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
The 5 Hot New Battleground States for Commercial Trucking Insurance are Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Florida and Texas.
South Carolina, Arizona and Colorado are next on the list.
This is because of new competition entering the marketplace.
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
Click on each block for more
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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% […]
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 drivers […]
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 […]
Non Trucking Liability – The Most Misunderstood Insurance Coverage
Non Trucking Liability or NTL, is frequently misunderstood because many Owner Operators think it simply means when not under dispatch. Read more to learn how Non Trucking Liability really works. Who needs Non Trucking Liability Insurance? Non Trucking Liability is insurance coverage for an Owner Operator who is permanently Leased On to a Motor Carrier. […]
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”.
How to recover Lost Revenue when someone else hits you| Downtime for Truckers
Truckers Lost Revenue Downtime when someone else hits YOU is not always clearcut. Truckers who have had a NAF (Not At Fault) Accident experience know it’s not so easy to recover your true Lost Revenue with the other insurance company. Downtime Coverage can be added to most Commercial Trucking policies. When you purchase Downtime […]
Which States have the Best Rates for Truck Insurance
Here’s Progressive’s take on average rates for new Tractor Trailer Startups
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:
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 […]
Difference between Hotshot Insurance vs Expediter Insurance
~Hot Shots are 1 ton Duallys with Gooseneck Trailers
~Expediters can be Cargo Vans, Sprinters, Straight Trucks or Tractor Trailers
Both Hot Shots and Expediters haul time sensitive freight for hire across state lines
Insurance requirements differ depending on weight of vehicles and commodities
BONUS – A Brand New Insurance Choice with Excellent Rates is Finally Here
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 […]