Trucking Tips

Useful Accessories For Semi-Truck Drivers

Almost all truckers rely on tools and accessories to make their on-the-road lifestyle comfortable, and efficient. The right semi-truck driver accessories can also help improve a trucker’s safety and the safety of other drivers.

We’ve rounded up a list of essential accessories every trucker needs to make their truck feel like a second home. Whether you’re a short or long-haul truck driver, our top picks will make your trips safer and more enjoyable.

Truck Driver Accessories Every Trucker Needs

Opinions on what truckers’ must-haves are may vary from one truck driver to the next because different truckers have different needs. All the same, some accessories stand out as necessary items to bring along for any trip.

Truck Driving Essentials

Over-the-road (OTR) truck drivers spend approximately 300 days every year on the road. Truck driving essentials keep them at ease behind the wheel so their workdays become more manageable and stress-free.

GPS

Trucker GPS systems have several tools truck drivers require to navigate different terrain. They’ll help you plan your truck routes and avoid hazards like narrow roads, low bridges, and other places challenging for a big rig to pass through.

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Comfortable Seat

Because truck drivers spend many hours seated while driving, a comfortable seat is a must-have to prevent several health issues. The best seats offer proper lumbar support to protect you from chronic back pain, spinal disc degeneration, muscle tension, ligament strains, etc.

A good seat cushion can also make your seat more comfortable. Here’s a quick guide on the best semi-truck seat cushion to help you find a comfortable seat cushion without a hassle.

Cell Phone Holder

A rigid cell phone holder helps put your phone in place so you can stay connected with your loved ones during your long hauls. It also prevents distracted driving – one of the top causes of trucking accidents in the U.S.

Smartphone Charger

A good charger keeps your cell phone on, which is crucial for emergencies. You should have at least two portable cell phone chargers.

Bluetooth Headset

This hands-free device allows you to use your phone safely when you need to. A high-quality headset has clear speakers and a good microphone with background noise cancellation.

Dash Cam

A dash cam can save you from various liability claims if a trucking accident occurs. It also works as a security device, preventing thieves from breaking into your cab.

Emergency and Safety Essentials

Emergency and safety essentials improve safety behind the wheel and help you handle unexpected events. Some of these include:

Anti-sleep Alarms

These gadgets are designed to detect signs of drowsiness or fatigue while driving and alert the driver to take necessary breaks or corrective actions to prevent accidents. They monitor eye movements, head position, or vehicle lane deviation to assess driver alertness and trigger an alarm if they detect fatigue.

Toolbox

A trucker’s toolbox has several hand tools they can use to perform basic repairs when the need arises. These hand tools may include screwdrivers, tie-down stripes, pliers, wrenches, a tire pressure gauge, a pocket knife, you name it.

Emergency Kit

Like a toolbox, an emergency kit has several items to help you deal with changing road conditions and other unforeseen circumstances. A few essential items in an emergency kit are an all-purpose first aid kit, a flashlight, batteries, jumper cables, emergency flares, and bottled water.

Cold weather equipment like tire chains and a snow shovel can also be helpful during harsh winter weather.

Polarized Safety Glasses

A good pair of polarized sunglasses is a safety and health-promoting item. It minimizes eye strain and promotes your visibility on the road. These sunglasses keep your eyes healthy by preventing permanent eye damage due to prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

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Cab Comfort Essentials

Comfort truck driver accessories make your space feel cozy, like a home away from home.

Roll-up memory foam mattress

A memory foam mattress ensures you get enough high-quality sleep. Enough sleep is essential for you to stay alert when driving. Add an electric blanket and memory foam pillow for a complete set of comfortable sleeping accessories.

Organizational Items

Items like seat organizers, storage containers, and hooks help long-haul truckers save space and keep their trucks in good order. As a result, trips become more efficient because everything the truck driver needs during their long haul is within reach.

Cleaning Supplies

Several cleaning supplies, like an all-purpose cleaner, handheld vacuum, paper towels, and disinfectant wipes, keep your cab fresh and comfortable.

