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February 2023

STATE CLIENT’S CASE PRICE PER TRUCK
New Jersey Auto liability for reefer with below average safety scores and driver violation $14,500
Ohio Small fleet with young drivers, auto liability, cargo, trailer interchange and general liability $13,400
Pennsylvania Car haulers, hotshot, small fleet, auto liability and cargo $10,600
New Jersey Cargo van,  physical damage and motor cargo $7,500
Michigan Non truck liability and physical damage for new tractor trailer $5,700
Illinois Auto liability and motor truck cargo for a new venture $9,100
Pennsylvania Refrigerated goods hauling, small fleet, liability cargo and physical damage $16,000
Pennsylvania Dry van, small fleet, auto liability and cargo $11,100
Ohio Cargo van,  physical damage and motor cargo $5,800
Texas Non truck liability and physical damage for a newer tractor and trailer $5,700
Pennsylvania Car hauler, owner operator, auto liability, cargo and physical damage $15,100
February 20232023-03-20T07:44:38-04:00

Essential Information for New Clients: 5 Key Things to Keep in Mind

Dear customers,

We want to extend a warm welcome to you as a new or renewing client. We appreciate your recent purchase and are eager to ensure that you are taking full advantage of all the services we offer. Here are 5 key things you should keep in mind:

  1. You should have received a link to our online certificate issuance service. If you need any assistance with it, please don’t hesitate to let us know.
  2. If you require our service team to issue a certificate, you can contact us at coi@18wheelsinsurance.com. Our team is available from 8:30am to 5:30pm Eastern Time, and the processing time is typically within 5-10 minutes.
  3. If you need to make any policy changes, such as updating vehicles, drivers, coverage, or values, please email us at info@18wheelsinsurance.com.
  4. In the unfortunate event that you need to file a claim, please report it to claims@18wheelsinsurance.com.
  5. For any payment inquiries or to make Zelle or check payments, please use billing@18wheelsinsurance.com.

If you have any questions or concerns about your policy, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Essential Information for New Clients: 5 Key Things to Keep in Mind2023-02-27T04:00:20-04:00

Fifteen tips that truck drivers can utilize to enhance fuel efficiency and decrease maintenance expenses

  • 1

    Watch your speed: For every mile per hour driven over 60 mph, fuel economy reduces by one-tenth of a mile per gallon. So, slowing down to 55 mph can save you 20% fuel compared to traveling at 65 mph. Excessive speed also increases wear and tear on your tires, brakes, and engine, leading to higher maintenance and repair costs.

  • 2

    Drive at a constant speed: Continually slowing down and speeding up is inefficient, as accelerating burns more fuel.

  • 3

    Find the engine’s sweet spot: The sweet spot is the most efficient RPM at which to run the engine. Running your engine in its sweet spot requires that you drive at a constant speed that is usually slower.

  • 4

    Avoid harsh braking: Every time you brake, you lose energy. To reduce braking, anticipate changes in traffic and follow at an extended distance.

  • 5

    Accelerate smoothly: Fast, hard acceleration wastes fuel and is hard on the engine. Try to anticipate acceleration points so you can use the appropriate amount of acceleration for the situation.

  • 6
    Maintain your truck: According to industry research, maintaining your truck and engine appropriately can play a substantial role in enhancing fuel efficiency in the trucking business. In fact, carrying out regular maintenance can result in a potential fuel mileage increase of up to 5%.
  • 7
    Check tire inflation pressure: Underinflated tires result in decreased fuel efficiency and increased tire wear. Keep the weather in mind as temperature changes cause tire pressures to fluctuate.
  • 8
    Check the condition of aerodynamic devices: Make sure all aerodynamic devices are in good condition with no dents, rips, tears, or dangling parts. Minimize the tractor-to-trailer gap.
  • 9
    Watch your load distribution: maintain a low and evenly distributed load. An unevenly distributed load can increase the effort required for your truck to move, so keeping the load height low is essential.
  • 10
    Use cruise control: Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed and avoids unnecessary accelerations and decelerations. Adaptive cruise is even better; use it if so equipped.
  • 11
    Minimize idling: A 10% annual reduction in idling is worth about 1% in fuel economy, translating to about $500 to $800 annually at $5/gallon fuel prices and 100,000 miles per year. Use a windshield curtain or solar reflector to keep heat loading out of the cab.
  • 12

    Do not overfill your tank: To avoid potential hazards and inefficiencies, it’s important not to fill your fuel tank beyond its recommended capacity. Excess fuel can expand when heated by external sources such as sunlight or the engine, leading to overflow. This not only wastes fuel but also poses a safety risk to other motorists. Additionally, the added weight of the surplus fuel can decrease the vehicle’s speed and performance.

  • 13

    Watch your interval: Keep the appropriate amount of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you based on speed and road condition. This helps eliminate harsh braking.

