There are many ways to protect the interests of your trucking business and drivers. Some of the ways you can help to achieve this are by hiring competent legal counsel, maintaining adequate insurance, being proactive in safety, and implementing compliance programs. Below are some of the most important things to keep in mind.
Trucking Insurance Coverages
Protect your company and employees by investing in the best trucking business insurance. Trucking is a vital part of the US economy, moving goods to and from factories, ports, and warehouses. The trucking business faces unique risks that can jeopardize the safety of drivers and businesses alike. Commercial truck insurance is a way to protect the interests of your business and drivers.
There are several ways to protect the interests of your trucking business and drivers with commercial truck insurance:
- Liability coverage protects your business from lawsuits resulting from accidents involving your trucks. This coverage also pays for injuries or damage caused by your drivers while they are operating their trucks.
- Cargo insurance covers loss or damage to the freight you transport in your trucks. This includes both the cargo itself and the trailer or vehicle used to transport it.
- Physical damage coverage insures your trucks against damage sustained in accidents or collisions. This coverage also includes theft and vandalism protection for your vehicles.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage protects you if you are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have adequate insurance to cover damages costs. This coverage also applies if you are hit by a driver who does not have any insurance at all.
Truck Accident Attorneys
Hiring competent truck accident lawyers should be prioritized for any business. A lawyer who specializes in transportation law can help a trucking company protect its interests in many areas, such as regulatory compliance, contract negotiations, and litigation. Adequate insurance is also important to have in case of accidents or other unforeseen events. A good insurance policy will help cover damages caused by an accident and defense costs if the company is sued.
Cooperating With Inspectors
It’s strongly suggested that trucking businesses cooperate with DOT inspectors to protect the interests of their drivers and businesses. Businesses can build trust with inspectors by cooperating, which may lead to more lenient inspections. Additionally, businesses can learn about any potential problems with their operations before they become too serious. Finally, cooperating with inspectors can help ensure that drivers are treated fairly and that businesses are in compliance with all safety regulations.
Planning Ahead and Taking Breaks
Planning ahead is key for trucking businesses and their drivers. Businesses can minimize potential problems on the road by knowing what to expect and planning accordingly. Additionally, it’s important for drivers to take breaks as needed in order to stay alert and avoid fatigue.
Being proactive about safety is another important way to protect a trucking business and taking regular breaks is a key component. This includes ensuring that drivers are properly trained and that vehicles are regularly inspected and maintained. Implementing compliance programs can also be helpful in preventing accidents and citations from happening. These programs can help keep track of driver hours, weight restrictions, and other regulations that must be followed.
Remaining Aware of Industry Changes
The trucking industry is constantly evolving, and it’s important to remain aware of any changes that could impact your business. There are several examples of this.
First, new regulations or legislation could be passed that impact the way you do business. For example, the recent ELD mandate affects how truck drivers can track their hours on the road. Make sure you stay up-to-date on all new regulations and adjust your business processes as needed.
Second, technological advancements could make certain aspects of your business obsolete. For instance, if self-driving trucks become mainstream, you may need to find new ways to employ drivers or invest in other technologies. Stay ahead of the curve by monitoring industry trends and being prepared for change.
Finally, changes in consumer behavior could impact your bottom line. If people start buying more online instead of in stores, that could mean less demand for delivery services. Keep an eye on shifts in purchasing habits and adapt your marketing strategy accordingly.
By remaining aware of industry changes, hiring the best trucking lawyer, and investing in proper insurance, you can protect the interests of your trucking business and drivers.