There are multiple coverages that a trucking / transportation business has to have to ensure proper coverage. Business auto to cover the vehicles while they are on the road, workers compensation to cover your employees while they are working, and motor truck cargo to cover the goods of others while you deliver them are probably some of the most obvious ones that you would think of. However, to make sure your business is properly covered in the event of any loss, you must take a look at all lines of coverage to address all risks. One area of coverage that … Continue reading

You own a business, and you want to start contracting out some of your hauling and logistics to a local trucking company. You reach out to several companies to get quotes, but you want more information on who you are going to be in business with. You really want to see how the companies stack up against each other in terms of safety, but are not sure where to find that information? Well, you are in luck! The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) operates, and maintains, a website where the public can research basic information about any registered motor … Continue reading

In honor of Earth Day this past April, the Green Team at VAST celebrated by encouraging all VAST team members and their families to do an environmentally friendly activity at home during our Stay at Home Order.  While this was not our original idea of how to celebrate Earth Day, it still resulted in great fun, participation, and many different acts that both helped and honored our earth. We gave our team members some ideas on how to be green at home, and they ran with it!  We saw people growing indoor herbs and veggies for their gardens, upgrading their … Continue reading

Are you one of the many Americans longing to get on the road these days and get out of town with your family?  A trip in a Recreational Vehicle, or RV, may be the perfect choice for you to safely travel in comfort this year. RVs are viewed by many as a safer traveling option for 2020.  They give you the ability to sleep in your own bed, use your own bathroom, and eat in your own space away from crowded areas.  To have a safe and successful RV road trip this year, you will need to prepare for both … Continue reading

Is there anything more fun these days than getting out for a nice healthy bike ride? I love to get out on my road and mountain bikes as much as possible and bike around Marquette County on the beautiful days.  However, each time I go out, I am careful to follow bicycling safety practices to keep myself and other motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists safe. Getting out on a bicycle is one of my favorite ways to exercise, and it has many benefits.  It strengthens my heart with the cardio exercise, gives my immune system a boost and my brain a … Continue reading

Since many of us have been looking for creative ways to social distance due to the COVID-19 pandemic, one industry that has been busy this summer is boating! Summer is not quite over yet, so it is still a good idea to review boater safety before heading out on the water. Before you cast off, no matter your desired choice of watercraft or body of water, it is a good idea to check the local weather forecast to know what you will encounter.  Sometimes it looks like a gorgeous day out on the lake, but dark clouds may be headed … Continue reading

Hiking Safety Planning time for pleasure and enjoyment can be difficult these days with the way the world has changed from the pandemic and the many restricted travel options.  One increasingly popular activity that is both easy on the pocketbook and good for your overall health is hiking. The concept of going for a hike may sound simple; however, it is important to prepare yourself ahead of time for any issues that may arise.  Knowing what to do if bad weather pops up, planning where you will go, hiking with a buddy or letting someone know when to expect you … Continue reading

Trucking and transportation, much like other industries in our society, is regulated by government at the local, state, and federal levels. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or the FMCSA, is one government agency that trucking / transportation companies may be the most familiar with. The FMCSA is an agency within the Department of Transportation, and it was established on January 1st, 2000. The FMCSA has over one-thousand employees in all fifty states, and is led by a Deputy Administrator who is appointed by the President, and confirmed by the Senate. Per the agency’s website, the primary mission of the … Continue reading

You may have heard of ERISA bonds before.  You very likely have heard of 401(k) plans.  But did you know the two are connected?  I have found that, even in the insurance business, there is a lot of uncertainty as to what ERISA bonds do, how they work, and why they are required. ERISA is an acronym for the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, which was enacted into federal law to set minimum standards for retirement and health plans and to provide protection for individuals enrolled in the plans.  ERISA bonds are fidelity bonds that act as employee … Continue reading

A very popular New Year’s resolution people make is to cut back on spending and save more money. One positive of our recent quarantine is that this a little easier to do, and incorporating financial stability and being mindful of spending can be very satisfying and provide benefits in many facets of one’s life. This can come from a variety of strategies such as tackling debt, eliminating unnecessary purchases, and just putting more into a savings account on a monthly basis. Now being in the third month of the year, people may have fallen off the wagon a bit. Maybe … Continue reading