Cooking and Food Essentials

Long-haul truck drivers are at a higher risk of getting lifestyle diseases such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and heart diseases because of their unhealthy eating habits. Most prefer purchasing quick meals and snacks on the go to save time and log in more hours.

Cooking and food essentials help truckers maintain a healthy lifestyle by preparing and enjoying nutritious hot meals at their convenience instead of buying truck-stop fast food.

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Slow Cooker

A slow cooker lets your food cook all day on the low. You’ll always have a hot dinner waiting at the end of a long day behind the wheel. Most truckers love this appliance because they don’t have to lose driving time to prepare meals.

Hot Plate

Another helpful cooking appliance for truck drivers is a hot plate. It doesn’t occupy too much space and often works well for preparing quick breakfast meals.

Mini-Fridge Or Coolers

A portable fridge or cooler keeps food items and snacks fresh throughout your trips. It helps you save money and time because you can purchase food ingredients in bulk and store them well. This prevents unnecessary stops, which eats into your working hours.

Final Thoughts

There are loads of products on the market today designed for truckers. Consider your needs, the size of your rig, and a product’s quality to find the best accessories for your cab. The goal is to get items that simplify your life on the road while promoting your health and safety.

Mission Financial Services is committed to helping you enjoy your trucking lifestyle and succeed in your business. That’s why we offer a range of vehicle financing options, including semi-truck repair loans, to help you keep your truck in tip-top shape and get the most out of it. Contact us to learn more about this.

Semi-Truck Driver Accidents: What You Need To Know

Semi-truck driver accidents are a frequent occurrence in the U.S., with approximately 388,000 incidents annually. In certain years, like 2021, this number surpassed the half-a-million mark.

The prevalence of these accidents is due to various factors. As a truck driver, understanding these causes is crucial. It enables you to take necessary precautions, ultimately reducing the likelihood of trucking accidents.

This article looks at top causes of semi-truck accidents and how you can prevent them to make our roads safer for all road users.

Common Causes of Semi-Truck Driver Accidents

According to a truck crash causation study conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the common causes of semi-truck accidents fall under three main categories:

Driver error
Equipment failure or vehicle malfunction
Environmental conditions

Let’s take a look at each of these in turn.

Driver Error

Driver error is an umbrella term referring to any mistake a driver makes that leads to an accident. This is the number one cause of semi-truck driver accidents because almost all trucks are entirely human-driven.

Oversight by truckers includes non-performance errors, that is, mistakes unrelated to the driver’s driving skills, and performance errors, i.e., those related to their driving habits, and may include the following:

Distraction Behind the Wheel

A slight lapse in concentration when driving a semi-truck can lead to a fatal semi-truck driver accident, killing or injuring several people. This is because driving a semi-truck is different from driving regular cars. It requires more calculation, such as ensuring there is enough space (about 40% more) before stopping.

Distracted drivers can easily miscalculate their next move and cause a crash. Often, truck drivers get distracted trying to use their phones and other hand-held devices while driving.

Case in point: a trucker was recently charged with five counts of manslaughter. He hit another commercial vehicle, which crashed into two other cars, killing five people on the scene.

Driver Fatigue

Truckers are usually compensated based on the number of miles they drive, motivating many to extend their work hours for increased mileage. However, the FMCSA has established strict hours-of-service regulations that all truckers must follow.

Despite these guidelines, the pressure to cover more distance often leads to fatigue, and some truckers may find themselves dozing off behind the wheel, contributing to the occurrence of truck crashes.

Substance abuse

Alcohol or substance abuse impairs one’s judgment, and truck drivers are not immune to their effects. A truck driver can become drowsy and slow to respond to different situations or conditions on the road when under the influence. Fatal truck crashes are more likely to occur as a result.

Traffic Violations

Flaunting interstate traffic laws is a common practice among truckers. Most run stop lights, fail to obey road signs, or overspeed, increasing their risk of getting involved in semi-truck accidents.

Failure to Check Blind Spots

Because of their large size and weight, there are several blind spots a trucker must check before switching lanes or turning. Some drivers fail to check their mirrors as needed and hit other vehicles or pedestrians.

