Stay Up to Date on the Commercial Trucking Industry
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 here, or visit our Trucking Industry archive for additional news and insights. You can also download our white papers:
The Underlying Cost of Violations
The Unacceptable Increase in Truck-Involved Crashes and Fatalities
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.
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.
Jamie Hagen chats with James “The Rooster” Bowen on what it takes to move from company driver to owner-operator.
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 number of carriers receiving FMCSA conditional safety ratings is increasing as more off-site audits are conducted.
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.
Transportation lawyer Cassandra Gaines describes the process of combining legal lessons into carrier monitoring FreightTech.
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.
Trucking carriers face increased risk of nuclear verdicts, but managing those risks is not insurmountable, if done right and from the start.
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.
Reliance Partners’ Robert Kaferle explains that you’ve got to do some digging to identify your safety risks.
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.
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.
