Train your employees

Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to the theft of the products you transport. The more your drivers know about this crime, and how to prevent it, the better equipped they will be to keep themselves and their trucks safe on the road. Each of your drivers should be familiar with the following in order to prevent the loss of all or part of their loads:

• The most common methods of cargo theft
• How to use security devices such as locks
• How to inspect their trucks at every stop
• Suspicious signs and activities
• The process for reporting suspicious activity or crimes
• Your company’s theft-prevention policies
• What constitutes cargo theft “hot spots.”

Do not leave loaded trailers unattended

Trailers left alone, particularly in high-theft areas, are much more prone to either pilfering (When thieves remove a few items from the trailer) and outright theft of the truck and the cargo within. Drivers should never leave loaded trailers unattended when parking in a gas station, rest area, truck stop or other space unless absolutely necessary. By remaining with the truck, drivers are more likely to spot suspicious behavior and deter would-be thieves.

In addition, drivers should know how to park their vehicles in order to prevent theft, particularly at times when they have no choice but to leave their loaded truck alone. Here are some best practices:

• Park where there is ample lighting.
• Park within view of available security cameras.
• Position the truck’s rear doors in front of a wall or other barrier.

Secure trailers with physical security

You will likely discover it impossible to ask your drivers to never leave a loaded rig unattended. In addition, drivers must sleep and cannot watch their trucks at all times. Effective cargo theft prevention must include the use of physical security devices to lock your truck and discourage would-be thieves from breaking in. Here are some of the devices you can use to ensure the safety of your cargo:

• King pins
• Padlocks
• Air cuff locks

The devices you choose should depend upon the type of cargo you transport (e.g. More valuable cargo may require higher-security locks). In addition, locks should always be used and checked by your drivers at each stop to ensure that your truck doors are always secure against attempts to break in.

Install GPS tracking systems

If a truck is stolen, being able to track it and get it back can save you thousands or tens of thousands of dollars. Each of your trucks should include a GPS tracking system that enables you to identify its whereabouts at any time. Some technology even allows you to track the status of your cargo, or see when and for how long trailer doors were opened. All of this information can help you more quickly identify cargo theft and stop it in order to protect your drivers, your fleet, your cargo, and your bottom line.

Plan your route around high-crime areas

Your route should always take into account areas where cargo theft is most likely to occur. However, taking this step is most important when you are transporting high-value items, such food and beverages or electronic devices. For example, certain truck stops may have a reputation for lots of stealing, while certain port cities or metro areas may be prone to crime. Go around these areas, or plan not to stop in those places, in order to reduce your chances of problems.

Set up clear communication policies

Communication is essential in keeping track of your drivers and your cargo. Set up policies that encourage drivers to call in on a regular basis, and to immediately report any suspicious activity or issues that they have on the road. Some ideas for cargo theft prevention communication are the following:

• Driver check ins at every stop
• Report of planned duration of stops
• Report of any suspicious activity
• Report of any theft or theft attempts

In addition to frequent communication with dispatch, drivers should be trained to call law enforcement immediately if they observe any suspicious behavior or become victims of cargo theft. For example, any driver who feels as if they are being followed, notes anyone lurking around their vehicle, or sees any sign that their truck doors have been tampered with should promptly communicate with law enforcement.

Cargo theft prevention is critically important, but can never guarantee that you will not suffer from this crime. If your cargo is stolen, do you have insurance protection to help you recoup your losses? At RoadMasters Insurance, we have policies customized to the needs of trucking companies, including policies that can guard against loss from cargo theft. Contact us today for comprehensive, competitive, effortless and prompt coverage that includes a 24-hour quote and average savings of $3,000 per truck per year.

The post Preventing Cargo Theft: Best Practices for Trucking Companies appeared first on RoadMasters Insurance.

Plan your trip ahead of time

While you and your drivers could choose a route as you go, planning your trip ahead of time allows you to increase safety and minimize problems. Your ideal route should take into consideration, and try to avoid, the following safety hazards:

• Areas of congestion and traffic
• Areas of high crime
• Potential areas of bad weather
• Truck restricted routes

In addition, make sure that your drivers are equipped with GPS to help them safely navigate any unforeseen problems that arise. If you can also track them on GPS, you can more easily ensure both their safety and the safety of the cargo they are carrying.