Aggressive driving

Road rage affects nearly all drivers, truckers included. More often than not, it leads to reckless or aggressive driving, where one driver might try to crash into another who made them angry deliberately.

Inexperienced Drivers

Inexperienced drivers are more likely to cause a crash, especially on interstate roads, compared to their experienced counterparts.

Equipment Failure Or Vehicle Malfunctions

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducted another large truck crash causation study and realized that equipment failure or vehicle malfunctions are among the top causes of semi-truck accidents. Nearly 55% of the trucks involved in the crashes studied had one mechanical failure at the very least.

If your vehicle or any of its parts fail when you are on the road, a truck crash becomes unavoidable because the situation is almost always out of your control. There are several types of equipment failures or vehicle malfunctions to note, including:

Part manufacturing defects
Wrongly Loaded Cargo
Transmission failure
Improperly inflated or worn-out tires
Missing safety equipment, like underride rails
Overall poor vehicle maintenance, including poorly maintained brakes

Environmental Conditions

Unpredictable weather and changing road conditions can also cause semi-truck accidents. Heavy rains or storms, for instance, make roads wet and slippery, increasing the risk of accidents. Some roads are also poorly maintained and demand more cautious driving.

If a truck driver fails to drive keenly on uneven roads or those with large potholes, fading road markings, and missing signage, they will likely cause a crash.

Steps You Can Take to Prevent the Causes of Most Truck Accidents

As you can tell, most causes of semi-truck driver accidents are things or situations within your control. Here are a few steps you can take to drive safely and prevent truck accidents:

Focus – be keen while driving to stay alert and respond to changing road conditions accordingly. Avoid taking your eyes off the road to use your phone or any other gadget when behind the wheel.
Maintain your semi-truck properly regularly – this helps identify and handle mechanical issues quickly, minimizing the risk of accidents. Also, follow the required pre-trip vehicle inspection process to ensure your truck is always in good shape before getting on the road.
Obey traffic rules and regulations – these rules are there to protect you and other road users.
Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles to give yourself enough room to maneuver.
Avoid overloading and ensure all cargo is secured perfectly before making a trip.
Don’t drink or use any street drugs and drive.
Get enough rest, especially if you’re a long-distance truck driver. It prevents fatigue and helps you stay alert while driving.

Final Thoughts

It is essential to note that most truck accidents happen due to a combination of factors. For example, a semi-truck driver might run stop lights due to brake failure or make sudden, unpredictable turns due to poor road conditions.

Because of this, it’s advisable always to drive defensively and follow all the tips for preventing trucking accidents discussed above.

That said, there are a few things you ought to do if you ever find yourself in a truck crash. Follow our safety guide to learn how to handle a semi-truck accident.

Also, contact us if you need financial help to replace your truck after an accident. We’re always ready to help.

How To Avoid Commercial Truck Accidents

Commercial truck accidents are one of the biggest risks of running a trucking business. Even the most experienced commercial truck drivers can get caught up in an accident, so it’s essential to be alert at all times and aware of all possible accident causes.

While you never know what lies ahead when operating a truck, drivers must be prepared for all possible scenarios. To help you out, this guide explores some of the key causes of commercial truck accidents and how to avoid them.

How to Avoid Commercial Truck Accidents as a Driver

You can never predict when a commercial truck accident will take place. However, as a truck driver, you must do everything you can to prevent these accidents.

Here are some of the most important steps and considerations to avoid minor or fatal truck accidents.

Regular Maintenance

The most critical step in avoiding truck accidents is to make sure your vehicle is in good running condition. 10% of truck accidents result from vehicle errors, so ensuring your vehicle is taken care of will immediately reduce any risk of an accident.

Ensure that the commercial trucks are well-maintained. Regular inspections, maintenance, and repairs will help prevent mechanical failures that could lead to accidents.

Be sure to check all common issues before each truck journey. This includes looking for bad shocks, fuel filter issues, a bad starter, or faulty brakes. Keep your truck’s tire pressure at the right level, maintain correct oil levels, and pay attention to any strange noises or movements coming from the truck.

