How to Reduce Your Commercial Truck Insurance Premiums

How to Reduce Your Commercial Truck Insurance Premiums

Reduce your Truck Insurance Premium

Reducing your truck insurance premium is difficult in the current hard market. Here are some tips to help you maintain solid coverage while tweaking your commercial insurance premium. 1.  Fix your Credit Score Your Credit Score is not the same as your Insurance Credit Score. Insurance companies insist they don’t use your Credit Score, they […]

Cargo Vans vs Sprinter Vans

You Decide Straight Ahead Sign

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

Ohio Street Sign

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

Texas Roadsign

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 Highway Sign

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

Commercial Trucking MC S90 is Public Liability Insurance

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 […]

What does Motor Truck Cargo cover?

Motor Truck Cargo

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

Trucker needs 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?

Progressive small fleets can be semis, straights, box, cargo vans, sprinters

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

Understand What is 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 pay more for truck insurance rates due to PIP

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 Truckers

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

Expediting Straight Box Trucks require $750K Liability

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. This insurance only covers you when you’re not hauling on behalf […]

How to Become an Owner Operator with No Experience?

New Owner Operators can drive all kinds of Commercial Trucks

Here’s some tips 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 Insurance for Cargo Van

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

Owner Operator Commercial Trucker preparing her business

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 With These 9 Questions

New Trucker searching for help with Motor Carrier Insurance

Any Owner Operator venturing out to become a new Motor Carrier wants to save money on his truck insurance. Right now you’re probably driving your truck hauling freight for hire while “leased on” to a large Motor Carrier. If it’s time for you to establish your own Motor Carrier authority then read on:   Truck […]

Commercial Truck Insurance Trends 2023

Commercial Trucks Driving on Highway

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

CIS Progressive Insurance Logo

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

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

Truck Inspection for International Roadcheck

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?

Electronic Logging Devices used for Progressive Smart Haul Program for Truckers

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

Truck Insurance Trends for 2022 Shelly Benisch CIS

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 […]

Your Commercial Truck May Be Under Insured

Totaled Truck

Your Commercial Truck Insurance is set at a Stated Amount chosen by you, the Owner Operator.  But your truck could still be under insured.  Read more to see why. Savvy Owner Operators know that after an accident, the truck insurance company will look at the vehicle’s Stated Amount and Actual Cash Value (ACV) and pay […]

CIS/Progressive support for Truckers affected by Coronavirus

CIS Progressive Insurance Logo

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 Truck Insurance

Choose Best State to start Trucking Insurance

The number one Truck Insurance question asked by new Owner Operators and Motor Carriers is… What’s the Best State for me to set up my Truck Insurance? Before Covid we saw an increase in the number of Owner Ops establishing their own USDOT Motor Carrier Authorities with some flexibility on states.  Since then insurance providers […]

Independent Contractor FedEx Custom Critical

Expediting Straight Box Trucks require $750K Liability

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?

Free Agent Owner Operator Trucker

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 […]

Chatter from earlier post, Why Cargo Vans and Sprinters carry $1 Million Liability?

Sprinter Cargo Van

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 […]

Best Transportation Risk Specialist Near You

Motor Carrier Insurance Foundation Logo

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

4 Owner Operators insurance mistakes

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?

Courier vs 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?

Cargo Image Red Truck

“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

Owner Op 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

Example image truck hitting car and liability

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

Collision vs Comp

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

Tractors and Straight Trucks for Expedited Freight

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

Uber Freight Trade Show

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

Two Giants Disrupting 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

TRS Transportation Risk Specialist

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!

CIS sponsors Little League 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

Owner Ops or ICs for Walmart

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]