Trucking Risk & Compliance

New immigration restrictions could curb driver availability, trigger a massive capacity crunch, and pull the trucking industry out of The Great Freight Recession. The Trump administration’s English Language Proficiency (ELP) mandate, effective June 2025, is already limiting the 3.5 million driver pool, particularly impacting immigrants, who according to the BLS account for at least 20% […]

The trucking industry is under siege from a relentless wave of criminal activity that threatens its stability and safety. In 2024, cargo theft incidents surged to 3,625 across North America, a 27% year-over-year increase, with losses exceeding $455 million and an average loss per theft of $202,364. The economic toll of cargo theft alone is […]

The English Language Proficiency (ELP) rule, now in effect, could significantly reduce trucking capacity. For a decade, large truckload carriers have embraced regulations like the ELD mandate and Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse to limit market capacity, but effects were typically short-lived. The ELP mandate, enforced by a DOT Executive Order, requires commercial drivers to demonstrate […]

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Tuesday signed an order to again require strict enforcement of English language proficiency rules for commercial truck drivers.

On Monday, the FMCSA revoked eight electronic logging devices tied to Gorilla Fleet Safety LLC, citing failure to meet federal technical standards. Fleets now face a 60-day deadline to replace noncompliant systems or risk violations.

Critics of the reinstatement of English language proficiency out-of-service violations argue that the directive is more political than practical and risks diverting attention from more pressing safety issues on U.S. highways.

There is no easy fix: Enhancing trucking safety and driver competence, as well as combating CDL fraud, will take an all-hands-on-deck effort at every level of government.

Nirvana Insurance, an AI-driven commercial trucking insurer, announced an $80 million Series C funding round valued at nearly $850 million.

New CEO Reid Spitz said 90% of HDVI’s customers saw improvements in key safety metrics like speeding or harsh braking in their first year working with the company.

A group with trucking interests as a key driver has been formed in Texas to push new tort reform.

Data released by CVSA on International Roadcheck supports earlier numbers that suggest plenty of drivers stayed home.

Bestpass-Fleetworthy Solutions, known primarily for its toll management services, is acquiring weigh station bypass company Drivewyze and signals that more acquisitions are ahead.

A $10 million lawsuit by a Georgia man whose pickup was rear-ended by a truck driven for a South Carolina amusement rides company will be heard in federal court.

Fleetworthy Solutions highlights its technology command center built to handle safety and compliance issues, including navigating the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse.

Legislation heading to Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp to bar most truck-crash lawsuits against insurance companies would reduce premiums and lead more insurers to write policies, supporters say.

Gov. Eric Holcomb of Indiana has signed a bill that allows juries to know whether a plaintiff in a vehicle accident was using a seat belt. The ATA has praised the legislation.

A Wisconsin bill may limit non-economic damages for accidents involving commercial vehicles. An Indiana bill would let seat belt use be used as evidence in accident lawsuits.

Outsourcing the review of unsafe driving videos can help a carrier maximize the return on a dashcam-driven coaching system by handing the video clip screening process to experts.

New Jersey is raising its truck liability insurance requirement to $1.5 million, one of the highest in the U.S.

While FMCSA has issued minimal requirements for MVR checks, carriers doing only the bare minimum are creating and perpetuating visibility gaps that leave their fleets vulnerable.

The California Highway Patrol has issued a final rule requiring ELD use by intrastate drivers on and after Jan. 1, 2024.

A Q3 increase in reported incidents of cargo theft was fueled by a triple-digit rise in “strategic” thefts like cargo misdirection, CargoNet says.

Improper cargo securement can result in out-of-service violations and fines. Further, unsecured cargo can fall onto the road, causing significant risk of injury or even death to motorists.

Augmenting a carrier staff with state and federal regulatory experts can help an organization exceed the minimum recordkeeping requirements, which can reduce the risk of a negligent hiring claim.

Because of the freight boom in recent years, many smaller carriers, especially those that were new entrants to the industry, fell into unsafe practices.

“When you see fleets double in size in a very short period of time, typically they haven’t grown on the inside as well as the outside, and that’s a very dangerous combination,” Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels said.

