The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration established the Hours-of-Service regulations to put limits on when and how long commercial motor vehicle drivers may be on the road. These regulations must be adhered to by all drivers to help insure commercial truck drivers get the rest they need to operate their motor vehicles safely. The rules apply to ANY commercial motor vehicle with a gross weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 10,001 or more that is involved in interstate or intrastate commerce. The regulations also apply to any commercial motor vehicle transporting a quantity of hazardous materials that would require a placard.

For property-carrying commercial truck drivers, a summary of the rules is listed below. The Hours-of-Service rules state that a driver of a commercial motor vehicle:

•    May drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
•    May NOT drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty following 10 consecutive hours off duty. Off duty time does not extend the 14 hours period.
•    May not drive after 60 hours on duty in any 7 consecutive day time frame, if the motor carrier company(ies) contracted with operates less than seven days a week.
•    May not drive after 70 hours on duty during any 8 consecutive day time frame, if the motor carrier company(ies) contracted with operates sevens days per week.
•    May restart a seven or eight consecutive day period after taking 34 or more consecutive hours off duty.
•    When using a sleeper berth provision, must take at least 8 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth, plus a separate two consecutive hours either in the sleeper berth, off duty, or any combination of the two.

For more information about these regulations, visit www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations. And, for up to date information about commercial trucking insurance, contact a Reliance Partners agent.

Long haul or over-the-road (OTR) truck drivers are most typically compensated for their work according to four criteria. Three of these methods use varying definitions of mileage traveled as the basis for the compensation. The fourth method is based on the percentage of load carried. There are advantages to being paid by mileage. The most obvious advantage is that your compensation is based on a specific measure of accomplishment. However, there are also disadvantages. One disadvantage is that some hauls require more effort than mileage would adequately compensation for. Another drawback is the relatively low pay that mileage compensation offers when compared to the number of hours actually worked.

Compensation by Household Goods (HHG) Miles - The basis for Household Goods Miles came from the “Household Goods Mileage Guide.” This guide standardized motor carrier freight rates for moving goods. The Guide contains mileage distances between cities, zip codes or highway junctions for more than 140,000 cities. Drivers in the industry believe that HHG miles are shorter than actual miles driven because truck miles are usually driven point-to-point, not from city to zip code or highway junction. In fact, some drivers estimate the difference between HHG miles and actual miles can be up to 12% shorter. Motor carrier companies, on the other hand, claim that the miles driven vary both shorter and longer using HHG miles. So, over time, the actual mileage will even out. The companies also point out that drivers are paid more per mile to account for these variances.

Compensation by Practical Miles – The criteria for this method of compensation has no standard definition across the industry. In general, Practical Miles is used as a more realistic distance estimation than HHG miles. Check with the motor carrier company to determine the specific criteria used if they compensate drivers using this method.

Compensation by Hub Miles – This method links compensation to odometer miles. A mechanical odometer or hubometer is usually mounted to an axle. Motor carrier companies using this method of compensation pay drivers for every mile tracked by the hubometer. Companies sometimes place limits on total mileage not to exceed 5-10% of the estimated mileage for the haul.

Compensation by Percentage of Load – This method is the only one that does not use mileage as a factor for compensation. Instead, a motor carrier company using this method will pay the driver wither a set or variable percentage of what the motor carrier company determined to be the quoted value or rate of the load.

Now that you have more information about compensation, you can more thoughtfully choose the motor carrier company that will help you best attain your income goals. Remember also to contact a reputable trucking insurance company that can offer the insurance you need within your compensation limits.

Business Operations – One way to lower your premiums is, when the way you operate your business changes, contact your insurance agent and give him or her the details. Coverage costs can change if for example, the type of freight you haul or the type of trailer you use changes. You may be able to save money with a different type of coverage.

