So Picture This: You’ve advertised for a driver (using a logo your creative nephew designed) and as the new driver is making his delivery to your customer he’s also gossiping dirt about a competitor. He’s in a hurry because he wants to catch another load that day so he “helps out” the customer by using…
Author: Shelly Benisch
Understanding Owner Operator Commercial Auto Liability Insurance
Has anyone ever said to you, “You’re liable to get sued!” Everyone has heard it, but what does the word “liable” mean? It means you’re likely to have legal responsibility for damages you have caused. …So you’re driving along in your truck and you hit someone or something – and it IS your fault. What…
Understanding Owner Operator Phys Dam Insurance
Owner Operator, do you ever drive along and wonder “Exactly What IS Phys Dam?” “Phys Dam” is short for Physical Damage. Physical Damage is the Comp and Collision Insurance Coverage on your truck. Collision insurance covers your truck if it is damaged by hitting something or overturns. Comp is short for Comprehensive. This insurance…
FedEx Independent Contractors have new insurance options
I’ve written before on choices Owner Operator Independent Contractors have in purchasing “In-House” insurance coverage through their Motor Carrier, “Independent” insurance plans on their own or “Association” insurance programs. There’s a new association program on the block which is currently exclusive to FedEx Independent Contractors. It offers some great rates and coverage for Independent Contractors…
Uber Freight Cheat Sheet for Trucking Owner Ops
Lots of questions out there on Uber Freight, so here’s a quick cheat sheet for everyone updated just today: Uber Freight Operating in 48 states now Requires active USDOT # with Satisfactory or None rating – NEW Startups OK Requires 53’ Dry Van or Reefer (Straight Trucks are in the future) Both short and long…
Amazon & Uber Rethinking Logistics
CIS shares an interesting and creative take on Amazon & Uber Logistics courtesy of TradeMachines.com: “A new era brings new expectations: faster delivery & higher successful delivery rates. How is it possible to fulfill these expectations? By rethinking processes, improve efficiency and through innovation. Take a look at this infographic to find out how Amazon & Uber…
MCIEF Conference educates Transportation Risk Specialists with Experts in the Trucking Industry
Truck Industry Leaders shared thoughts and information with key Transportation Insurance Companies and Agents at the 2017 MCIEF – Motor Carrier Insurance Education Foundation Conference in Orlando. The first topic was “Critical Issues the Motor Carrier Faces and Their Impact on Insurance”. Mark Willis, radio personality with SiriusXM Channel 146 shared his feedback from listeners…
CIS proudly sponsors the Mohawks!
Introducing the Mohawks! CIS Truck Insurance is proud to sponsor our first (adorable) baseball team for the 2017 Fall Ball season through the Northeast Ohio Youth Baseball League. They are truly a great group of boys with a wonderful team of coaching, we are proud to be a part of it! Lets wish these boys…
Owner Operator update on Wal-mart, Amazon, Google, and Uber
Wal-Mart has partnered with Google Express to challenge Amazon for voice ordered purchases. Wal-Mart will share a buyer’s purchase history with “Google’s Virtual Assistant”, enabling faster processing for items frequently shopped. Amazon has long utilized voice shopping which analyzes buying history by recalling preferred items purchased in the past. Google Express currently enlists Uber and…
ATA Share the Road Video helps non professional drivers see what truckers can’t see
This award winning video from ATA should be required viewing for all new drivers. Send his to your kids or any nonprofessional driver you care about to see what professional truck drivers see…and can’t see.
Vision of more Owner Operator Health Insurance Options through States
Given the current ineptitude of our Senate and Congress, Obamacare is apparently destined to limp along indefinitely with few solid options for Independent Contractors. So what can the hard working Owner Operator hope for concerning the future of health insurance? Obamacare cannot continue in its current format. I won’t repeat more stats here that you…
Best Owner Operator Casino Night Yet!
Wow, what a great time! Over 350 Owner Operators, Motor Carriers and Vendors joined us for CIS Casino Night at the Expo in Lexington, KY last weekend. Over $7,000 in prizes were donated and drawn between rounds of blackjack, roulette, craps and texas hold’em. Check out these generous companies who contributed such great prizes for Owner Operators to…
Overdrive’s review of CIS Owner Operator Insurance Workshop at the Expo
It was great to field so many intelligent questions from Owner Operators attending our CIS insurance workshop at the Expo last week. Check out Overdrive’s Todd Dill’s summary of the workshop along with his earlier report Dodging the ambulance chasers.
