Traveling for business, pre-COVID, was a simple matter. Employees and businesses made travel arrangements almost daily and did not think twice about it. The COVID-19 Pandemic has not only changed the way individuals are going to travel, but businesses as well. With new restrictions and health protocols for flying being implemented around the globe, businesses may look to potentially outsourcing air travel for their employees to specialized companies, or even employees who may have access to personal aircraft. If your business is considering either one of these options, it should also look into putting a non-owned aircraft liability in place. … Continue reading

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

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

It’s that magical time of year again – Winter! This is the time of year when snow, ice, and the elements make our travel a little more precarious than it already is. Driving in the winter time, especially over long distances to visit family and friends, can seem like a daunting task. However, there are steps / precautions you can take to help assist your travel being as stress free / safe as possible. Be sure your vehicle is winter road ready. It is a good idea to have your vehicle inspected by a licensed and insured mechanic to ensure … Continue reading

Your business has been approached by a local contractor with an opportunity to transport the contractor’s equipment from job site to job site for the next year. The opportunity is a great one. It will ensure that you will have a positive cash flow, and work for your employees, for at least the next year without any interruptions. You are reviewing the contract requirements, including the necessary insurance requirements, and you come across an insurance coverage you have never heard of; motor truck cargo insurance.  You wonder to yourself, what is motor truck cargo insurance, and do I have that … Continue reading

It is slowly becoming that time of year, the sun is setting a little sooner, and not rising as early. Kids are going back to school, and the air is feeling a little crisper when we start our days. Even though most of us are sad to see summer come and go, we can still enjoy fall in the beautiful Upper Peninsula! Along with enjoying all of the awesome activities that fall has to offer, this is also a perfect time to prepare your home or business for the upcoming winter. Some good ideas for readying your home / business … Continue reading

Wildfires. Hurricanes. Tornadoes. Flash Floods. These severe weather/climate events have become all too familiar in today’s day and age. Weather events are increasing in size and severity and, unfortunately, more and more people are experiencing them. Beyond asking ourselves why these events are happening, we can have disaster preparedness for ourselves and our families by following some simple tips and suggestions from www.ready.gov: Put together a plan in case of an emergency. Discuss what your family should do in the event of a natural disaster. Who should contact whom? Where should everyone meet in case they are not together, or … Continue reading

Motor carrier companies have many tools at their disposal in screening driver applicants. Motor carriers mostly run MVRs (Motor Vehicle Record) checks on potential applicants as part of their hiring process. However, there is another report that motor carriers run on applicants that is not as well-known as the MVRs. It is called the Pre-Employment Screen Program Report, or PSP. The PSP, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, is a federally maintained program that allows motor carriers, drivers, and other industry service providers to access commercial drivers’ safety records. You may be thinking wouldn’t a drivers MVR show … Continue reading

As part number two of our blogs about commercial driver’s license we will now discuss the specific requirements for obtaining a CDL in the State of Michigan. In the State of Michigan when applying for a commercial driver’s license, an applicant must provide the following information, according to www.michigan.gov : Social Security Number Legal proof of residence in the United States If applying for a hazardous material endorsement (A Class C CDL) you must complete a Federal Security Threat Assessment and a U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Resident Form A complete application from your potential employer, which should include a … Continue reading