Equipment & Depreciation – Your truck may be the single most expensive item you have, but even its value depreciates over time. If it has been a year or more since the value of your truck was assessed, speak to your insurance agent. You may have the opportunity to reduce your physical damage premium. Be careful as well because over-estimating the value of your truck may actually work against you. If you are in an accident where your vehicle is totaled, insurance providers typically pay the lower of the actual cash value versus the stated value.

Deductible - Talk with an insurance agent about raising your deductible, but do so only if you can pay that deductible in the event of a claim. If you are an independent owner/operator, you might also consider combining damage and cargo deductibles or including related costs such as legal fees or lost wages due to downtime. When you talk to an insurance agent about covering these business expenses, be sure you will still have the coverage you need even if you shoulder more of the out-of-pocket costs.

Consolidate and Discount – If you are currently using multiple trucking insurance companies for different trucking related policies, consider combining policies with one insurer. You might be able to save money with a single truck insurance company that offers discounts for multiple types of coverage. You could also simply ASK your trucking insurance provider what discounts they offer. For example, do they provide for safe driver discounts? Do they have age-related discounts available? Might they offer a flexible payment plan to cover your insurance premium instead of paying the entire amount at once or up front? You would be surprised how many trucking insurance providers are willing to work with you to get your business. It is a win-win situation for you and the insurance company!

It can be tough to generate income in this economy, but by using these simple tips, you may be able to lower your expenses. Less money coming out of your pocket means more money for you. A reputable commercial trucking insurance company will work with you to provide the coverage you need at the price you can afford.

Exercises for Truck Drivers

One way to stay healthy is to exercise. But, if you are behind the wheel for multiple hours each day, how do you find the time to exercise? Believe it or not, there are some simple exercises that you can do while sitting behind the wheel. These exercises, done consistently over time, will positively impact your health. Try a few of the following exercises for truck drivers the next time you are behind the wheel and see how much better you start to feel!

Wrist Stretch – Extend your arm and the fingers of one hand against the steering wheel. Gently press your fingers against the wheel and hold for 10-15 seconds. Repeat with your other hand. This exercise, along with the next one, can help loosen your wrist and minimize problems like carpal tunnel.

Fist Flex – Make a fist with one hand, and with your thumb facing upward, anchor your elbow on the center console or your seat. Slowly stretch the fist first to the right and then to the left. The action is similar to holding on to a flag and waving it back and forth with your hand. Do these movements 5-10 times. Repeat the movement with the other hand. You can also hold your arm out to the side and make slow circles with your wrist, keeping your hands in closed fists. Make circles in both directions.

Neck Stretch – Sitting with your head upright, slowly lean your head to the right as far as is comfortable. Hold the position for a few seconds, then lean your head slowly to the left and hold. When you are at a traffic light, lean your head forward and hold for a few seconds, then slowly lean your head back and hold. Do this 10 times. This exercise reduces tension in the muscles of your neck and head.

Shoulder Shrug – To combat fatigue in your upper arms and shoulders, do this simple exercise: With your hands comfortably on the steering wheel, raise just your shoulders to try and touch your ears. The motion is similar to shrugging “I don’t know” Hold the shrug for a few seconds and slowly release down. Do this exercises 10 – 20 times. This is an excellent exercise to reduce the stress in your shoulders

Ab Crunch – You will need a small pillow or some type of lumbar support on your lower back to get the most benefit from this exercise. At every traffic light or during every favorite song or news report on the radio, squeeze in your abdominal muscles and hold for the length of the traffic light or radio song/news report. You should be holding in the abdominal muscles for at least a minute or two each time (the more minutes, the better). After a long trip, you will really begin to feel the benefits of this exercise if you do it consistently. Remember, a spare tire looks best on your truck not on you!