Complete pre-trip safety inspections

Before any truck hits the road, it should be carefully examined. Not only is this inspection required by federal law, but it is also an essential step in identifying any potential issues BEFORE they become accident-causing problems. Here are some of the things your drivers should be trained to look at every single time they start a trip:

• Leaks
• Hose condition
• Belt condition
• Mirrors
• Fuel tank
• Exhaust system
• Body condition
• Suspension
• Brakes
• Tires
• Coupling system
• Trailer
• Lights
• Signals
• Cab interior

This inspection should take about 15 minutes and must be logged appropriately to ensure peace of mind for you and your drivers.

Avoid distractions on the road

On average, 9 people a day are killed due to accidents involving distracted driving. One of the most important steps you or your drivers can take is to avoid anything that takes your attention away from the road.

Obstacles can appear in moments, and road conditions can change quickly. Even glancing at a text or reaching for a drink can break your focus for long enough to make a difference in an accident. Every time you or your drivers take your eyes off the road, you travel an average of 371 feet before you return your attention to driving.

Train your drivers, and even implement tools that can help them avoid distractions, stay focused and stay safe on the road.

Prepare for emergencies

Even if you plan your trip ahead of time, you may find you or your drivers facing inclement weather or dangerous road conditions. Even if you complete a pre-trip inspection, you may experience a breakdown or emergency.

That is why preparing for emergencies is an important safety trip for commercial truck drivers. By taking proactive steps before your trucks hit the road, you can prepare to stay safer in these situations. Here are some ideas for how to prepare:

• Put together a first aid kit.
• Pack emergency flares.
• Keep a fire extinguisher on every truck.
• Carry chains, and know how to use them, if you drive in snowy areas.
• Pack water, snacks, a change of clothes and blankets.

Practice defensive driving

Things can change quickly on the road, and other drivers can sometimes create dangerous conditions to which truck drivers will need to react. One of the most important truck driver safety tips is to know and implement defensive driving.

Defensive driving starts with following the speed limit and observing all the rules of the road. In addition, these are additional tips to help prevent accidents:

• Be aware of blind spots
• Check your mirrors at least once a minute
• Remain calm
• Observe the road a quarter mile ahead
• Slow down when any road conditions change
• Keep a safe distance between your truck and other vehicles
• Remain alert at all times

Take regular breaks

Tired driving can be dangerous, reducing your response times, alertness, and ability to make decisions at the moment. Start combatting fatigue on the road by following any required hours of service put in place by relevant regulatory bodies, such as the FMCSA.

However, drivers should always take additional breaks if needed to maintain their alertness and energy levels. Even if these breaks occur outside of required stops, they should be encouraged and embraced as a way to maximize the safety of drivers, trucks, and those they encounter on the road.

Staying safe as a commercial truck driver on the road is critical. These truck driver safety tips can help you avoid accidents and handle emergencies more effectively. Want even more peace of mind? Contact RoadMasters Insurance today for a free, 24-hour quote on truck insurance tailored to you!

The post Road Safety Tips for Commercial Truck Drivers appeared first on RoadMasters Insurance.

As one of the most in-demand commercial trucks, the box truck is used throughout many industries. Thanks to their compact size and powerful transportation capabilities, they are ideal for a wide range of uses, including as moving trucks, refrigerated trucks, dry freight, furniture transportation, small business transportation, and more.

Before running one of these vehicles, however, you need box truck insurance. As you begin the process of looking for box truck insurance, consider these frequent questions and then call RoadMasters for the assistance you need in finding a fast, efficient, and effortless policy that meets your needs.

What is box truck insurance?

Box truck insurance is a type of commercial trucking insurance that provides a number of coverages for box trucks and related vehicles. This coverage helps to pay for the costs of covered expenses, including collisions, theft, fire, vandalism, and even breakdowns. It is appropriate for any business or industry that uses this type of vehicle on a regular basis.

Why do I need box truck insurance?

Due to their size and weight, these trucks are capable of causing significant damage – And costing you many thousands of dollars – in the event of an accident. The right coverage can protect you from financial loss or even bankruptcy by paying for most of those damages instead of leaving you responsible for all of the expenses accrued from an incident.

