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Driving A Commercial Vehicle Without Insurance

Commercial auto insurance is essential for any truck driver. Operating a commercial vehicle without this insurance is illegal.

Not only this, but truck accidents are common, and you need to make sure you and your business are protected to stay safe. The right insurance policy will give you valuable peace of mind on the roads, and it can seriously help you in case there is an emergency.

Let’s explore insurance requirements for truck drivers, and why having proper commercial insurance is so important.

The Insurance Requirements for Truck Drivers

In order for any trucking business to operate, it needs to have proper proof of liability and cargo insurance. This needs to be in line with federal trucking insurance requirements, which is necessary for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to issue an operating permit.

The exact coverage types depend on the type of freighter and the type of cargo you haul. Here’s a breakdown of the FMCSA mandatory coverage minimums for large trucks:

$300,000: Trucks weighing under 10,001 pounds that do not haul hazardous materials.
$750,000: Coverage required for trucks weighing over 10,001 pounds that do not haul hazardous materials.
$1,000,000: Coverage required for private drivers and companies that haul oil.
$5,000,000: Coverage required for trucks that haul hazardous materials other than oil.

Beyond complying with these federal trucking insurance requirements, trucks also need to comply with specific state requirements. This can vary by jurisdiction.

It’s important to realize that these are only the minimum insurance requirements for commercial trucks. More advanced truck insurance is available, offering trucking companies and drivers better protection in the event of an accident.

What Does Commercial Vehicle Insurance Cover?

Commercial auto insurance can cover many areas. Every policy is different, and every commercial motor carrier has its own insurance requirements.

A commercial or personal auto insurance policy typically includes liability coverage, protecting against damages to other people or property, and physical damage coverage, which covers damage to the vehicle itself. A commercial auto insurance policy also often includes coverage for medical payments, uninsured or under-insured motorist coverage, and cargo insurance, which covers the goods being transported.

These policies make sure that businesses are protected financially in case of accidents, damages, or other mishaps involving their commercial vehicles. Understanding the coverage is crucial for businesses to make informed decisions that give them proper protection.

What Happens After a Truck Accident Without Insurance?

Commercial and personal car insurance is important because it offers protection against many scenarios. To help explain this, here are some of the main consequences that you can expect after an accident with no commercial or personal auto insurance policies involved.

Legal Consequences

Driving without insurance breaks the law in almost every state. State laws usually require all drivers to have a minimum amount of liability insurance. Failing to comply with these laws can lead to fines, the suspension of your driver’s license, or other penalties.

Payments in Civil Lawsuits

The financial consequences of a commercial accident can be massive. Without insurance, you may be personally responsible for covering all damages and medical bills.

If you are found to be at fault for the accident and do not have insurance, you may have to pay for the damages out of pocket. This could include the cost of repairing or replacing vehicles, medical bills for injuries, and even compensation for pain and suffering.

Loss of Assets

Driving without insurance can result in higher insurance premiums in the future. Insurers may view you as a higher risk.

Even if you can obtain insurance after an accident, your premiums are likely to be significantly higher because of your accident history. Insurance companies may view you as a high-risk driver and charge you higher premiums to offset the risk of insuring you.

If you’re found liable for the accident and can’t pay, your wages could be cut, or you might even lose your job. If you cannot pay for the damages resulting from the accident, the injured parties may seek a judgment against you.

Impact on Others

If you are involved in an accident without insurance, the other party may not receive the compensation they need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.

This can cause significant financial hardship for the victims and their families, who may be left to cover these costs on their own. You don’t want to be responsible for this.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance

As we’ve already mentioned, having proper insurance coverage is a legal requirement for commercial truckers. Driving without insurance can lead to strict penalties, including fines, suspension of your driver’s license, and potential criminal charges.

If you cause an accident as an uninsured truck driver, you could also be held personally liable for all damages, which can be seriously expensive. This could have a long-term effect on your personal and professional life as a truck driver.

When Do You Need Commercial Vehicle Insurance?

