Tips

Getting the right truck insurance for your business can feel like a monumental task. Maybe you’re not quite sure where to start. This section of our blog has articles that feature tips for buying truck insurance and tips for understanding various coverages. Insurance might seem overly complicated and impossible, but we strive to make insurance as easy as possible. That’s why these articles break down various topics into easy-to-understand tips and explanations.

The “Tips” section also includes articles that focus on ways to improve safety at your business. Though you face many risks as a trucking business, there are things you can do to minimize those risks and lessen the chance of something bad happening. The articles take various topics and create manageable steps that you can follow to boost safety at your business. The safer your business is, the fewer claims you may have. And that can help your insurance rates.

So, take some time to check out the topics that appeal to you.

What’s a DOT Number and Who Needs One?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires a Department of Transportation (DOT) number for trucks and other carrier vehicles that meet certain criteria. These typically pertain to GVWR, whether you transport paying customers, and whether you operate across state lines. In addition to the federal regulations, 37 of the 50 states require a DOT number.

It can be confusing, especially if you’re new to the business, to understand if this regulation pertains to you or not. Therefore, in this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about DOT numbers. Let’s get started!

4 Tips for Reducing Cargo Thefts

It’s estimated that cargo theft results in losses of $15 to $30 billion annually in the United States. While those numbers may seem alarmingly high, they illustrate just how vulnerable cargo is during the shipping process.

Shipping losses can dramatically cut into your bottom line, making it essential that you do everything you can to ensure that your goods are transported safely to their destination.

If you're getting your operating authority, you need to have certain levels of insurance.

What is the minimum insurance I need to get my truck operating authority?

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), commercial trucking companies must obtain an MC number or interstate operating authority number if they meet certain criteria. The interstate operating authority number is in addition to the requirement of obtaining a Department of Transportation (DOT) number.

How do I get a CDL?

With soaring demand for truck drivers comes a wonderful opportunity. For those who have a CDL, finding a good paying job with a great employer is easier than ever before. To access the opportunity, though, you’ll need to have a Commercial Driver’s License or CDL. While each state varies, the training, amount of time it takes to qualify, and the process is similar.

How to Secure Dry Van Cargo

As a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver, you know few things are more important when on the road than transporting your cargo safely. That’s why the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has outlined regulations for making sure your cargo is loaded and secured properly.

Fuel Efficiency Best Practices for Fleets

Improving the fuel efficiency of a company’s fleet of vehicles can have many financial and environmental benefits, especially with fuel prices on the rise. Fuel can be one of the largest and most difficult expenses to predict and control. Therefore, it’s important for vehicle fleet managers to conserve fuel, maximize efficiency and reduce vehicle emissions by implementing fuel-efficient policies, technology, and maintenance strategies.

Hot Weather Tips for Truckers

Summer is finally here and in full swing. Unfortunately, driving during the summer months can be brutal. Therefore, truck drivers in particular must be cautious when temperatures reach record level highs. This is because truck drivers spend all their time behind the wheel of their vehicle or loading/unloading their goods. In short, this means there’s no escaping the sun for them.

If you’re looking to stay cool this summer and keep your truck up and running then here are some hot weather hacks.

What’s a DataQ Request?

As a motor carrier, it’s crucial you know how to manage inspection reports and violations. After all, the goal of every trucking business is to protect their CSA score. Therefore, if you wish to challenge a violation, you’ll want to submit a DataQ request.

In this article, we’ll explain the benefit of DataQ requests when it comes to inspections, accidents, and other driving violations. Also, we’ll share how to properly submit your request. Let’s begin.

A Guide to Screening Truck Drivers

While hiring new truck drivers, you have to follow strict industry standards regulated by the US Department of Transportation (DOT). The organization evaluates the transportation and trucking industry to ensure they follow firm safety guidelines. Thus, during the hiring process, you need to screen the truck drivers so you can identify who would be a good fit.

If you don’t know how to go about it, here’s a beginner’s guide. After reading this post, you’ll know how to identify good quality truck drivers that obey the DOT’s regulations.