For example, replacing this type of truck can cost you between $25,000 and $90,000 alone, plus these additional potential damages:

• Cost of cargo
• Medical expenses for you, passengers, or others
• Property damage
• And more

That means that a single uninsured accident can bankrupt a small business or lead to significant financial distress. On the other hand, the right trucking insurance can protect you from the burden of these expenses and keep your business afloat.

What does box truck insurance cover?

There are several types of coverages from which you can choose when selecting box truck insurance. Often, you can customize your policy to your specific needs. For example, if you have a refrigerated truck, you may want to purchase reefer insurance, but if you are using a moving truck, you may want motor truck cargo insurance. Here is a look at some of the most popular types of coverage, which you can combine to create the ideal policy for your specific needs:

Liability Insurance

This type of coverage protects you in the event that your truck is involved in an accident that is your fault. It covers both property damage and medical injuries sustained by others because of the collision. Every state has minimum liability requirements, so make sure you get the appropriate amount for your trucks no matter what other types of coverage you add to your policy. You may also want to purchase more than the minimum required amount depending upon your specific needs and budget.

Physical Damage Insurance

This type of coverage covers your truck in the event of an accident. In addition, if you purchase comprehensive physical damage insurance instead of just collision insurance, it will also cover non-collision events, such as vandalism, theft, fire and water damage.

Medical Payments

Medical payments coverage protects you from medical expenses accrued by your driver or passengers in the event of an accident. This would be in addition to liability coverage, which helps to pay for injuries to other parties in an accident.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist

This type of box truck insurance protects you in the event that your truck is involved in an accident that is the fault of someone who does not have enough insurance to cover the damages caused.

Reefer Insurance

Reefer insurance is designed specifically for refrigerated trucks that break down. It can cover the loss of cargo and the cost of repairs in order to get your truck back on the road.

Motor Truck Cargo

Cargo insurance, as the name suggests, protects you in the event of theft, loss, or damage of the cargo you haul. The more valuable the materials you carry, the more cargo insurance you should purchase.

Umbrella Policies

Umbrella policies can be helpful by paying for anything not covered by the rest of your box truck insurance. This type of coverage can give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing you will not be left with high expenses in the event of an incident.

How much does box truck insurance cost?

Box truck insurance may seem like a high investment when you first start requesting truck insurance estimates. However, this type of coverage can more than pay for itself in a single incident by alleviating you of the burden of paying thousands, or hundreds of thousands, of dollars in property damages and medical expenses.

The exact cost of your coverage will depend upon a number of factors specific to your business. Here are some of the most common factors that can influence your costs:

• Number of trucks in your fleet
• Driving records
• Safety features of trucks
• Condition of trucks
• The amount and type of coverage you purchase
• Your deductible
• The cargo you carry

In order to get an accurate idea of how much your insurance may cost, you should speak to an experienced truck insurance agent, who can walk you through your options and help you find the policy and the price that work best for you.

How do I choose the right box truck insurance company?

Before you start looking for trucking insurance quotes, you need to know how to differentiate the right company from the wrong company. Here are a few tips to make the process easier.

Know what you need.

Before you look for estimates, sit down and figure out what coverage you really need. Do you require a higher level of cargo protection? Do you want to add towing? Is it important to look for discounts for covering your large fleet? Sitting down with an insurance agent before you get quotes to go over these needs can ensure that the quotes you get are accurate and reflective of your requirements.

Get multiple quotes.

If you settle for the first quote you receive, you may end up paying higher rates than necessary or missing out on coverage you really needed. Get multiple quotes from several businesses in order to compare your rates and find the one that works best for you.

Find customized policies.

Often, trucking insurance companies will try to lock you into cookie cutter packages. Instead, look for businesses that pay attention to your specific needs and then customize a box truck insurance policy to those needs. Not only are you more likely to get a better customer experience, but you are likely to pay less for the coverage you really need.

Look for simplicity and customer service.

Does it take weeks to hear back from a business? Is their claims process notoriously complicated? Does talking to them leave you more confused? Then you may need to keep looking. Your experience with the right company will be simple, client-focused, and effortless.

At RoadMasters Insurance, we specialize in insurance for trucking companies. We can personalize your box truck insurance policy with comprehensive, effortless, and competitive rates. Let us get you a 24-hour quote and get your trucks on the road in days, not weeks. Contact us today for your FREE quote!