Truck Insurance is Too Important to be Confusing Workshop
Shelly Benisch, TRS, CIC with Commercial Insurance Solutions (CIS) will hold a free truck insurance workshop at Lexington KY Convention Center on Friday July 14th 9:00 a.m. in Elkhorn A at the Expo. I’ll lay out the basics of truck insurance in a short, easy to understand format to help Owner Ops, Fleet Owners and small Motor…
CIS Casino Night at Expo 2017
I say enough work…it’s time to PLAY! Let’s blast off a new season and celebrate our positive momentum at Expedite Expo in Lexington, KY July 14th. CIS Casino Night is our way or thanking our Owner Operators and Motor Carriers for their support. So let’s kick back and have some fun together Friday night! D.J. Rick with Premier Casino Events…
Amazon Freight and Uber Freight for Owner Operators and small Motor Carriers
Two stories broke this week that should be of interest to Owner Operators and small Motor Carriers. The WSJ Logistics Report offered an expose on Amazon’s push into furniture delivery as one of the fastest growing segments of U.S. online retail. CCJ and other outlets unveiled that Uber has officially entered the freight-matching market with…
Interesting Transportation Court Cases compliments of CAB
Transportation Court Cases: CARGO The District Court in Maryland concluded that a plaintiff’s claims for loss or damage to freight were preempted by Carmack even when the motor carrier only performed an intra-state leg of an international move. As the plaintiff always intended the goods to move internationally Federal Court jurisdiction existed and a motion…
More Big League News from CIS!
Perhaps this is just the start of what the Trump Bump looks like; The freedom of more choices and more opportunities. For years there have been challenges finding more true truck insurance providers for our community… Now all in the same month, Acuity and National General are partnering with CIS to offer better insurance choices…
Big League News from CIS!
CIS and Acuity Insurance have partnered to provide new insurance solutions for our community. John, C.C. and I just returned from their headquarters in Sheboygan, WI to learn more about their impressive transportation division. Acuity is a solid A+ rated company in business since 1925 with over $3.6 Billion in Assets. They have a 96%…
The Great Multi Tasking Lie
So the story on the Oscar Best-Picture screwup is that the guy who was in charge of distributing the envelopes of winners was distracted while tweeting “Best Actress Emma Stone backstage! #PWC!” What a great example of how we THINK we’re focused on our task, but we’re not… CLICK HERE to view infographic…
Trump Bump means Big Bucks for Truckers
Who can really trust a poll for exact numbers anymore, but suffice to say that most of us in trucking tend to be conservative and patriotic so it’s not surprising that Trump received BIGLY support from individual drivers, organizations like Truckers for Trump and even the Big Boys representing fleets. What happens now? Proposed changes…
At Elaine Chao Hearing, Smiles and Laughter in an Otherwise Tense Washington
The confirmation hearing for transportation secretary struck a friendly tone, but hinted at upcoming policy fights. WASHINGTON—On a Wednesday morning of political havoc in the capital, Room G50 in the Dirksen Senate Office Building was a study in Beltway bonhomie as Elaine Chao cruised through her confirmation hearing for secretary of transportation. Ms. Chao, who…
CDC says Flu Season could be Severe
Yes, if you’re like me when you saw this headline you probably said, “When DON’T they say the Flu Season will be bad?” Anyway, apparently there is an “A” type strain called H3N2 that is a variety that causes more severe symptoms in play this year. A lot of the really bad Flu Seasons were…
Send to anyone who is still Texting or Checking Messages while Driving
Posted by Cliff J. on November 2, 2016 in Acuity’s Trucker Focus The FMCSA restricts the use of hand-held mobile devices by drivers of commercial vehicles. In addition to prohibiting texting, the FMCSA forbids a driver from holding a mobile device to make a call. The FMCSA restricts the use of hand-held mobile devices by…
Best way to learn about being a Motor Carrier or Broker
Here’s a great gift idea for the professional Motor Carrier or Broker ready to kick off the New Year with renewed confidence 2017 will be more successful and profitable than 2016: Hank E. Seaton, Esq of the Law Office of Seaton & Husk, L.P. has produced a short, approachable, easy to read reference…
Interesting Truck Insurance Court Cases and more…courtesy of CAB
Read the 4 quick summaries here so you’re in the loop of what’s going on, or grab a beverage and click to read the full transportation court cases for interesting stuff on Cargo, Brokerage, Couriers and Temporary Substitute Clause: CARGO A reminder to underwriters that motor carriers are liable for loss or damage to cargo…
Happy Turkey Bird Day!
Turkey Unfriended on Facebook…awwwe!
The Most Misunderstood Coverage in Owner Operator Truck Insurance – NTL
Here’s a quick overview of NTL, and heads up on a denied claim where a personal auto policy was used in it’s place: A Non-Trucking Liability policy or “NTL” is designed for an Independent Contractor/Owner Operator who is under permanent lease by contract to a Motor Carrier. The Motor Carrier provides your Primary Commercial Auto…
Why an Independent Contractor Owner Operator should have his own Truck Insurance Policy
Why the “Company Plan” isn’t always the best choice for an Independent Contractor’s Liability and Physical Damage Truck Insurance
Candid Caffees on Starting out as Independent Contractors of Expedited Freight
Bob and Linda Caffee of Team Run Smart share candid advice on “How to start out as an Owner Operator Expediting Team”.
Look out for the little beggers this weekend…Happy Halloween!
Trick or Treat at the Schmidt House
How to recover Lost Revenue when someone else hits you
A recent Expediters Online thread asking for suggestions for how to gain ‘Lost Revenue’ after a Not At fault Accident is a good segue for this week’s blog. T-boned, now what? Everyone understands that “Downtime Coverage” is something you can add to your own Commercial Auto Liability Policy. If you cause an accident and your…
CIS Friday Fun!
