it isn’t quick, but having a safety culture in your company can pay some clear dividends.

Presented by Reliance Partners …Cargo theft doesn’t just happen on the road, it can also happen at the warehouse. To prevent it, leading experts noted some of the approaches that scare away thieves.

Presented by Reliance Partners …As if insurance requirements are not confusing enough for truckers, there is additional insurance policies some truckers or carriers need that others do not. This includes intermodal insurance coverage

When a 3PL is involved in moving goods, there are a number of liability areas where that 3PL could be held responsible, from the actions of the carrier to condition of the goods.

Presented by Reliance Partners …For truly safe trucking companies, chameleon carriers are a problem. But it is one that data is helping solve.

Insurance & Risk Management presented by Reliance Partners … U.S. companies moving freight across the border need additional insurance to cover their Mexican drivers, even if it is only within the border zone

Insurance & Risk Management presented by Reliance Partners … While the number of recorded cargo thefts in 2017 declined to 649, the group said, the threat remains, and according to Scott Cornell with Traveler’s Special Investigations Group (SIG), may be underreported.

It seems so simple, but basic attention to detail can help prevent an unwanted interaction with law enforcement, which can lead to increased insurance premiums.

Trucking companies face high insurance costs, and few are higher than new venture insurance for new carriers. Some steps can be taken to help lower that initial cost, though.

As seemingly simple as the rule sounds – ensure food is safe during transport – it is anything but. The FDA’s food safety regulation, says, Sam Rizzitelli, transportation practice lead for the Americas for Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty, has opened up new concerns from an insurance impact.

Reliance Partners, a leader in transportation and logistics insurance and risk management, announced today that it joined the Blockchain in Transport Alliance (BiTA). 

In what will come as little surprise to anyone who has recently renewed their commercial insurance policies, rates are going up. The bad news is that there doesn’t appear to be an immediate end in sight, according to a new report from A.B. Best.

Owner-operators have unique insurance needs, and it matters whether you have your own authority or are leased to a carrier. Either way, it’s important to understand what coverage you need and find policies that fit your budget.

Recently, there were a couple of Facebook posts from owner-operators asking for advice on where to look for new insurance. One poster said their insurance company was dropping them because their “maintenance scores” were too high. What, they asked, did that mean?

The saying goes that there are only two certainties in life: death and taxes. If you’re a commercial vehicle operator, though, you can add another: rising insurance costs.

With millions of commercial vehicles now running electronic logging devices (ELD), concerns have been raised about cyber attacks. That concern is leading to more interest in cyber insurance policies.

While more and more fleets are utilizing thousands of data points to make operational decisions, insurance providers are tapping into those same data points to help create more accurate risk profiles of carriers and their drivers to build improved insurance offerings for those fleets. And at a lower cost in some instances.