What to Know About Insuring Cargo Vans for Commercial Use
What to Know About Insuring Cargo Vans for Commercial Use Are you an Owner Operator of a Cargo Van or Sprinter Van hauling freight for hire? Understanding the intricacies of commercial insurance is crucial to your business. In this blog, you’ll learn everything you need to know about insuring your vehicle, from the types of […]
GEICO Commercial Truck Insurance is finally HERE!
GEICO Trucking Insurance: Another Choice for Expediters! 330-864-1511 We are delighted to let you know that CIS can now offer Owner Operators and small Motor Carriers an additional choice for Trucking Insurance: GEICO. Our Expediting Community has experienced rough and volatile times for what seems like an eternity. But with GEICO trucking insurance as […]
Owner Operator Trucks May Be UnderInsured
Owner Operator Trucks may be UnderInsured if they haven’t run fresh quotes with the brand new trucking insurance company in town. When it comes to claims time the insurance company looks at your vehicle’s Stated Amount. You chose the Stated Amount, or value of your commercial truck when you started your insurance policy. If your […]
Illinois Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements
What you need to know about Illinois Commercial Trucking Insurance Illinois Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements for new Motor Carriers start with Federal Requirements set by FMCSA. FMCSA is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration which oversees the Department of Transportation. Commercial trucks hauling freight across state lines must first register with FMCSA. Commercial Trucks […]
New Expediting Truck Insurance Launching!
Exciting News: Brand New Expediting Truck Insurance is Launching! Shhh!….It’s technically still a secret…but another Expediting Insurance choice is in the works! CIS is gearing up now to revolutionize Expediting Truck Insurance with a new Insurance Provider backed by a Powerhouse you all know. Our new Commercial Truck Insurance partner provides customized packages for everyone […]
Indiana Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements
Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements Indiana Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements for Motor Carriers start with Federal Requirements set by FMCSA. FMCSA is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration which oversees the Department of Transportation. Commercial trucks hauling freight for hire across state lines must first register with FMCSA. Commercial Trucks operating Intrastate in Indiana are […]
How to Reduce Your Commercial Truck Insurance Premiums
Reduce Your Commercial Truck Insurance Premium with These Proven Tips Despite today’s hard market, you can still reduce your trucking insurance premium over time with a little effort. Continue reading for tips on lowering your premium without sacrificing coverage. Then at the end uncover the key emerging secret in Commercial Truck Insurance that can reduce […]
Cargo Vans vs Sprinter Vans
Cargo Vans vs Sprinter Vans has been a truck parking lot debate for years. Read on to find out the differences between cargo and sprinters, and what is the best fit for you. Cargo Vans by Ford, GMC and Chrysler were originally the preferred unit to haul cargo in the 90’s. Then Mercedes Benz introduced […]
Ohio Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements
Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements Ohio Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements for Motor Carriers start with Federal Requirements set by FMCSA. FMCSA is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration which oversees the Department of Transportation. Commercial trucks hauling freight for hire across state lines must first register with FMCSA. Commercial Trucks operating Intrastate in Ohio are […]
Texas Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements
Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements Texas Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements for Motor Carriers are based first on Federal Requirements set by FMCSA. FMCSA is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration which oversees the Department of Transportation. In order to drive legally, commercial trucks hauling freight for hire across state lines must first register with FMCSA. FMCSA then […]
Florida Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements
Florida Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements for Motor Carriers are first based on Federal Requirements set by FMCSA. FMCSA is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration which oversees the Department of Transportation. In order to drive legally, commercial trucks hauling freight for hire across state lines must first register with FMCSA. FMCSA then assigns you a […]
Commercial Truck Insurance Requirement MC S90
The Commercial Truck Insurance Filing Requirement MC S90 is easy once you know what it is. You’ll hear both MC S90 and BMC91X mentioned over and over, but what are they? Here’s a quick summary: You’re a Trucking Owner Operator looking to become a For Hire Motor Carrier. FMCSA has some legal requirements you […]
How does Non Trucking Liability Insurance differ from Primary Liability in the Trucking Industry
One of the most common questions we receive as Truck Insurance Brokers is How does Non Trucking Liability insurance differ from Primary Liability. Why is there such a cost difference? Let’s start with the basics. Non Trucking Liability – NTL – is insurance coverage for an Owner Operator who has permanently leased on […]
What does Motor Truck Cargo cover?
Motor Truck Cargo is insurance that covers the freight a Motor Carrier or Owner Operator is hauling. The premium is based on types of commodities. Who needs Motor Truck Cargo Insurance? Motor Carriers are companies approved by FMCSA – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. They are established freight hauling companies with designated DOT – […]
Commercial Truck Roadside Assistance
Owner Operators who need Truck Roadside Assistance are often shocked at the exorbitant rates some towing companies charge. Until now most insurance companies have shied away from offering roadside assistance to large trucks. Progressive Commercial Truck Insurance has broken the barrier and is now offering Heavy Truck Roadside Assistance. How much does it usually […]
Who has the Best Commercial Truck Insurance?