  • 14
    Optimize routing/reduce out-of-route miles: Take the shortest and quickest reasonable route with the least stops to your destination. Plan to avoid rush hour traffic.
  • 15

    Minimize shifting: Every time you shift the engine, rpms increase, and you burn fuel. Try to shift to the next highest gear while still at a low rpm. If you are not using an automated transmission, minimize the number of shifts you make.

Fifteen tips that truck drivers can utilize to enhance fuel efficiency and decrease maintenance expenses2023-02-22T09:53:41-04:00

What is a difference between insurance filling BMC91 and MCS90

BMC-91 and MCS-90 are both forms that are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for commercial motor carriers operating in the United States. However, they serve different purposes and cover different types of liabilities.

BMC-91 is a form used to prove that the carrier has liability insurance coverage for bodily injury, property damage, and environmental restoration. It provides evidence of financial responsibility and is required for motor carriers operating vehicles that transport property across state lines.

On the other hand, MCS-90 is an endorsement that is added to the insurance policy and acts as a guarantee that the insurance company will pay for any judgments against the carrier for bodily injury or property damage caused by the carrier’s negligence or failure to maintain the vehicle. Unlike BMC-91, MCS-90 covers the public and is not limited to a specific type of liability.

In summary, while both forms are required by the FMCSA, BMC-91 provides proof of liability insurance coverage, while MCS-90 serves as an endorsement to the insurance policy and covers the public against any negligence or failure to maintain the vehicle by the carrier.

What is a difference between insurance filling BMC91 and MCS902023-02-16T09:46:35-04:00

Cost of trucking accident

The cost of a trucking accident can vary widely depending on several factors, including the severity of the crash, the type of damage sustained, and the number of vehicles and people involved. However, on average, the cost of a trucking accident can be substantial.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the average cost of a large truck crash involving a fatality was estimated to be $3 million in 2020. This includes costs related to medical expenses, property damage, legal fees, and other costs associated with the crash.

The cost of a trucking accident involving injuries can also be significant. The FMCSA estimates that the average cost of a large truck crash involving an injury was $130,000 in 2020. This figure can increase significantly if the injury is severe, or if multiple people are injured in the crash.

In addition to direct costs, such as medical expenses and property damage, trucking accidents can also result in indirect costs, such as lost productivity, increased insurance premiums, and decreased consumer confidence in the trucking industry.

It is important to note that these figures are estimates, and the actual cost of a trucking accident can be higher or lower depending on the specific circumstances of the crash. Nevertheless, it is clear that the cost of trucking accidents can be substantial, and it is in everyone’s best interest to take steps to reduce the risk of crashes and minimize the impact of accidents when they do occur.

Cost of trucking accident2023-02-16T09:46:27-04:00

Dangers of speeding

Speeding is a major contributor to fatal crashes, as it increases the risk of losing control of the vehicle and reduces the amount of time available for the driver to react to potential hazards on the road.

Truck accidents involving speeding often result in severe injuries or fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 4,000 people were killed in crashes involving large trucks in the United States in 2019. Of these fatalities, approximately 17% were occupants of the large trucks, while the remainder were occupants of other vehicles or non-occupants.

Research has shown that the risk of a crash increases with speed, and trucks require longer distances to stop than passenger vehicles due to their size and weight. The combination of speed and the large size and weight of trucks can make truck accidents involving speeding particularly dangerous.  The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has found that the risk of fatal crashes increases significantly as speed increases, even in small increments. For example, the risk of a fatal crash doubles with every 10 mph increases in speed above 50 mph.

In addition to the risk of crashes, speeding also reduces the fuel efficiency of trucks, increases wear and tear on the vehicle and its components, and contributes to the creation of dangerous road conditions.

Dangers of speeding2023-02-16T09:46:20-04:00

How do insurance companies use ELD data

Insurance companies use ELD data to better understand a trucker’s driving behavior and performance. This information can then be used to assess the level of risk associated with insuring a particular driver or trucking company, and to set insurance rates accordingly.

Specifically, insurance companies may use ELD data to:

  1. Evaluate driving habits: ELD data can provide insights into a trucker’s driving habits, such as their speed, braking patterns, and overall driving style. This information can help insurance companies assess the risk of insuring a particular driver.
  2. Monitor compliance with regulations: ELD data can help insurance companies monitor compliance with regulations such as hours of service rules, which limit the amount of time a trucker can spend on the road.
  3. Determine accident risk: ELD data can provide information about a trucker’s driving history, including any accidents they have been involved in. This information can help insurance companies assess the risk of insuring a particular driver or trucking company.
  4. Set insurance rates: Based on the information obtained from ELD data, insurance companies can set insurance rates that accurately reflect the level of risk associated with insuring a particular driver or trucking company.

It’s important to note that not all insurance companies use ELD data, and the use of this data is subject to various legal and regulatory restrictions. It’s best to check with a legal expert or industry professional for the most up-to-date information on the use of ELD data in your jurisdiction.

