Stay up to date on trucking compliance, brought to you by J.J. Keller.
Commercial trucking is a risk-prone industry that requires strict compliance to safety regulations and comprehensive risk management strategies to protect both cargo and employees. Trucking and fleet management companies must consider risks such as driver safety and retention, vehicle breakdowns, adverse weather, bad road conditions, and much more. Staying up to date on current Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) trucking industry regulations is also critical, as companies can be penalized for failing to comply.
Find news and developments regarding trucking risk and compliance below.
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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.
Fatigue may not play as much of a role in risky driving behaviors, but how long a commercial driver has been driving does, according to new research.
President Trump signed an executive order deferring payroll taxes, but the money may have to be repaid at a later date, leaving companies wondering whether they should continue to withhold the tax or not.
Reliance Partners’ Nicole Guinn details the towing industry’s challenges and the factors driving insurance rates.
Most small-company truckers are equipped with ELDs despite exemptions.
Carriers urged to verify security safeguards from suppliers before installing devices.
“Nuclear verdicts are destroying the excess market. Until someone puts a leash on these lawsuits, I don’t see prices going down that’s for sure,” said Reliance Partner’s Joe Schreiner.
Truckers find themselves inadequately protected against COVID-19. Are you doing the most to protect your fleet?
Nuclear verdicts are on the rise, and two behind-the-scenes factors playing large roles are the emotional pleas plaintiffs’ attorneys are making to juries and the growing number of hedge funds that invest in civil lawsuits.
Workers’ comp doesn’t cover owner-operators but misclassifying a driver may prove otherwise at your expense.
Out-of-control insurance premiums are driving trucking operations out of business, but leading insurance experts say something can be done about them.
While hurricanes produce an abundance of freight-hauling opportunities, truckers should understand it’s best to hunker down before hitting the load boards.
Just because you don’t own the trailer doesn’t mean you’re exempt from its liabilities. Truckers should protect themselves with the proper insurance coverage.
Truck owners can respond to engine issues by repairing or replacing their troublesome trucks — or using them for spare parts.
Truckers have once again proved they can rise to any challenge. Motor carriers should reflect on COVID-19 to prepare themselves for the next time disaster strikes.
Seidl suggests that non-rated carriers are often better than those labeled satisfactory.
Ashley Hammonds of Reliance Partners cautions that buying a cheap older truck may have an inverse effect on insurance rates.
As car manufacturers resume production, the trickle-down effect may breathe new life into the hard-hit auto hauling industry.
The sudden increase of non-payments and defaults can quickly sink your transportation company.
Ransomware attacks are on the rise and transportation companies are a prime target.
Reefer is a hot trucking segment, but jumping in without considering proper insurance could freeze you in your path.
Relaxed regulations and insurance payment relief are certainly helping truckers, but many are also changing their mix of freight to insulate revenue.
Although April is no longer officially Distracted Driving Awareness Month, drivers of all kinds should focus on preventing this deadly issue
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s emergency declarations extend far beyond hours of service.
TrueNorth’s Cook sees low returns, premium income dropping and more “selectivity” from underwriters.
Drivers should closely watch the market and adapt to the freight in high demand.
Amidst the coronavirus pandemic, fleet wellness programs should focus their efforts on protecting drivers from the illness.
As trucks try to resupply stores across the U.S. and Canada, an issue of drivers’ health insurance when in a different country has arisen. Read this article to learn more.
Truck inspections are often land mines for motor carriers but additional maintenance can defuse the situation.
Insurance spikes can be attributed to the ongoing threat of nuclear verdicts.
A panel of experts on the issue offers suggestions — but no easy fixes.
It’s now possible for managers to virtually ride shotgun with their drivers—and that’s a good thing.
Reliance Partners’ Brenda Wiser helps carriers prepare to interact with insurance inspectors
The Justice Department said eight U.S. cities account for 75% of the methamphetamine seized by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Providing workers’ comp is a no-brainer, so why not take advantage of the benefits it offers?
“Robert has turned the trucks faster than any other solution I’ve found,” said Max Fuller, co-founder of U.S. Xpress.