If you experience anything unusual, report this to a mechanic or take the truck in for maintenance. Not only will fixing issues early on help you avoid more significant accidents, but it can also be cheaper in the long-term maintenance of your vehicle.

Beyond the regular checks a truck driver should perform, you must never miss a service. Regularly servicing the truck will help you detect any possible issues that could result in accidents.

Secure Your Load

Truck accident statistics show that the cargo causes a large portion of accidents. Truck drivers must ensure their cargo is secured correctly and safely handled to avoid any cargo-related accidents.

Improperly secured cargo can shift, causing loss of control and accidents. The truck driver must understand the cargo they are transporting and how best to manage it. Some difficult types of cargo even require special licenses and training – ensure you are equipped with this if it applies.

When driving on multi-day trips, always check the cargo at the start and end of each day. Cargo can often shift around during long days on the road, so staying on top of it can play a significant role in avoiding truck crashes.

Driver Training

Of course, most truck accidents happen as a result of poor driving. You must have a good driver behind the wheel to avoid truck accidents.

Employ qualified and trained drivers who understand the unique challenges of driving commercial trucks. Provide ongoing training to keep their skills up-to-date.

The best way to minimize the risk of truck crashes is to use a driver with plenty of experience in the route, experience with the vehicle, and experience with the cargo they’re hauling. The longer the driver has had their commercial driver’s license (CDL), the better.

While gaining experience takes time, younger drivers can improve their odds against truck crashes with ongoing training. Consistently keeping up to date with best practices in truck driving safety is essential.

Drivers can also enroll in short courses to improve their truck driving skills and knowledge for different scenarios. For example, you could take a short course in driving in the snow or a course in driving vehicles that carry abnormal loads to better equip yourself with different types of commercial truck driving.

Vehicle Knowledge

Following on from the point above, many commercial truck accidents happen when the driver is unfamiliar with handling the vehicle.

A critical step in avoiding fatal crashes is gaining plenty of experience in the specific type of truck you’re driving. Understand the gross vehicle weight rating, know the total vehicle miles, and get accustomed to the tractor-trailer setup. The better truck operators know their vehicle and how to handle it, the easier it will be to avoid large truck crashes.

Hours of Service

Even the most knowledgeable and experienced truck operators can cause fatal crashes if they’re overly tired. Long-haul truck drivers need to get enough rest when driving their routes.

Always adhere to hours of service regulations to prevent driver fatigue. Make regular use of truck stops, and know when you need rest.

A significant number of commercial truck accident statistics result from fatigue. So, getting enough rest is essential if you’re driving a large truck. Not only does this protect the truck driver, but it protects any other passenger vehicles on the road. This is why national highway traffic safety places so much emphasis on truck drivers resting when necessary.

Avoid Distracted Driving

Drivers must stay focused on the road and avoid distractions like cell phones or other electronic devices. Fatal crashes can easily occur when the truck driver takes their eyes off the road for only a moment.

As a truck driver, you must always keep this in mind and practice absolute vigilance when driving.
Speed Management
This is another basic rule for truck driving, but it significantly reduces fatal crashes. fatal crashes.

Always follow speed limits and adjust speed based on road conditions, weather, and traffic. Speeding is a common cause of commercial truck accidents, but it’s an easy issue to avoid.

Even if you’re driving behind schedule, sticking to the speed limit can help you get your cargo to its destination safely – which is more important than getting there quickly.

Safe Following Distance

Always maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles. Commercial trucks require more time to stop due to their size and weight, so large trucks must keep their distance from other passenger vehicles.
Fatal truck crashes often result from drivers not having enough time to stop. So, keep your distance, and you’ll be a far safer driver.

Weather Awareness

While the weather is beyond your control, anyone driving a large truck needs to understand how to drive in different weather conditions.

Always check the weather report before taking to the road, and be prepared for different weather conditions. Slow down and exercise extra caution in adverse weather conditions like rain, snow, or fog.