The post FAQs About Box Truck Insurance appeared first on RoadMasters Insurance.

How to Choose Insurance For Your New Trucking Company

Are you starting a trucking business? Or maybe just exploring all the ins and outs of this exciting new venture? Don’t forget about one of the most important parts – Insurance for your new trucking company.

The post New Trucking Company Insurance appeared first on RoadMasters Insurance.

Tips to get the best rates on big truck insurance in McAllen

Use an insurance company that specializes in truck insurance

What is the best way to find truck insurance companies in your area? Google, you say? When you Google the commercial truck insurance companies in McAllen, the top ones are usually advertised. Skip those and focus on the businesses specializing only in truck insurance. Look at the experience, get a free quote from them, and compare the prices before making a final decision.

Use a broker

Shortlisting from the available local truck insurance companies can be a daunting task. Moreover, buying a big truck insurance near McAllen involves fulfilling a lot of truck driver insurance requirements.

If it’s too much for you, you can take the help of a broker. A broker can shop around multiple companies and get you the best rate. A broker specialized in truck insurance knows the ins and outs of truck insurance companies and lists the top options available for your trucking company. They will also determine the best possible coverage policy for your business depending on the number and type of vehicles covered, types and extent of cargo, and other factors considered before buying insurance.

Such truck insurance agents charge a minimal amount of brokerage for such a service. In addition, he/she will be responsible for everything from dealing with to finding the right coverage policy for your business, a faster claim process, and more.

Get multiple quotes

Don’t settle for the very first quote you get. Get quotes from multiple companies and compare them. Use online websites that compare quotes from various commercial truck insurance companies to ease your task. If you find any mismatch in the trucking insurance quotes, you should feel free to negotiate the mentioned quotes by directly contacting the insurance company. This is one of the most trusted ways to get the best and most affordable rates.

Once you thoroughly research the quotes provided by different insurance companies in your area, you can negotiate better. Research big truck insurance rates near you beforehand to judge which big truck insurance company quotes are reasonable.

Most insurance companies provide a free quote quite easily. All you have to do is fill in the details in the contact form available on the website.

Ask about discounts

Look at the specifications of the coverage policy in detail. Many companies offer discounts depending on parameters like being a safe driver, having a clean driving record, or taking a defensive driving course. Once you get a basic idea of the type of services truck insurance companies provide, you can use your knowledge to your advantage.

Make the best use of the web. As information is readily available, clients have the upper hand in lowering the cost of commercial truck insurance. Other discounts you can take advantage of include:

Maintaining multiple policies with the same truck insurance company

Some insurance companies provide discounts if you maintain multiple policies with them. If you are looking forward to getting all your truck insured under different policies, you have the right to ask for an additional discount.

Paid in full

The policyholders who pay their premium lump sum at the start of the coverage are also eligible for a special discount. Ask your truck insurance company for such incentives, and you can get up to a 15% discount, varying as per the company’s policies.

Commercial driver’s license discount

Some truck insurance companies also provide discounts if the truck driver has a commercial driver’s license for two years or more with a clean driving record. This ensures that the truck driver drives safely and is less likely to be involved in an accident. Such discount is, however, provided on liability coverage policy. A liability coverage policy enables a trucking company to compensate the not-at-fault driver in an accident. Such coverage helps the truck driver pay for monetary and non-monetary benefits demanded by the other driver.

Business experience discount

A business experience discount is provided to truck companies who have been in the business for more than a fixed specific time (depending on the insurance company’s policy). If your trucking company has been in business for more than, let’s say, two years, you can ask for a business experience discount when buying an insurance policy.

Final Words

Before purchasing, we suggest following these tips to ensure you get the best rate available in McAllen for big truck insurance. To get a free quote for your big truck insurance in McAllen, contact us today.

The post How to Get The Best Rates on Big Truck Insurance in McAllen appeared first on RoadMasters Insurance.

Naturally, you’d want to pick the best trucking companies insurance that can offer better rates without compromising on the quality of service. That means you must weigh many factors to choose the right commercial trucking insurance company. When you’re already occupied with your regular trucking operations, worrying about insurance may seem like extra pressure.

So, to sort out any confusion and help you make the best choice, here’s a list of things you should consider while choosing a trucking insurance company.