In 1999, the Department of Transportation released the Volpe report. This report stated, among other statistics, that if both the direct and indirect costs of cargo theft were included, the losses from this crime would run between $20 and $60 billion dollars per year.  More recently, according to LoJack Supply Chain Integrity, the second quarter of 2009 showed a 300% increase in the number of thefts that occurred at carrier facilities and drop yards. Based on additional information reported to LoJack’s SCI Supply Chain Information Sharing and Analysis Center (SC-ISAC), vehicles and their cargo were stolen within 4 hours of being parked. Almost half of these stolen vehicles had only been parked for less than an hour.

As a commercial truck driver, it is your responsibility to take the right steps to avoid theft and carry the appropriate amount of insurance to avoid huge personal losses. Following these few simple steps can be invaluable to avoiding or deterring cargo theft. When you are hauling cargo, always lock your vehicle. Be sure to use high quality locks on the trailer especially those locks that have multiple pin tumblers, dead locks, or those with interchangeable cores. Lock the power unit and remove the keys when the vehicle is left unattended. Do not discuss your freight, its value, or its destination with anyone during transport and delivery of the shipment. This practice also includes not discussing this type of information on the radio while in transit. Consider having a planned route with scheduled stops, but also varying the route or the stops so as not to establish a “routine run.” Finally, always identify your vehicle with a prominent name and identification number.

Are you also sure that you have the appropriate insurance coverage to survive cargo theft? It is up to you to do the due diligence needed to find the right coverage. Many companies will severely limit the amount of coverage for theft. Or, they might have exclusions such as for theft when your vehicle is unattended or for unknown disappearance of cargo. You may even have limits placed on the amount an insurance company may pay for high value items such as alcohol, computers, or electronics. To obtain the best coverage, consider an insurance carrier who specializes in your business. When you negotiate a policy, require your insurance company to put all the coverage details in writing, In particular, ask the all exclusions or limits on coverage be fully detailed and explained. Ask your insurance agent to review the insurance requirements of any shipper with whom you are considering entering into a contract.

Taking a few steps ahead of time can significantly reduce your liability and loss from cargo theft. Contact your commercial trucking insurance company for more specific information.

According to the 2008 “Seat Belt Usage Study,” seat belt usage by passengers in commercial vehicles rose to 61% Drivers of major fleets were more likely to wear a seat belt than owner/operators were. Major fleet drivers used seat belts 75% of the time versus 62% for owner/operators. An interesting trend was also found regionally. The study reported that drivers in the West were more likely to be wearing a seat belt than drivers in the Northeast – 20% more likely for the West coast drivers. Probably not very surprising was the finding in the study that seat belt usage was higher in urban areas more than rural areas and that usage was higher during the weekends than on weekdays. Seat belt usage was also commonly found more often in areas that had faster traffic.

The American Trucking Association has been reportedly please with the outcome of the Seat Belt Usage Study. The ATA has supported improved seat belt enforcement. As part of its 18-point road safety agenda, the ATA recommends that the following measures be enacted:

•    All states establish primary seat belt laws
•    All commercial vehicles be equipped with audible reminders for seat belt use
•    Vehicle makers be required to install seat belts with high contrast colors to make seat belt usage more quickly visible to law enforcement officials on the road
•    States adopt a “failure to wear seat belt” defense
•    Worker’s Compensation benefits be denied to drivers who fail to use seat belts

The American Trucking Association also strongly believes that drivers must continually be educated about the importance of seat belt usage. It would appear by the results of the 2008 Seat Belt Usage Study that more commercial truck drivers are starting to get the message.

Many technologically advanced safety features are available or are being developed for trucks and other vehicles. These safety systems include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), pre-collision systems, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning systems, and blind spot detection systems. Commercial truck drivers should consider having any of the features on the truck if you want to lower your insurance premiums.

ESC or Electronic Stability Control is a safety and accident prevention technology designed to select the brakes which are applied to one or more tires. This feature helps the truck to slow down more regularly and allows the drive to regain control of the vehicle. Additional advancements are being made on this system. And, the forthcoming ESC II will use steering input combined with throttle and braking control to help slow the vehicle in an emergency.