Defensive Driving

Train drivers to anticipate the actions of other drivers and be prepared to react appropriately. This can help avoid collisions caused by other drivers’ mistakes.

The truck driver doesn’t always cause commercial truck accidents. Instead, negligence may be due to passenger vehicle drivers. However, when trucks get involved in fatal crashes, the situation becomes a lot worse.

Large truck occupants need to know how to react swiftly to other vehicles on the road. Taking a defensive driving course is always a good idea for commercial drivers.

Avoid Aggressive Driving

Being a truck driver can get frustrating, but drivers must always stay calm and collected on the road.

Avoid any aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating, road rage, and abrupt lane changes. Crashes involving large trucks are often caused by these brief moments of aggression – which can quickly turn into a fatal accident.

Use Mirrors

Any large truck occupants need to make the most out of their mirrors.

Make proper use of mirrors to be aware of the surroundings. Blind spots are larger for commercial trucks, so use mirrors to stay informed. Always double-check the mirror, even if you think the road is clear.

Observe Traffic Signs

Another obvious one is that road signs are there to keep truck drivers safe. As driving a large truck is a different experience, truck drivers must closely monitor road signs that relate to them.

Follow all traffic rules and signs, including weight limits, height restrictions, and other commercial vehicle-specific regulations. Of course, drivers also need to understand their truck’s height and weight before setting out on a journey.

Conclusion

Knowing how to avoid commercial truck accidents is essential to being a truck driver. Always be aware of the common accident causes and be alert about how to avoid them. This is one of the most critical functions of anyone operating a large truck.

Looking to purchase a semi-truck for your business? Get in touch with us at Mission Financial Services where we help all kinds of truck drivers acquire commercial vehicle financing, regardless of credit score.

Renew Your Commercial Vehicle Insurance With These Steps

One of the most essential parts of operating a trucking business is ensuring you have the right commercial vehicle insurance coverage. This means you’ll often have to renew commercial vehicle insurance policies – a process that could require multiple steps.

Renewing your commercial vehicle insurance ensures your business is properly protected on the road. When doing this, there’s a detailed process you should follow.

Here’s a breakdown of how to successfully renew your commercial vehicle insurance policy.

Review Your Policy

Before you renew commercial vehicle insurance, you’ll want to ensure you understand your existing policy.

Take the time to go through your current commercial auto insurance policy. Understand the coverage it provides, the premiums you’re paying, and any deductibles. This will help you assess if the policy still meets your business needs.

Understanding your commercial vehicle insurance policy will also help you establish what areas you have been missing that you want to look for in a new policy.

Shop Around For Commercial Vehicle Insurance

While you can renew with your current insurer, it’s also an excellent opportunity to shop around for better rates and coverage options. Before choosing a commercial vehicle insurance policy that best matches your needs, you’ll need to know what’s out there.

Contact multiple insurance providers and get quotes to compare. This might help you find a more cost-effective policy that suits your requirements. The more commercial vehicle insurance companies you reach out to and investigate, the better you’ll understand the pros and cons of each policy.

Gather Your Commercial Vehicle Information

Before renewing commercial vehicle insurance, you must ensure your business and vehicle information is ready. Gather all necessary documents early on in your commercial vehicle insurance journey. Finding and applying for the right policy will be a far easier process.

Prepare all the necessary information about your business and vehicles. This could include vehicle details, driver information, business registration, and commercial vehicle insurance claim history.

Assess Your Commercial Vehicle Insurance Policy Needs

Your trucking business needs might have changed since you last dealt with an insurance company.
You may have acquired new vehicles, expanded your operations, or made significant changes. Whatever the case, your commercial vehicle insurance coverage needs differ.

So, understand what your commercial vehicle insurance policy needs to include. Beyond covering your vehicle, you could also look for other insurance requirements, like third-party liability, personal accident cover, mechanical or electrical breakdown coverage, financial protection, and more.

Decide On Your Coverage

Based on your commercial vehicle insurance assessment, decide if you need to change your coverage.
You can adjust your policy to include additional coverage options like collision, comprehensive, liability, and more. Make sure the insurance policy aligns with your business risks.