Find the Best Commercial Trucking Insurance Company with These 5 Steps

Check the background and reviews of the company

First things first, before you approach any company, make sure they have a good track record. Check their online reviews and testimonials. If any other client or associate you know has also been insured by the same company, ask for their experience. You can even approach the company and directly ask them in detail about their services, as most reputed companies will be more than glad to showcase the high quality of service they have offered to other clients. A thorough background check will quickly help you distinguish the best commercial truck insurance companies.

Ask a lot of questions

Once you approach any insurance company, ask as many questions as possible to gather information about the company and its insurance policies. If you’re not sure about what type of commercial truck insurance questions you should ask, here are some important things for starters:

• What types of coverage do they offer for commercial trucking, and how much are the rates?
• What will the process be like from start to finish?
• What documentation and legal formalities are required?
• How long will it take for your truck or fleet to be insured?

See how detailed the truck insurance agent is when responding to your queries. No one knows your company and your requirements more than you do. So ask about anything relevant to your company and your trucking operations. If you’re satisfied with the answers you receive from the company’s agent, it’s always a good sign.

Know the different types of coverage

A key part of getting your trucking companies insurance is being aware of the different types of coverage, especially the ones your trucks need. If you’re not familiar with the types of coverage, take a look at some important ones below:

• Primary liability coverage: This is the most common type of commercial truck insurance, which offers protection against bodily injuries and death, as well as against property damage caused by accidents involving your truck. It is also mandatory for a commercial trucking license as per FMSCA regulations.
• General liability coverage: It protects your vehicle from accidents or mishaps that happen when your truck is not driving on the road, for example, when the cargo is being loaded or offloaded.
• Uninsured motorist coverage: This is another important type of coverage. When your truck is hit by another uninsured vehicle, they may not be able to pay for damages to it. In such cases, this coverage will offer you compensation.
• Collision coverage: It provides you compensation, particularly when your truck collides with another vehicle.
• Cargo insurance: It provides compensation when the cargo is lost or damaged.

There are many different types of commercial trucking operations, and even the cargo can vary in terms of weight, complexity, etc. So every company will require a combination of coverages that best suits its need. That is why it’s important that you know about these major insurance policies and decide with your insurance agent which coverage is essential for your trucking business.

Look for flexibility and customizability

Continuing from the previous point, since different trucking operations require different types of coverage, you should look for companies that can offer customized insurance policies. That means they will put together a special package for you that includes all the essential coverages in your insurance policy. It allows you to decide how much you want to spend on your insurance and which aspects of your business and daily operations you’d like to protect. Such a customizable insurance plan is perfect for commercial trucks.

Inquire and compare the rates

Of course, your own budget is a key factor in deciding the right insurance company. With countless insurance companies in the market, there are going to be a lot of different rates you’ll come across. While you should always prioritize the quality of service, it’s still a smart idea to check out the rates of different top companies and look for the best rates. Reputed trucking insurance companies usually offer free trucking insurance quotes, so you can freely inquire about their rates and decide which company offers the best prices while still offering secure protection for your commercial trucks.

Protect Your Commercial Trucks with Customized Insurance Policies from RoadMasters

Finding the right insurance policy for your commercial trucks doesn’t have to be a tedious task or something to worry about. With RoadMasters Insurance, you can choose from various truck insurance rates and coverage options, and we’ll work with you to prepare a customized policy tailored to your needs. What’s more, we can offer you detailed coverage in as little as 24 hours so you can have your fleet up and running on the road by the earliest. Your customized plan will also come with a competitive rate that will help you save money in the long run.

Reach out to us for your personalized commercial trucking insurance with a smooth and seamless customer experience.

The post How do I Choose a Commercial Trucking Insurance Company? appeared first on RoadMasters Insurance.

What is reefer breakdown coverage?

Reefer breakdown coverage is a type of commercial trucking insurance that specifically protects you in the event of cargo spoilage due to mechanical or equipment failure or accident affecting your truck.

For example, this policy would protect you if you got into an accident that damaged your cargo, if your refrigeration unit suffered a mechanical failure halfway through your drive, or if your trailer suffered a breakdown that led to the loss of your refrigerated cargo.