Some newer and more expensive trucks can also have a pre-collision system. This safety system can sense obstacles and determine if the obstacles are a risk to the vehicle or driver. Then, the system takes active steps to prevent accidents by slowing the vehicle or applying the brakes.

An adaptive cruise control system can regulate safe distances between the truck and other vehicles. This feature engages the brake and throttle systems on the truck to ensure proper distance is maintained and keeps the truck, driver, and other vehicles safe.

Lane departure warning systems are currently being tested on vehicles. Cameras are mounted on the vehicle that will sense road markings. Should the driver become distracted or drowsy on long trips and cause the vehicle to veer out of the lane, these warning systems would sound an alarm to alert the driver. This feature has successfully worked to awaken drivers after many hours behind the wheel.

There are even blind spot detection systems available. This feature will prevent a truck from changing lanes if there is a vehicle hidden in the truck’s blind spots.

Newer truck models have many of these features built-in. However, you can also have some of these systems installed after market. The investment can be well worth it especially when you consider the costs of an accident. Damages and liability costs can skyrocket after even one accident. But with additional safety features, the driver can have the peace of mind knowing that he has taken steps to decrease the risk of an accident. Additionally, the insurance provider has the assurance of decreased potential for costly insurance claims being submitted.

The essential components to understand about a Bill of Lading include what it is, what it entails, and how it applies to motor truck cargo. A bill of lading is a type of document that is used to acknowledge the receipt of a shipment of goods. A transportation company or carrier issues this document to a shipper. In addition to acknowledging the receipt of goods, a bill of lading indicates three things:

•    the particular vessel on which the goods have been placed
•    their intended destination
•    the terms for transporting the shipment to its final destination

The bill of lading will specify the liability of the carrier and will be obtained by a commercial insurance claims adjuster.

There are many names given to bills of lading, but the most pertinent to the commercial cargo carrier are the inland bill of lading and the through bill of lading. An inland bill of lading is a document that identifies the agreement between the shipper and the transportation company to transport its goods. This bill of lading is necessary for the domestic transportation of goods. An inland bill of lading may by negotiable or non-negotiable. When an inland bill of lading is negotiable, the person who owns the bill has certain rights. This person has the right of ownership of the goods and the right to re-route the shipment. When an inland bill of lading is non-negotiable, the carrier is required to provide delivery only to the consignee named in the document. The other type of bill of lading, the through bill of lading, covers the specific terms agreed to by a shipper and carrier. It covers the domestic and international transporting of merchandise. The through bill of lading gives the specific details about the cost to transport between specific locations.

The law that truck cargo carriers should be most familiar with is the BMC 32 Endorsement. This endorsement, which is a provision added to a carrier’s insurance contract, was created to protect shippers against unrecoverable transit losses that occur when shipping by way of motor carriers. According to William J. Augello, author of the book “Transportation, Logistics and the Law (www.transportlawtexts.com) and executive director of the Transportation Consumer Protection Council Inc. (www.tcpcinc.com), the BMC 32 is one of the most valuable protections that the Congress and the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) ever established to safeguard the shipping public. The most important features of this endorsement are:

•    the cargo insurance coverage pertains to all losses or damage for which the carrier is liable up to certain limits without regard for any deductibles or exclusions that may be in the policy
•    the coverage remains in effect until the insurer files a notice of cancellation or modification with the Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Armed with this information, you improve the efficiency and success of your trucking company.

Bobtail Liability – Operating your truck without a trailer is commonly referred to as “bobtailing” or “Deadheading.” Bobtail liability coverage is protection for leased owner operators that provides insurance coverage when your truck is being operated without its trailer attached, whether or not you have been dispatched by your carrier. This type of insurance would cover you, for example, if you deliver a load to a terminal and then driver into another town to pick up a different load there. You would also be covered while you were traveling in your truck to and from work or to and from the repair shop. As noted previously, this coverage is excluded if you are pulling a trailer.

