The 18th Gear: Recent Episodes
Gregg Fauceglia
Obtaining loss runs! And for the last three years, no less! Why is it so hard for truckers to keep track of their loss runs? I'll answer that and give you a few tips on how to get them, keep them and update them every year.
Once you start your own trucking company you need to stop driving a truck and start running a business or you can get in trouble quickly.
Survey of underwriters from major insurance carriers reveals what the data shows is the single largest predictor of future loss.
In this episode I break down the details of the FMCSA Crash Preventability Prevention Program (CPDP). The CPDP allows motor carriers and drivers the opportunity to submit crashes for review to FMCSA’s DataQs system. Crashes found to be “Not Preventable” are not included in the Crash Indicator Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Category (BASIC) that FMCSA uses, with other data, to prioritize motor carriers for safety interventions.
House panel approves amendment to INVEST in America highway funding bill. The amendment would raise the minimum liability limit from $750,000 to $2 million. The U.S. House still must pass the highway bill where it would face an uphill battle in Republican-controlled Senate.
Your insurance agency does more than just provide insurance coverage. Learn how to leverage your insurance agency’s expertise and resources to minimize risk and stay out of trouble.
Finance charges can add significant cost to a commercial auto insurance policy. You need to know how they work and if they will be included in your policy. What initially is the lowest price may not be once the finance charges are factored in.
A written maintenance schedule is a great tool to ensure your vehicles are ready at the next inspection. On this episode I review the maintenance schedule used by an owner with 17 trucks and 15 drivers. His vehicle and driver out-of-service scores are below industry average. To get a free copy visit www.the18thgear.com and enter your email address.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) developed the Safety Measurement System (SMS) to measure seven key metrics to identify motor carriers that pose the greatest risk to safety for interventions. You need to know this information to keep track of your scores and be proactive in managing low scores. Your SMS ratings directly impact your insurability and insurance rates.
Insurance renewal time doesn’t have to be stressful. If you’re proactive and keep track of a few key items not only will you eliminate 80% of the stress that seems to come with renewal time but you can also save money. Listen to the episode and find out how to get a free Truck Insurance Tracking Form.
Who represents your interests? The insurance company agent or the insurance agency? It’s important to know the difference and what it can mean to your bottom line.
In this episode I share a story from earlier this week that illustrates why you need to know your CSA score. Don’t get caught by surprise. Know your score and address any issues promptly. You can check your score at FMCSA.com with your DOT number.
This question is coming up more frequently as insurance costs have skyrocketed. Deciding whether or not to lease on with a company requires careful consideration. How is your driving record? Will you be able to meet the company’s driver requirements? What type of insurance coverage will you need? And will you be happy driving for someone else? These are some of the questions to think through.
Welcome to the podcast. I’m your host, Gregg Fauceglia. Whether you know it or not, when you became a trucker you became the owner of a small business. This podcast will provide insights and knowledge to help you run your business profitably and efficiently. Running a trucking business is expensive. Each episode we’ll discuss a topic to help you manage expenses and reduce or eliminate costs. We’ll also discuss information you need to know to avoid surprises and not put your business at risk. Thanks for tuning in. I hope you receive value from the content.