You should be aware that this type of coverage will not protect you against spoilage of your items for reasons other than mechanical or equipment failure or accident. For example, delays in delivery, user error, or driver negligence that lead to spoiled product will not be covered under reefer breakdown policies.

Who should carry reefer breakdown coverage?

As a fairly specialized insurance coverage, this type of policy is not required for most truck drivers, either by the FMCSA or by Texas state law. However, it is an essential protection for drivers who transport goods using a reefer (refrigerated) trailer. Examples of the kinds of perishable items that may require specialized protection include the following:

• Plants
• Pharmaceuticals
• Frozen Foods
• Cosmetics
• Refrigerated Foods

In addition, while not required by state or federal law, many shippers and brokers will require drivers to have this type of coverage before allowing them to haul their temperature-sensitive goods.

Reefer breakdown coverage applies to several types of vehicles that carry refrigerated items. These vehicles include the following:

• Trucks pulling reefer trailers
• Refrigerated box trucks
• Refrigerated Vans
• Pickup trucks pulling a reefer trailer

If you have any questions about whether this type of coverage is right for you, feel free to reach out to your truck insurance agent. They can help you evaluate your insurance needs, including whether or not reefer breakdown coverage is a necessity for your situation.

Will other types of coverage protect refrigerated cargo?

Sometimes, truckers wonder if they really need reefer breakdown coverage for their vehicles. Or, they assume that other policies, such as their cargo insurance policy, will protect them against cargo spoilage in the event of a vehicle breakdown.

The reality, however, is that reefer breakdown coverage is an essential protection anytime you are carrying refrigerated products. Cargo insurance and other types of commercial truck insurance do not always automatically cover these types of losses. Depending on your cargo policy to protect you could leave you with costly bills in the event of a reefer failure.

The most effective way to ensure adequate cargo protection when you are driving any type of refrigerated or temperature-controlled truck is to invest in reefer breakdown coverage.

How much coverage should I carry?

In order to get the most benefit out of your reefer breakdown coverage, you should always carry enough to protect you against the full loss of your cargo. For example, if your load is worth $100,000, you should have at least $100,000 in coverage in the event that the entire load spoils due to a mechanical failure or accident.

Your load values are likely to vary. As a result, you may want to consider carrying enough coverage to protect you against the full loss of the most expensive loads you carry. For example, while you may usually carry loads worth $100,000, and occasionally carry loads worth $200,000, you may want to choose $200,000 worth of protection for your reefer truck or trailer.

What exclusions come with reefer breakdown coverage?

When purchasing this type of coverage, you should make sure you fully understand the terms of your policy. Many policies have certain commodity exclusions. For example, seafood or pharmaceuticals may not be covered under your policy.

In addition, you should make sure you understand exactly which events are covered and which are not. Is reefer failure due to a collision covered? What about a temperature failure while on the road? Knowing the specifics of your coverage can help you get the policy that fits your needs, and offers you the comprehensive protection you require.

If you are ready to protect your fleet, trust RoadMasters to help answer your commercial truck insurance questions. With 24-hour quotes, comprehensive policies, competitive truck insurance rates, and tailored solutions, we can get you on the road in a matter of days, not weeks. Contact us today for a free trucking insurance quote, and make getting trucking insurance the easiest part of your job!

The post Why Reefer Breakdown Coverage is Necessary for Texas Drivers appeared first on RoadMasters Insurance.

What type of personal insurance should a truck driver have? The answer depends upon many factors, from the type of cargo the driver handles to the places they drive. Here is a look at some of the factors that can impact which type of insurance is best.

Federal and State Requirements

Big rig white powerful American bonnet long haul semi truck transporting commercial cargo in refrigerated semi trailer moving uphill on winding road with a green trees and safety fence on the side

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all trucking operations to carry a certain amount of primary liability insurance. This type of policy provides coverage when your truck is involved in an incident that causes third party physical, property, or vehicle damage. The amount of coverage required depends upon the cargo you haul, but is usually at least $750,000.

By and large, state trucking insurance requirements are the same across state lines. The amounts of coverage required vary from state to state. In Texas, liability coverage matches the FMCSA minimum requirements.

Type of Cargo

Professional grade Big rig blue semi truck with open door empty semi trailer standing at warehouse parking lot at industrial area waiting for the commercial load for the next delivery

One of the biggest factors that affects the personal insurance type for a truck driver is the cargo they haul. For example, FMCSA and state minimum liability coverages vary according to what the trucker carries.