Drivers waste well over two hours at check-in, but Truckerd-In looks to streamline the process.
Trucking companies should understand the rules surrounding workers’ comp coverage.
Labor department’s ‘newfound powers’ means new hazards for companies that use independent contractors.
Trucking insurance continues to get more expensive. Chris Henry and Daniel Pickett provide information about captive insurance agencies.
Commercial liability insurance rates continue to spiral, with costs passed through to businesses and consumers. A primary culprit is a corrupt personal injury legal system where attorneys drive medical care. It’s time to change that.
Trucking insurance premiums have skyrocketed in recent years, driven by nuclear verdicts, but instead of complaining, trucking companies should take steps to stop incidents from happening.
Seth Holm of FreightWaves Freight Intel Group writes about the impact of nuclear verdicts on the trucking industry. Will 2020 be a tipping point for these huge awards?
A number of readers responded to Brian Aoaeh’s 12/26/19 “Commentary: Trucking industry observations heading into 2020.” His current commentary features some of those responses and information from Anthony Campo, a trucking industry veteran.
Sources confirm shutdowns and delays on system’s opening day.
Sleep apnea is one of the more than 80 different sleep disorders that can be life-threatening if left untreated. ‘Apnea’ is Ancient Greek meaning ‘without breath’, which is at the heart of why this sleep disorder is so deadly.
The flatbed and oil field service carrier was subject to a class action lawsuit for not paying overtime.
The carrier operated in two markets that have suffered in 2019: flatbed and oil service.
Freight load board is back in service after ransomware, which was more frequent in 2019.
Truckstop.com reported that the company is making progress in bringing operations back online.
One of the leading load boards shuttered since Friday forcing customers to find workarounds.
Update: Major load board remains out of service since last Friday with no update as to when it will be online.
A record Australian fine of A$125 million ($86.2 million) has been imposed on Volkswagen because of its false emissions statements.
Move to pass legislation has ground to halt amid wider outcry from other industries over independent contractor limits.
Trevor Milton believes replacing diesel trucks with cleaner alternatives will improve the image of trucking and enable legislators to slash emissions.
The Treasury Department agency is closely monitoring vessel name changes used by Venezuelan and Cuban authorities to sidestep U.S. trade sanctions.
Expert explains why shippers based in the U.S. and beyond should prepare urgently for the worst-case scenario – a no-deal Brexit in 2020.
A U.S. man living in Singapore illegally presented technical information at the Pyongyang Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Conference in April on how North Korea can use blockchain technology to evade sanctions.
Dow Jones Risk & Compliance has 24/7 monitoring and dedicated researchers to track and build detailed profiles of individuals and entities that are subject to economic sanctions.
Set to go live on Jan. 6, 2020, the drug & alcohol clearinghouse will change the way truck drivers and carriers monitor drug testing.
As peak retail season approaches, the battle for retail compliance only intensifies.
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.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control places subsidiary to Cuban state-run oil shipper, Corporacion Panamericana, on blacklist for circumventing sanctions against Venezuela’s oil sector.
A proposed rule calls for the Commerce Department to determine whether certain technologies pose a threat to U.S. national security and prohibit those trade transactions.
Shipments of counterfeit driver’s licenses and blank card stock were discovered and seized by Customs and Border Protection officers at Louisville and Memphis mail facilities.
For two years the software company’s sanctions screening failed to detect a Slovenian app store developer and its owner who were placed on the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List.
Mark Lambert, who served as co-president of nuclear materials transport specialist TLI, will be sentenced by the District Court of Maryland on March 9, 2020.
While most license applications related to the Chinese telecom are expected to be denied, news reports surface that some U.S. companies have started receiving approvals from the U.S. Department of Commerce.
U.S. export compliance advisers recommend exporters be realistic in their expectations with regard to the department’s license approval process for the blacklisted Chinese telecom.
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.
The National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America picks Whitmer & Worrall after longtime Capitol Hill representative Jon Kent announced his retirement in September.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection said optical lenses manufacturer Satisloh used false descriptions, tariff classifications and duty rates on its import entries for certain machinery and parts.