Of course, you’ll also want to consider the commercial auto insurance cost and ensure the insurance provider covers enough insured declared value in their policy. Sometimes, cheap semi-truck insurance isn’t worth the lack of coverage.

Look For Discounts

There’s a good chance that each insurance company you deal with offers a discount. Your commercial vehicle insurance policy could reward you for good driving records, vehicle safety features, bundling multiple policies, or being a loyal customer.

Ask the insurance company you’re interested in about possible discounts. This could help you with the commercial auto insurance cost.

Get In Touch With Your Current Insurer

If you stick with your current insurer, contact them well before your policy expires. This will give you enough time for any necessary paperwork and adjustments.

If you use a new commercial vehicle insurance company, contacting your existing provider is still a good idea. You must follow all the correct steps when ending your policy with them.

Provide Updated Information

This applies if you renew your commercial vehicle insurance policy with the same insurance provider.

If there have been any changes in your business, vehicles, or drivers, inform your insurance provider. This makes sure you have accurate coverage and premium calculations. If the details are wrong on your commercial vehicle insurance premium, claiming your insured vehicle could get messy.

Carefully Review The Renewal Offer

When you get the renewal offer, carefully review the details.

Check for any changes in coverage, premiums, deductibles, and insurance policy terms. Make sure that every detail in your commercial vehicle insurance policy aligns with your expectations.

Ask Questions

If you have any questions or concerns about the renewal offer, don’t hesitate to ask your insurance company or agent. It’s essential to understand the commercial vehicle policy you’re renewing clearly.

The better you understand your commercial vehicle insurance, the more value you could get from your policy.

Make Payment On Time

Pay by the specified due date if you’re happy with the renewal offer. This ensures your commercial vehicle insurance policy coverage continues without any gaps.

The last thing you want is to drive commercial vehicles without any commercial vehicle insurance plans or coverage.

Keep Proof Of Your Insurance

After renewing your policy, keep a copy of your new insurance policy and proof of coverage in your commercial vehicles. This is essential for any legal or regulatory requirements. It will also make any commercial vehicle claim process easier to handle.

Conclusion

Whether you renew your commercial vehicle insurance online or through a representative, following the right steps will help ensure you have the right policy and coverage for your business needs. Taking the time to do this carefully can save your business money while offering greater commercial vehicle insurance coverage.

If you’re looking to purchase a new commercial vehicle, then get in touch with us at Mission Financial. We can help all kinds of truck drivers gain financing for practically any kind of new and used commercial vehicles.

Best Commercial Truck Insurance Brokers

Finding the best commercial truck insurance brokers can be a tricky task.

Before you go ahead and sign a policy with the first insurance provider you come across, make sure you understand what options are out there. Different commercial insurance plans can vary significantly in both cost and coverage. Your truck is your business’s most important asset, so you must protect it adequately.

This guide explores some of the best brokers to consider to help you find the right insurance company to match your commercial trucking needs.

How To Choose The Best Commercial Truck Insurance Brokers

There are many different commercial truck insurance companies- each offering its unique policies, pros, and cons.

Choosing the right commercial truck insurance company is one of the most important decisions when setting up your trucking business. Your insurance provider can majorly impact your business’s financial security and overall operations.

To help you make an informed choice, here are some crucial steps and considerations to consider when choosing between commercial truck insurance companies.

Assess Your Needs

Understand your business’s unique commercial trucking insurance needs. Factors like the type of trucks you have, the cargo you transport, the routes you take, and your safety record all play a role in the kind of commercial auto insurance you choose.

Research Reputation

Always look for commercial truck insurance companies with a solid reputation in the industry.

Read online reviews, ask for recommendations from other trucking businesses, and check the broker’s history of claims handling and customer service. Getting first-hand feedback from their clients is incredibly valuable when choosing a commercial truck insurance policy.

Expertise

Choose a broker with experience in the commercial trucking industry. Truck insurance can be complex, so working with a broker who understands the specific challenges and regulations of the trucking industry is essential.