For a quick chuckle of why we shouldn’t judge too quickly…
Zombie Dispatch for Owner Operators Courtesy of Omnitracs
I thought this was quite clever! If you’re parked somewhere waiting for your next load, this should kill some time. OMNITRACS Drive a truck. Dispatch zombies. Save the world Try your hand at saving the world
Which States have the Best Rates for Truck Insurance
Here’s Progressive’s take on average rates for new Tractor Trailer Startups
WSJ Reports Big Losses Have Insurers Running From Trucks
By Brian Baskin The Wall Street Journal Oct. 14, 2016 5:30 a.m. ET Truckers are finding it harder and costlier to line up coverage for their fleets, as a wave of blockbuster payouts over accidents pushes insurers out of the market. The number of people killed in accidents involving large trucks fell 20% in the…
The Power Only Problem or How Lending Your Trailers Can Be Lending Your Insurance
If you enjoy reading about transportation law and how it an impact your company, click to check out Rob Moseley’s Fall Transportation Newsletter:
Chatter from earlier post, Why Cargo Vans and Sprinters carry $1 Million Liability?
There was quite a bit of chatter after I posted this explanation about Cargo Van and Sprinter Insurance…
MCS90-91X – Protection Might Not Be What Some People Think
Posted By Shelly Benisch “Risky Business” Blog Expediters Online Sep 14th 2016 Today I thought I’d share some information from Guest Blogger Tommy Ruke, “The King Pin Leading Expert in Truck Insurance”. Tommy is essentially the father of truck insurance. He has educated the majority of truck insurance specialists in the country for their (CIC) Certified…
Henry Albert new chairman of Trucking Solutions Group
BY Truckers News Staff Randall Reilly September 10, 2016 Henry Albert of Albert Transport Inc., has been named chairman of the Trucking Solutions Group. Albert is from Statesville, Tennessee. He succeeds longtime Chairmen Rick Ash, who was instrumental in leading the group’s driver health initiatives. Ash is a founding member of the group along with…
Difference between Hotshot and Expediter Insurance
Because they have much in common, questions often arise about the difference between Hotshot Insurance and Expediting Insurance. Both “Hotshots” and “Expediters” are “Trucking for Hire” operations of a time sensitive nature, and both tend to operate between 300 and up to unlimited miles. Many do not go home the same day they deliver the…
Hanjin Shipping Bankruptcy a Logistics Nightmare
While traveling in Asia and the Middle East, it’s easy to recognize “Hanjin” at virtually every port with thousands of shipping containers. They’re a South Korean company that made its entry into the containerized shipping business in 1969 after a successful 20+ year run providing transportation services for the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force in Korea and…
What questions an Independent Contractor Owner Operator should ask his Motor Carrier
By Shelly Benisch – C.I.C., CIS EXPEDITE NOW Article Ever wanted a cheat sheet on exactly WHAT questions you should ask a prospective Motor Carrier before making the important decision to join their team as an Independent Contractor Owner Operator? Well here you go…and Expedite Expo July 15th and 16th in Lexington, KY is the BEST PLACE…
Why Expedited Trucking industry standard for Cargo Vans and Sprinters is $1 Million Liability
Why Expedited Trucking industry standard for Cargo Vans and Sprinters is $1 Million Liability By Shelly Benisch Risky Business Blog Posted Aug 5th 2016 9:14AM ExpeditersOnline.com Here’s an Addendum to the current EO Thread “Insurance Coverage and the ‘Multi’ Carrier Model”…so Why DO Cargo Vans and Sprinters need $1 Million in Liability?” Arguments are certainly made that since…
Thanks for over $8,000 in CIS Casino Night Prizes at Expedite Expo 2016!
Risky Business Blog ExpeditersOnline.com by Shelly Benisch It’s been a tough year for a lot of Owner Ops to be sure, so a special thanks to all the people who stepped up to the plate in a big way to provide over $8,000 in Prizes for the 350 attendees at CIS Casino Night…
Expedite Expo 2016 Update: New Venue and More Value
http://www.expediteexpo.com/expo/media By Sean M Lyden, Staff Writer On Time Media June 17th, 2016 If you want to learn how to grow your business, make valuable connections, and discover new products and services in the expedited trucking industry, then register to attend the Expedite Expo on July 15 and 16 at the Lexington Center in…
How a small Motor Carrier updates his MCS-150
Updating DOT MCS-150for small Motor Carrier Trucker Updating DOT MCS-150 Information Go to website http://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov Under the column FMCSA Services, click on FMCSA Registration & Updates Under the heading Register Now without Help, click on Start the Online Registration without Help Under Existing Registration Updates, choose I need to update my MCS-150B / HM Safety…
Country’s largest carriers outsource more than 40% of contracted freight
Written by CCJ Staff | June 3, 2016 Commercial Carrier Journal A report released last month by shipper-carrier connection platform LaneAxis concludes roughly 40 percent of freight contracted to the country’s largest carriers is subcontracted to smaller carriers. Freight being outsourced to smaller carriers from their larger counterparts isn’t news to the industry, but LaneAxis…