How do insurance companies use ELD data2023-02-16T09:45:57-04:00

Speed limit per state

The speed limits for trucks and cars vary by state in the United States. Here is a general overview of the speed limits for all states per insurance Institute for Highway Safety:

State Rural interstates, MPH Urban interstates, MPH Other limited access roads, MPH Other roads, MPH
Alabama 70 65 65 65
Alaska 65 55 65 55
Arizona 75 65 65 65
Arkansas 75
trucks: 70
65 75
trucks: 70
65
California 70
trucks: 55
65
trucks: 55
70
trucks: 55
65
trucks: 55
Colorado 75 65 65 65
Connecticut 65 55 65 55
Delaware 65 55 65 55
District of Columbia n/a 55 n/a 25
Florida 70 65 70 65
Georgia 70 70 65 65
Hawaii 60 60 55 45
Idaho 75; 80 on specified segments
trucks: 70
75; 80 on specified segments
trucks: 65
70 70
Illinois 70 55 65 55
Indiana 70
trucks: 65
55 60 55
Iowa 70 55 70 65
Kansas 75 75 75 65
Kentucky 65; 70 on specified segments 65 65 55
Louisiana 75 70 70 65
Maine 75 75 75 60
Maryland 70 70 70 55
Massachusetts 65 65 65 55
Michigan 70; 75 on specified segments
trucks 65; 75 on specified segments
70 70 55
Minnesota 70 65 65 60
Mississippi 70 70 70 65
Missouri 70 60 70 65
Montana 80
trucks: 70
65 70 day
65 night
70 day
65 night
Nebraska 75 70 70 65
Nevada 80 65 70 70
New Hampshire 65; 70 on specified segments 65 55 55
New Jersey 65 55 65 55
New Mexico 75 75 65 55
New York 65 65 65 55
North Carolina 70 70 70 55
North Dakota 75 75 70 65
Ohio 70 65 70 55
Oklahoma 75; 80 on specified segments 70 70 70
Oregon 65; 70 on specified segments
trucks: 55; 65 on specified segments
55 65 65
Pennsylvania 70 70 70 55
Rhode Island 65 55 55 55
South Carolina 70 70 60 55
South Dakota 80 80 70 70
Tennessee 70 70 70 65
Texas 75; 80 or 85 on specified segments 75 75 75
Utah 75; 80 on specified segments 65 75 65
Vermont 65 55 50 50
Virginia 70 70 65 55
Washington 70; 75 on specified segments
trucks: 60
60 60 60
West Virginia 70 55 65 55
Wisconsin 70 70 70 55
Wyoming 75; 80 on specified segments 75; 80 on specified segments 70 70
Speed limit per state2023-02-15T01:26:15-04:00

January 2023

STATE CLIENT’S CASE PRICE PER TRUCK
Maryland Refrigerated goods, small fleet, liability, cargo and physical damage $12,600
New Jersey Car hauler,  liability and cargo $12,950
Pennsylvania Dry van, liability, cargo and physical damage $11,200
Illinois Liability, cargo, trailer interchange and general liability $12,000
New Jersey Car hauler,  new venture, liability and cargo $16,800
Ohio New venture, dry van/amazon, liability, cargo, general liability and trailer interchange $14,800
Pennsylvania Car hauler, new venture, liability, cargo and physical damage $15,000
Texas Dry van, liability, cargo and general liability $10,900
Ohio Flatbed, liability and general liability $11,200
New Jersey Refrigerated goods, small fleet, liability, cargo and physical damage $14,300
Ohio New venture, dry van,  liability, cargo, general liability, physical damage and trailer interchange $19,200
January 20232023-02-06T03:51:21-04:00

Cargo thefts are on the rise

According to Cargonet there was a 17% increase of cargo thefts from trucks in 2022 with an average loss value of $116,030 with a total loss value of $223 million. About half of the thefts occurred between Friday and Sunday.

Top 3 States:

Top Commodities:

  • 1
    Household goods
  • 2
    Electronics
  • 3

    Foods and beverages

Top Locations:

  • 1
    Parking lots
  • 2
    Truck stops
  • 3
    Secured yards

According to 2019 FBI theft statistics, only 2.8% of stolen cargo was recovered across the nation with just 0.5% recovered in Florida vs 24.3% in Texas.

Here is a list of suggestions to minimize cargo thefts:

  • Do not leave your truck with cargo unattended
  • Once truck is loaded, secure the doors with seals and hardened padlocks
  • Plan your route and stops ahead avoiding known theft hot spots
  • Park at secure, well-lit and monitored locations
  • Install electronic security locks, alarms, immobilization systems and tracking devices
  • Keep the cargo value information secret and keep the drop off location on need-to-know basis
  • Your drivers is number 1 defense from cargo thefts, hire right and train your employees!
Cargo thefts are on the rise2023-01-19T09:39:57-04:00