Coverage Options

Understand the range of coverage options the commercial trucking broker offers. They should be able to customize policies to meet your unique needs, business size, and motor truck cargo.

This means small owner-operators or trucking companies operating a large fleet can find a suitable commercial truck insurance policy.

Compare Quotes

Getting quotes from multiple brokers to compare their commercial truck insurance premiums and coverage is always a good idea.

This will give you a clear picture of the market rates and help you identify unusually high or low quotes. It will also help you understand which commercial auto insurance policy offers the best coverage.

Claims Handling Process

Ask about the broker’s claims handling process. You want to look for a broker that offers smooth and efficient claims processing. The easier and faster it is to make claims, the more value you could get from the commercial insurance provider.

Transparency

The commercial truck insurance provider should be transparent about the terms and conditions of their policies. Avoid brokers who seem evasive or hesitant to provide clear information. Make sure you understand every detail of the insurance costs, terms, and coverage that they offer.

Additional Services

Some brokers offer extra services like risk management advice, safety training resources, and compliance support. These value-added services can be valuable for your trucking business.

You’ll also want to understand the full range of coverage options the broker offers. Beyond simply insuring your vehicle, look for business insurance, general liability, non-trucking liability coverage, cargo insurance, medical costs, rental reimbursement, and more. There are many different elements that your commercial truck insurance policy can cover.

8 Best Commercial Truck Insurance Brokers To Consider

Now that you know what to look for in a commercial truck insurance broker, it’s time to compare different companies. Here are some of the best commercial truck insurance brokers to consider.

Progressive Commercial

Progressive Commercial is a big name in the insurance industry, offering a range of commercial insurance options. Additionally, Progressive vehicle insurance provides comprehensive coverage for commercial trucks, including plans for trucking businesses of all sizes.

Nationwide

Nationwide provides all kinds of insurance plans – including coverage for commercial trucks. The company has a strong presence in the insurance market and offers flexible plans to match your specific needs.

Allstate

Allstate offers tailored commercial truck insurance solutions. The company provides detailed coverage solutions, helping protect your vehicle and business. This includes collision coverage, liability coverage, comprehensive coverage, and more.

OOIDA

Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) offers affordable coverage for small business owners. The association provides a full range of coverage options tailored to individual truck drivers’ needs.

Aon

Aon is a global company that offers a range of insurance products – including commercial truck insurance. Their policies are flexible to match your specific business needs.

CoverWallet

CoverWallet is technically not an insurance company – it’s an online insurance aggregator tool. However, comparing commercial trucking insurance options is beneficial to find the best broker for your needs.

Evolution Insurance Brokers

Evolution Insurance Brokers offers comprehensive coverage for truckers. Their commercial trucking insurance policies are designed to meet the needs of truckers and businesses of all sizes – including short and long-haul trucking insurance.

The Hartford

The Hartford is a well-respected and long-standing trucking insurance provider. This commercial trucking insurance company is ideal for large fleets, offering nationwide comprehensive coverage options. The company also offers multiple discounts, making the commercial truck insurance cost worthwhile.

Conclusion

These are some of the best commercial truck insurance companies out there. However, the broker and insurance policy you choose should come down to your specific business requirements. Always compare policies and providers to find a solution that matches your business needs perfectly.

Commercial truck insurance is an essential step in buying a semi-truck. You’ll also need to get the proper funding. If you’re interested in purchasing a new vehicle, then get in touch with us at Mission Financial, where we can help you gain the financing you’re after.

What To Expect From A Job As A Commercial Truck Driver

Are you interested in becoming a commercial truck driver? It can be a fantastic career path for the right person.

Being a truck driver involves much more than just sitting behind the wheel on a highway. You’ll need to manage many different responsibilities and skills on each delivery route you drive. No two days as a commercial truck driver are the same.

If you’re wondering what to expect in a truck-driving job, this guide breaks down everything you need to know.

Commercial Truck Driver Responsibilities

Being a truck driver is a dynamic and challenging job with various functions. While no two truck drivers’ jobs are the same, here are some primary responsibilities you can expect as a commercial truck driver.

