Cargo Vans vs Sprinter Vans
Commercial Cargo Vans and Sprinter Vans are used to haul Expedited Freight and Last Mile Deliveries.
Overall Quality, Cost, Size, Cargo Capacity, Fuel Economy and Repair Costs are debated in Forums.
But what are your affordable insurance options for the best fit for you?
What are Ohio Trucking Insurance Requirements?
If you want to be an Ohio Motor Carrier, you’ve got to meet FMCSA’s minimum Commercial Auto Liability Requirements. Keep reading to quickly learn the basics plus free easy steps to start your own DOT Motor Carrier Authority courtesy of 5-Star CIS (330) 864-1511. #CISDoesThat
Texas Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements
New Texas Motor Carriers must follow FMCSA’s minimum commercial auto insurance rules–Get the Basics + Free New DOT Advice from 5-Star CIS. From Commercial Vans to Big Rigs #CISDoesThat
Florida Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements
If you’re a Florida trucker looking to move goods across state lines, you’ve got to meet the FMCSA’s minimum Commercial Auto Liability Requirements. The good news? GEICO is here in the Sunshine State to make it easier—and more affordable—for new truckers to hit the road. #CISDoesThat
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 […]
Commercial Truck Cargo Insurance Explained
Motor Truck Cargo covers the freight you’re hauling—simple as that. Our CIS Cheat Sheet lays out everything you need to know. Give us a call to learn more! (330) 864-1511 #CISDoesThat
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?
The Best Commercial Truck Insurance with the lowest premiums right now is through GEICO’s new program and their hand selected Pro Brokers.
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 Basics
Commercial truck insurance doesn’t have to be complicated. Let’s start with the simple Basics! If you’re a motor carrier, here’s what you need to know about the 4 key parts of your commercial transport insurance. CIS Transportation Insurance Experts break it down to make your truck insurance easy! (330) 864-1511 #CISDoesThat
Save Money on Your New Motor Carrier Insurance
Learn how to save money on your new trucking insurance plus simple tips to set up your Motor Carrier authority yourself. Take control of the process, avoid unnecessary fees, and ensure everything is done right the first time. Get started to your new independence with confidence! #CISDoesThat
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. […]
How to Lower Trucking Insurance Premiums in 2025
Lower your trucking insurance premiums in 2025 with these 10 Expert Tips courtesy of 5-Star CIS. Get affordable GEICO & Progressive Quotes Online here–Or call (330) 864-1511 for service that’s personal and friendly! #CISDoesThat
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 […]
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 […]
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
Find Transportation Insurance Experts
You can trust the Transportation Insurance Experts at CIS, Commercial Insurance Solutions, Inc. Nationwide Transportation Insurance Specialists are here to chat with you, call us now! (330) 864-1511 #CISDoesThat
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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
Difference between Hot Shot Insurance vs Expediter Insurance starts with FMCSA and type of vehicle.
Here’s a quick summary:
If you’re a Hot Shot with a 1 Ton Dually Pick Up Truck with a Trailer, you’ll need at least $750,000 in Commercial Auto Liability.
For lighter Commercial Vans under 10,001 GVW, the minimum FMCSA requirement is $300,000.
Read more here for everything you need to know about Hot Shot vs Expediter Insurance.
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 […]
Commercial Truck Requirement MCS-150
Commercial Truck Requirement MCS-150 applies every 24 months for EXISTING Motor Carriers. This blog is a continuation of our earlier blog, Commercial Truck Insurance Requirement MCS-90 or how to BECOME a Motor Carrier. FMCSA is the transportation governing body that requires an MCS-150 update on your business every 24 months. If you’ve gotten to the […]
Independent Contractor Risks and Rewards of getting your own Motor Carrier Authority
This educational AND inspirational article posted on Expediters Online is by Staff Writer Sean M Lyden. Henry Albert is insured through CIS. When you operate under your own motor carrier authority, you get to call your own shots and keep more of your income by negotiating rates directly with customers and not having to share […]
Difference between General Liability vs Auto Liability to a Trucker
General Liability vs Auto Liability By Shelly Benisch Given the number of policies with $1 Million General Liability and State Minimum Auto Liability currently popping up out there, it’s a good time to talk about the vast difference between the two types of insurance whether you’re a Trucking Owner Op, Motor Carrier or Broker. Auto Liability pays […]
Expedite Now Q & A with Transportation Risk Specialist Shelly Benisch with CIS
By Lawrence McCord, Publisher Expedite Now January 06, 2016 11:11:00 Shelly Benisch from CIS sheds some light on the commercial insurance industry: Tell us about yourself. When people hear John and I married right out of school and now partner an insurance agency, we’re amused with questions of how we keep from killing each other! While […]
Why Professional Expediters work with Transportation Risk Specialist Insurance Agents (TRS)
The Insurance Zone by Shelly Benisch Expedite Now Magazine Whether you’re a Motor Carrier or Owner Op, expect a professional TRS Insurance Agent to know what coverage you are required to carry by all of the major Expedite entities. Anyone quoting you with lower limits in the beginning of your term then increasing those limits […]