Those carrying household goods must carry a cargo insurance policy of $5,000 per vehicle according to federal regulations. In Texas, similarly, truckers hauling hazardous materials must carry at least $5,000,000 or $1,000,000, depending upon the exact nature of their cargo.

Similarly, there are certain types of insurance that are appropriate only for certain types of cargo. For example, reefer truck insurance is designed specifically to protect refrigerated trucks and their cargo. Expensive cargo may require a more expensive (And expansive) insurance policy.

Before obtaining a trucking insurance policy, truck drivers should review their cargo with their truck insurance agent to ensure that they receive a policy that completely covers any type of product they haul.

Truck Usage

Caravan or convoy of trucks in line on a country highway

What type of personal insurance should a truck driver have? One factor in that decision is how the truck is used on a regular basis. Cargo insurance, primary and general liability insurance, and many other coverages apply only when the truck is being used on a job. That means they apply only when they are actively hauling, loading, or unloading materials from the vehicle.

If a truck driver regularly operates their truck off the job (e.g. Driving it back empty after unloading cargo, using it for personal means), then they may need a different type of insurance coverage on top of their other policies. For example, bobtail coverage will protect you in the event that an accident occurs while your truck is not being used to complete a job.

Travel Locations

Some truck drivers operate their trucks only within one state. Others carry cargo across state lines. Still others cross borders with their loads. The places where you most often drive will sometimes impact the personal insurance type that is best for a truck driver.

For example, if you plan to drive a truck across the border, you should have cross-border insurance. Regular types of trucking insurance often fail to protect you in the gray areas of border crossings.

In addition, if you cross state borders with your cargo, you may have more complex insurance needs than if you only transport materials within Texas. Among your commercial truck insurance questions should be how your travel habits impact your coverage needs.

Trucking Experience

New trucking operations can sometimes face obstacles in getting appropriate coverage, due to insurers’ reluctance to insure an unknown business. As a result, if you are new to the world of trucking, you may require new venture trucking insurance.

This is insurance designed for new trucking businesses and offered by insurers who are willing and able to insure inexperienced ventures. While this type of insurance may be a little more expensive, it can provide the coverage you need while you gain the experience necessary to lower your rates and expand your coverage options.

Are you ready to get complete coverage at the best possible truck insurance rates? Do you want guidance regarding which coverages you need (And which you don’t)? Then contact Roadmasters Insurance for a free, 24-hour quote today. We can help you get individualized policies that meet your trucking needs and get you on the road in days, not weeks!

The post What Type of Personal Insurance Do Truck Drivers Need? appeared first on RoadMasters Insurance.

If you work as a self-employed truck driver, you know how important it is to save as much money as possible come tax time. You may also be familiar with the most common deductibles to use during tax time: Mileage, truck repair, and even union dues.

However, the good news is that there are dozens more deductibles you may be qualified to take come tax season, and they can add up to BIG savings. Check with your tax preparation professional and see if any of these 50 deductibles apply to you!

The post Tax Deductions For Owner Operator Truck Drivers [Infographic] appeared first on RoadMasters Insurance.

When you start your trucking business, you are responsible for everything from maintaining your equipment to making sure you have the right commercial trucking insurance. One of the most important things you need to do is handle your taxes and your insurance correctly. To help you do so, here is a look at some of the most essential information you should have about keeping track of your taxes and insurance as an owner-operator.

What Every Owner Operator Should Know About Taxes

As an owner operator, you are considered self-employed. This means that you are responsible for paying your taxes. Being self-employed also means that taxes work differently for you than they did when you worked for another company. Here are some of the things to keep in mind as you navigate self-employment taxes as an owner operator.

Keep your records organized

Because you are responsible for your taxes, you will want to remain organized and on top of your record keeping. This means collecting and keeping track of expenses, income, receipts, bank statements, invoices, and all other financial records. The more organized your record keeping system is, the less time you will need to devote to preparing your taxes every year, and the less likely you will be to make costly errors.

File a Schedule C with your tax return

Most owner operators are sole proprietors of their business. That means that come tax time, you will need to file a Schedule C with your tax return. This document allows you to report all income and loss from your business over the past year, as well as all of your expenses.