Non-trucking Liability – This type of coverage is oftentimes used interchangeably with bobtail liability, but they are not truly the same. Non-trucking liability coverage is designed to protect leased owner operators against liability claims that occur when you are operating your tuck for personal or non-business use. This type of insurance covers you if, for example, you take your family for a leisure ride in your truck. Coverage is excluded if you are driving under the direction of your carrier. It is also not applicable until you have returned to your principle garage location.

Unladen Liability – This coverage is a newer type of insurance. It has become more popular because it provides you with increased flexibility of protection. While broader in scope with regard to coverage than either bobtail or non-trucking liability, it can be more expensive. Unladen insurance coverage provides you with liability insurance when your truck is being operated with the trailer attached. It will also cover you when you operate the truck without the trailer, regardless of whether or not you have been dispatched by your carrier. As you can probably tell from the definition, unladen liability insurance will cover your when you are bobtailing (deadheading) to and from the terminal or between loads.

Under the law, it is the responsibility of the authorized motor carrier to provide liability protection for the public. So, as an owner operator, you should not have to maintain your own liability insurance. The reality is that motor carriers typically look for ways to reduce their burden for the degree of liability that they are responsible for. They accomplish this by requiring the leased owner operator to release them of this burden in certain situations (bobtailing, personal use, or between loads, etc.). These situations are usually specified in the contracts or lease agreements. As you can see, this is another reason that you should read and understand your lease contract fully. In this way, you can assume only the amount of the motor carrier’s liability that you are obligated to assume.

When an accident happens:

1. Immediately Assess The Area For Safety. Is there injury or damage to your truck or other vehicles? It is always wise for the driver to carry paper and pen in the truck to immediately take notes. Also, in these technologically advanced times, a camera phone can be one of the most vital assessment tools. In the event of injuries, you may need to perform first aid. However, be aware that you should be trained and certified to perform first aid before you administer services to any injured persons.
2. Call For Emergency Assistance. A call to 911 will dispatch police and fire & rescue units. In the event that you are carrying hazardous materials, you may also need to contact the Department of Transportation.
3. Collect Information. You should gather as much detail as you can regarding the damaged vehicles, persons involved in the accident, and any witnesses. This step is vital since most truck insurance claims are delayed when commercial trucking companies don’t have this information and the driver did not write it down.
   • a.    Details of Vehicles Involved. Gather information on the make, model, license plate, and registration numbers of all vehicles. Note if any vehicles involved left the scene of the accident
   • b.    Persons Involved. Write down the names, phone numbers, and insurance information of those directly involved with the accident. You will also want to get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses to the accident. Having witness information is important in the event that the witnesses cannot remain at the scene until the police arrive. If at all possible, take down a statement from the witnesses about the accident.
   • c.    Document Damage. Photograph or detail on paper all damage to the commercial truck; also document damage to other vehicles involved in the accident. The documentation of other vehicles’ actual damage will reduce the likelihood that unscrupulous victims will intentionally increase the damage to the vehicle to increase the insurance payout.
4. Contact the Commercial Insurance Provider. The insurance provider can only deal with a claim with the proper information. The more detail that you can provide during that first phone call, the smoother the claims process will be. Some commercial insurance providers will handle your claim by phone at the time of the accident. Other insurers may want to send a claims representative to the scene. In either case, the sooner the commercial insurance company can assess the information, the faster the claim can be processed.
5. Meet with the Commercial Insurance Claims Adjuster. Within a few days after the accident, you or your commercial trucking representative may meet with the claims adjuster to review the details and assess the damage to the commercial truck. It is the claims adjuster who will determine the amount you can claim from the commercial insurance company.

A good commercial trucking insurance provider will want to provide you with swift, hassle-free claims processing. With documentation of the information described above any time you have an accident, you can help your insurance provider get you quickly back to business as usual.