5 Simple Tips for Finding the Best Commercial Truck Insurance When it comes to commercial truck insurance, having the right coverage and premium is crucial for truckers and owner-operators. There is a lot to know in order to decide what is best for your unique situation. We’ve compiled five tips to help you find the […]
What is the Definition of a Commercial Vehicle
What’s a Commercial Vehicle? One definiton of a commercial vehicle is simply a motor vehicle used for business rather than personal or family use. Commercial vehicles that are used for transporting goods for hire are regulated by both federal and local laws. The true definition of a commercial vehicle can be confusing because of FMCSA […]
Michigan Owner Operator PIP Truck Insurance Rates
Michigan Owner Operators are required to carry PIP, which inflates their truck insurance rate. PIP is Personal Injury Protection that an Owner Operator purchases as part of his Trucking Commercial Auto Liability Insurance policy. PIP insurance covers medical and other expenses for an Owner Operator and passengers no matter who is at fault. In a […]
What does Occupational Accident Insurance for Truckers cover?
Occupational Accident insurance for Owner Operator Truckers is a supplemental insurance plan to help cover medical, death and disability claims resulting from on the job injuries. Occupational Accident policies can include coverage for: Accidental Death Survivors Benefits Accidental Dismemberment Accidental Paralysis Accident Medical Expenses Temporary Total Disability Continuous Total Disability While specific coverage limits vary, […]
FedEx Custom Critical Owner Operator Insurance
What kind of commercial truck insurance does a FedEx Custom Critical Owner Operator need? Owner Operators hauling for the FedEx Custom Critical division are independent contractors and provide their own $1,000,000 NTL, Non Trucking Liability Insurance. Non Trucking Liability insures the Owner Operator’s equipment. NTL only covers you when you’re not hauling on behalf of […]
How to Become an Owner Operator with No Experience?
Tips and Requirements on How to Become an Owner Operator With No Experience What is an Owner Operator? An Owner Operator is someone who owns their own truck and operates as an Independent Contractor hauling freight for hire. Many Owner Operators Lease On to a Motor Carrier where a Dispatcher finds freight for them to […]
9 Tips for the Cheapest Commercial Van Insurance
Commercial Van Insurance should be cheap given it’s not technically Commercial Truck Insurance. Coverage for Cargo Vans and Sprinters is usually written as Business Auto Insurance. Here’s why that difference matters to you along with 9 tips on how to get the Cheapest Commercial Van Insurance: Today the Expediting Trucking For Hire world […]
Commercial Truck Insurance 101
Commercial Truck Insurance 101 for Motor Carriers and Owner Operators starts with the 4 different categories of coverage: Commercial Auto Liability Physical Damage Cargo General Liability What does each category of truck insurance cover and how does each one protect you? Let’s start with the first category […]
Save Money on Your New Motor Carrier Truck Insurance
Owner Operators looking to save money on new Motor Carrier Truck Insurance need to understand the basics. Are you currently a Leased on Owner Operator hauling freight under permanent lease with a large Motor Carrier? If you’re ready to obtain your DOT Motor Carrier authority, keep reading. Truck insurance is very different for a ‘leased […]
Commercial Truck Insurance Trends 2023
It’s no secret that inflation had a severe impact on the commercial trucking industry in 2022. Typical truck and driver shortages were amplified by exploding fuel costs and sweeping consumer prices. ATRI reported that fuel prices became the number one trucking industry concern, bumping the always consistent driver shortage challenge. Trucking overhead increased just when spot […]
Progressive now insures Small Truck Fleets
Well it’s been years in the making, but Progressive now insures Small Truck Fleets. Here’s what you need to know: What is Progressive Small Fleet for Trucks? Small Fleet refers to the number of vehicles, not the type of vehicle. A new Progressive Small Fleet policy can be written for accounts with 10-40 existing units. […]
10 Quick Tips to Lower Your Trucking Insurance Premium
Here are 10 Quick Tips to Lower Your Trucking Insurance Premium: 1. Credit is King The better your credit, the more options you have. Insurance algorithms indicate that people with better credit are generally more responsible and “less risky” personality types. Credit information as predictive of future accidents or claims is a hotly […]
RoadCheck DOT Blitz is Here
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) annual Roadcheck DOT blitz takes place May 16 – 18, 2023. What is Roadcheck DOT Blitz? Over a 72-hour period, commercial motor vehicle inspectors in jurisdictions throughout North America will conduct inspections of commercial motor vehicles and their drivers. Approximately 17 Roadside Inspections will be initiated every minute during this 72-hour period across the US, Canada, and Mexico. Each […]
What is Progressive Smart Haul?