Be aware of self-employment tax

As an owner operator, you will owe the same taxes as those paid when you work for another company: Personal income tax, state income tax, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax. However, you will also need to pay an additional self-employment tax, which can raise your tax debt. Planning ahead can help you afford these taxes without compromising your cash flow for your business.

Plan ahead for estimated taxes

If you are running your own business, your taxes will not be automatically deducted from your salary, as it would be if you worked for someone else’s business. As a result, you will need to pay what are called estimated or quarterly taxes. Each quarter, you send in one-fourth of your expected tax debt for the year. You can use Form 1040-ES to send in your taxes, or submit 25-35 percent of your expected net income.

Take advantage of tax deductions

One benefit of paying taxes as an owner operator is the ability to use tax deductions to lower your overall tax burden. You can deduct many of your business expenses on your tax return, including the cost of your truck, fuel, repairs, and maintenance. Here are some of the additional deductions you may be able to take:

• Some of your on-the-road meals and lodging
• Commercial truck insurance premiums
• Licensing and registration fees
• Professional services fees (e.g., Lawyers)
• Home office percentage (Based on square footage)
• Startup expenses
• And more

What Every Owner Operator Should Know About Commercial Trucking Insurance

You cannot run your truck(s) if you do not have appropriate commercial trucking insurance. Here is a look at some of the most important insurance considerations you should make as an owner operator.

Know your insurance types

Commercial trucking insurance is an essential expense that you will need to budget for as an owner operator. Your insurance needs will vary depending on the type of trucking you do and the cargo you haul. However, there are some basic coverages that all owner operators should have, including:

General Liability Coverage

This type of coverage is usually required by law and covers accidents and injuries to others that occur while your truck is off the road. It can also cover other incidents, such as the following:

• Bodily injury, including accidents such as slipping and falling on your property
• Libel or slander lawsuits
• False advertising claims
• Damage at a site not your own
• Delivery to a wrong address
• Property damage at your site or another site

Physical Damage Coverage

This type of coverage can protect you in the event of damage to your vehicles that is caused by accidents or other events, such as the following:

• Vandalism
• Natural disasters
• Theft
• Collision
• Accidents

Motortruck Cargo Insurance

This coverage will protect you if your cargo is lost or damaged while you are responsible for it.

Talk to an agent about the insurance coverage that is right for you

While the insurance coverages above are the basic types of insurance you will need, there are many other types of coverage you may also want to add to your policy. In addition, choosing the levels of coverage you require can sometimes feel confusing.

The best way to determine the types and amount of coverage that is right for your business is to consult an experienced insurance agent, like those here at RoadMasters Insurance. They can evaluate your circumstances and help you get all the insurance coverage you need—And none that you do not—So you get complete coverage for the right price.

Get quotes from multiple insurance agencies

Quotes can vary from company to company. That is why you should rarely take the very first quote you get on commercial trucking insurance. Instead, try to get several quotes from several companies. Here are some tips when evaluating your quotes:

• Make sure you are getting quotes on comparable coverage.
• Evaluate the quality of the insurance company as well as the cost of the quote.
• Be aware of quotes that are significantly lower than other quotes you receive.
• Ask about potential discounts you may be eligible for.

Looking at multiple quotes can help you find the policy that will meet your needs and fit your budget.

Be proactive in keeping your insurance rates low

You cannot control every factor that influences your insurance premiums. However, there are many steps you can take to lower your insurance rates and save money. Be proactive in staying on top of these steps. They include the following:

• Ask about deductible options—Sometimes, taking a higher deductible will result in a lower insurance premium.
• Implement safety measures and training.
• Hire experienced and safe drivers to minimize at-fault accidents.
• Maintain your equipment.
• Choose equipment that comes with safety features.
• Keep your credit score up.
• Map out trucking routes that avoid busy or high-risk areas.

Starting your trucking business can be a great way to be your own boss and earn a good living. However, it is important to understand your responsibilities when it comes to taxes and insurance. By following the tips above, you can be sure that you are handling both correctly.

Need help finding the right commercial trucking insurance? Contact RoadMasters Insurance today. We can get you set up with insurance in as little as 24 hours with competitive, effortless, and comprehensive insurance that meets your needs!

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