Driving Long Hours

Of course, the main thing you can expect as a truck driver is spending long hours driving your semi-truck. Depending on the type of trucking you do, this could involve driving across states, or even across countries. However, you could also do shorter local routes.

As a long-haul commercial truck driver, you can expect irregular work schedules and possibly overnight trips or extended stays away from home. Being a truck driver is all about traveling long distances and spending the bulk of your working hours behind the wheel.

Safety Responsibilities

Safety is a top priority in commercial truck driving. You will be responsible for the safe operation of your vehicle, which involves maintaining a safe speed, following traffic laws, and being alert to potential hazards on the road.

You’ll also need to ensure you keep your cargo safe – as this is why you’re driving your trucking route in the first place. Depending on the type of cargo you’re carrying, you may need special skills and qualifications to manage it.

Vehicle Inspections

Beyond just driving a truck, commercial truck drivers also need to make sure their trucks are in good condition and adhere to federal regulations. As your vehicle is vital to your job, you must spend plenty of time keeping it running well.

Before and after each trip, you’ll need to thoroughly inspect your truck, checking for any mechanical issues, leaks, or other problems that could affect its safety or performance. This means commercial truck drivers need to have a good understanding of the different parts of their truck and how their truck works.

Maintaining a Delivery Schedule

The whole reason that commercial truck drivers are on the roads is to ensure their cargo is delivered to the right place on time. This means commercial truck driving involves managing delivery schedules and working within tight time frames.

As a commercial truck driver, you must know how to plan your routes and drive efficiently to keep your deliveries on schedule.

Paperwork and Records

Everything you do as a commercial truck driver needs to be recorded. This is important for the smooth operation of your trucking business and for any legal reasons – like making a commercial insurance claim.

As a truck driver, you’ll be responsible for maintaining accurate records, including logbooks, mileage reports, and delivery receipts. This documentation helps with compliance. It also makes it easier to get paid.

Maintain the Right Licensing and Training

To become a commercial truck driver, you’ll need a commercial driver’s license (CDL) specific to the type of commercial vehicle you’ll be operating. The specific process and training in getting your commercial driver’s license can differ from state to state.

You must also have relevant qualifications and licenses to carry certain goods. Some types of dangerous cargo require additional training.

CDL drivers also need to ensure they stay updated with the laws and regulations around commercial trucking wherever they operate. These laws can often differ as you pass state borders, so ensure you understand what is required of you in each route you drive.

Various Job Opportunities

Commercial truck driving could look very different for each commercial motor vehicle driver. This depends on the type of trucking you do.

For example, you could get into long-haul trucking, local delivery, or specialized freight transportation. Each job type is unique, with its responsibilities, challenges, and opportunities.

Luckily, the demand for goods transport keeps the trucking industry relatively stable. This means you should have good job security as a reliable driver.

Commercial Truck Driver Skills

To become a commercial truck driver, you must match the right skills for the job. Here are some of the most essential skills you should possess:

Physical Stamina: Truck driving can be physically demanding, as you may be required to load and unload cargo, handle paperwork, and spend extended periods sitting and driving. Make sure you’re up for the challenge.

Independence: While you may have a dispatcher or supervisor to guide you, commercial truck driving involves plenty of independence. You’ll be responsible for making decisions on the road and completing your deliveries. You’ll also be alone for long periods.
Time and Stress Management: Commercial truck drivers manage tight schedules. You must also know how to keep calm in emergencies or stressful driving conditions.
Communication: Even though you spend long periods alone, you must also deal with multiple people in the supply chain. You’ll need to show good communication skills to everyone involved in your delivery schedule and other drivers. This is essential for smooth trucking operations.

Conclusion

Being a commercial truck driver is full of challenges. It’s also an exciting career path for people with the right skills and motivation.

If you’re considering becoming a commercial truck driver, then it’s essential to understand everything involved in the role before you start training for your licenses.

You may also need to purchase your semi-truck to start a trucking business. Mission Financial makes it easy for any commercial truck driver to gain financing for buying a vehicle. Get in touch with us to see how easy the application process is.