The impacts of double brokering are felt by carriers and brokers alike, disrupting operations and causing financial and liability risks for everyone involved.

Reliance Partners brings per-load Shipper’s Interest coverage to freight brokers and carriers to their TMS, providing protection on cross-border, international, LTL and high-value shipments.

The nature of lithium-ion batteries — and the gasses they produce while burning — make it difficult for even the most prepared fire departments to extinguish these fires.

Over the past two years, cyber liability insurance has become an important strategy for many freight brokers as they’ve recognized the importance of having a plan to fall back on.

“Violations could indicate that you don’t have sufficient safety management controls,” said Rick Malchow, industry business adviser at J. J. Keller & Associates Inc.

Reliance Partners’ Mark Barlar shares what carriers and drivers should know before they submit their first DataQs request.

“I understand that there are times the phone can’t be answered or there are other priorities pulling dispatchers away, but try to keep communication open,” Reliance Partners’ Brian Runnels said.

A Dana Inc. supplier used non-conforming rolled metal tubes in two lots of drive shafts, leading to Daimler Truck and Navistar recalls.

Nikola is recalling about 209 Class 8 battery electric trucks following 2 battery fires, but the trucks can stay in service pending a fix.

Like all technology, ELDs can malfunction. When that happens, drivers need to know what to do to stay compliant with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

The federal heavy vehicle use tax year began on July 1, and taxes for 2023–2024 are due by Aug. 31.

When drivers are recognized for their hard work, they’re more likely to feel satisfaction at their jobs, and it gives them a reason to work toward company goals.

“Poor CSA scores can lead to warning letters from the FMCSA, more inspections, higher insurance rates and negative publicity,” said J. J. Keller & Associate Inc.’s Josh Lovan.

Over 57% of roadside inspections result in at least one violation. Reliance Partners’ director of DOT regulatory compliance shares regulations that drivers and carriers commonly overlook.

Reliance Partners’ VP of risk services breaks down what motor carriers need to know about FMCSA safety ratings.

While carriers are usually responsible for paying for claims, claim disputes burden freight brokers with more work — and they might end up footing the bill due to coverage gaps. Reliance Partners can help.

o prepare for a compliance review, motor carriers should rely on the expertise of a third-party expert that understands the nuances of how FMCSA determines safety ratings.

The VP of safety at Reliance Partners joined Dooner during Monday’s episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? to discuss trends that could be contributing to crash fatalities.

J. J. Keller advises that with on-site investigations and fines growing, carriers should focus efforts on compliance and record management.

Reliance Partners’ Kevin Dupree sheds light on what underwriters look for when determining a company’s or driver’s insurance risk.

“Unfortunately there are still drivers on the road that give the rest a bad name. We’re as an industry looking to change that perception,” Reliance Partners’ Robert Kaferle said.

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.

“When appropriately managed, your records not only show who your drivers and employees are, but also that they are trained, qualified, properly taxed and work within the limits of the law,” said Daren Hansen of J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.

J. J. Keller & Associates Inc. broke down what businesses need to know about the MCS-150, its common challenges and how to stay compliant.

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.

The Trucking Alliance has long stood out for its unique structure and its departure from what might be thought of as trade group consensus.

“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.

“Trucking as a business is not about what you make, it’s about what you don’t spend,” industry expert Adam Wingfield said at FreightWaves’ Small Fleet & Owner-Operator Summit.

“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.

Are you Roadcheck ready? If not, now is the time to prepare. Tom Bray, J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. senior business advisor, shares best practices.

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.

The American Transportation Research Institute is again investigating the safety and other impacts on the trucking industry of state-level marijuana legalization — as well as additional questions the issue raises.

“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.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration fined the Volvo Group $130 million for slow reporting of safety recalls.

“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.

As 2022 comes to an end, it is time for trucking carriers to evaluate their driver drug and alcohol testing programs and make necessary improvements for 2023.

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.

Truck driver safety is an ongoing process that involves engagement, awareness and targeted training.

“Violations that occur as a result of an accident are not supposed to count toward your CSA score,” says Reliance Partners executive Robert Kaferle.

Corrective action training may not prevent an incident but it will reduce the likelihood of one reoccurring.

“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.