Here’s what you need to know about Progressive Smart Haul: Smart Haul is a program that allows Small Motor Carriers and Owner Operators the opportunity to save between 5% and 20% on their truck insurance by allowing Progressive access to their Electronic Logging Device – ELD. Current average savings for Owner Operators with Smart Haul […]
2022 Truck Insurance Trends
Well, safe to say the past couple of years have been strange, so what’s in store for Owner Operators and Truck Insurance in 2022? Last Mile Delivery No surprise here, Last Mile Delivery exploded during Covid and continues to grow. In 2020, the LMD industry was valued at $18.7 billion and it’s expected to grow to […]
CIS/Progressive support for Truckers affected by Coronavirus
This just in from Progressive… We’re ready to help “We understand that a number of our shared customers will be affected by the spread of the Coronavirus and we’re prepared to help address unanticipated financial hardship they may be facing as a result. If you hear from any customers whose employment and income have been […]
What’s the Best State for Trucking Insurance
Best State to start up new Trucking Insurance now New Owner Operators frequently call to ask about The Best State for Commercial Truck Insurance. Believe it or not, the answer can fluctuate from year to year based on insurance companies competing for your business. For years Progressive Insurance cornered the market for new venture startup […]
Independent Contractor FedEx Custom Critical
Independent Contractors for FedEx Custom Critical own and maintain their own trucks and provide their own insurance. As the Owner Operator of the truck, they have no designated route and can accept or reject loads. What kind of commercial truck insurance does a FedEx Custom Critical Owner Operator need? Owner Operators hauling for the FedEx […]
Why are so many Owner Operators getting their own DOT Motor Carrier Authority?
A couple of weeks ago Shelly Benisch and John Mueller were playing hooky at a cute little coffee shop when we stumbled on an interesting pattern within both CIS and The Transportation Station. More Owner Operators were getting their own DOT Motor Carrier authorities to haul for themselves. We sipped and chatted and agreed that […]
Expediter Owner Operator Insurance – the “other reason” you didn’t get that last load
Expediter Owner Operator, are you asking yourself “Why didn’t I get that load?” You were in the right place at the right time…and you just bid lower than you would have liked in order to get yourself out of a deadhead situation. Well 2019 has certainly brought us plenty of data on the overall softer […]
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… Why Cargo Vans and Sprinters carry $1 Million Liability?? Published on August 19, 2016 By Shelly Benisch Posted Aug 5th 2016 9:14AM Arguments are certainly made that since FMCSA only requires $300,000 Liability for under 10K GVW […]
Cargo van hauling: Operating with authority, and the ‘multicarrier’ model by Todd Dills with Overdrive
Todd Dills with Overdrive on some of the pros and cons of Independent Owner Operators of cargo van s and sprinters obtaining their own USDOT authority
4 keys to Owner Operator Truck Insurance
Quick cheat sheet for Owner Operator Truck Insurance
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Best Transportation Risk Specialist Near You
Are you an Owner Operator or Trucking Company looking for true professional transportation insurance advice to protect yourself and comply with FMCSA? Then look no further. MCIEF is the Motor Carrier Insurance Education Foundation headed up by the Kingpin of Truck Insurance and frequently quoted Tommy Ruke, TRS, CIC. This was our 6th year for […]
Risky Business – 4 Insurance Mistakes Owner-Operators Should Avoid
Sean M. Lyden posted this E.O. interview with “Risky Business” Shelly Benisch (CIS) advising Expediters and Truckers on the 4 Insurance Mistakes Owner Operators Should Avoid. Be sure to check out more of Sean M. Lyden’s informative expedited freight “In the News” Expediters Online articles for Everything Owner Operators and Fleet Owners Need to Know. Sean also has a […]
Are you a Courier or an Expediter?
The number of people dabbling in Amazon Last Mile Delivery has thrown a bit of a wrench in the insurance underwriting of smaller vehicles making “for hire” deliveries. A professional cargo van or sprinter driver hauling time sensitive freight on an unlimited radius is a clear cut “Expediter Classification” for most insurance companies. But what about […]
Understanding Owner Operator Motor Truck Cargo Insurance – and Who’s Carmack?
“Hmmmm…so if something goes wrong, who IS responsible for all that stuff I’m hauling in the back of my truck?” The “Cargo” in the back of your truck requires its own type of insurance coverage based on what commodities you’re hauling. Most Motor Truck Cargo Policies insure the freight for the obvious exposures of […]
Understanding Owner Operator Truck General Liability
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 […]
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 […]