Wondering when to contact an insurance company and when you need commercial auto insurance? Consider the following scenarios:

If you run a delivery service: If you’re delivering goods as part of your business, you need commercial vehicle insurance. Personal auto coverage usually won’t cover business-related deliveries.
If your employees operate your vehicle: If employees use your vehicle for work, you need commercial vehicle insurance. Personal car insurance policies don’t cover business use by employees.
If you have a fleet of vehicles: If you own multiple vehicles for your business, you need commercial vehicle insurance. It provides coverage for all vehicles under one policy.
If you transport goods or passengers: Whether you’re delivering goods or transporting passengers, you need commercial vehicle insurance to cover any accidents or damages that may happen during transportation.
If your industry is high-risk: If your business operates in a high-risk industry, such as construction or trucking, commercial vehicle insurance is essential to protect your assets and cover potential liabilities.
If you haul tools or equipment: If your business involves hauling tools or equipment, you need commercial vehicle insurance. It covers damages to your vehicle and any equipment being transported.
If you’re leasing or financing your vehicle: If you’re leasing or financing a vehicle for business use, you need commercial vehicle insurance. It’s usually required by the leasing or financing company to protect their investment.

Final Thoughts

As a commercial truck driver, you need to have the right insurance policy in place. This is essential for your safety, as well as for protecting anyone else on the roads. Beyond the fact that it’s a legal requirement, commercial insurance is also essential for keeping your business protected in case of an accident.

Looking to purchase a new truck? Then you’ll need the right financing. Get in touch with us at Mission Financial to see how we can help you get easy financing for your semi-truck.

Understanding Apportioned License Plates

If you operate a commercial vehicle or power unit across state lines, apportioned license plates are part of the legal framework that allows you to do so.

They work alongside the International Registration Plan (IRP) and the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) to ensure states and provinces receive the registration fees and fuel taxes they are owed. IRP and IFTA are inter-jurisdictional agreements administered by states/provinces, enforced via state/provincial law and roadside enforcement.

Understanding how apportioned plates work helps prevent fines, audits, and interruptions to your operations.

What Are Apportioned License Plates?

Apportioned license plates are registration plates issued to commercial vehicles that operate in more than one jurisdiction. Apportioned just means divided or distributed, referring to how registration fees are allocated.

Instead of registering the same vehicle separately in every state it travels through, the carrier registers once in a base jurisdiction. That jurisdiction then distributes registration fees to other states and provinces based on the miles the vehicle travels in each one.

When you see a commercial truck using apportioned plates, it means the vehicle is legally registered for multi-jurisdiction operation under the International Registration Plan (IRP). This allows the truck to cross state and, in some cases, international borders without carrying multiple registrations.

How the International Registration Plan (IRP) Governs Apportioned Registration

Apportioned registration exists because of the International Registration Plan (IRP).

The IRP is a reciprocity agreement among the 48 contiguous states + DC + 10 Canadian provinces (Alaska and Hawaii are not IRP members). It is authorized under state motor vehicle laws and administered by each jurisdiction’s motor carrier services division.

Under the IRP, a carrier designates a base jurisdiction, usually the state where the business is registered, and operational records are kept. That jurisdiction issues apportioned plates and collects registration fees. Fees are then distributed to other jurisdictions based on reported mileage.

This system replaces the need for multiple state registrations and creates a uniform process for interstate commercial vehicles.

What Is the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA)?

The International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) is a multi-jurisdiction agreement among the lower 48 contiguous U.S. states and 10 Canadian provinces.

It simplifies fuel tax compliance for interstate motor carriers. Instead of filing fuel tax returns in every jurisdiction traveled, carriers file one quarterly fuel tax report with their base jurisdiction.

That report details:

Total miles traveled
Miles traveled in each jurisdiction
Fuel purchased in each jurisdiction

Tax authorities then calculate the amount of fuel tax owed to each state or province. Failure to file IFTA reports or pay fuel taxes can result in penalties, interest, suspension of credentials, and enforcement actions during roadside inspections.

What Is the Difference Between IFTA and IRP?

The IRP and IFTA serve different legal purposes, even though carriers often comply with both. The IRP governs vehicle registration and registration fees, while the IFTA governs fuel tax reporting and payment.

In simple terms:

IRP determines where and how registration fees are paid.
IFTA determines where fuel taxes are owed based on miles driven and fuel consumed.

Most interstate carriers subject to IRP registration are also subject to IFTA reporting, but qualification is determined separately under each program.

Who Must Register for Apportioned Plates, IRP, and IFTA?

Not every vehicle that crosses state lines qualifies for apportioned registration. Requirements are based on vehicle specifications and interstate operation, not business size.

Under IRP rules, a vehicle generally must register if it has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 26,000 pounds, or has three or more axles, regardless of weight, and operates in more than one jurisdiction.

The IFTA applies to motor carriers operating qualifying vehicles in more than one jurisdiction, typically using the same weight and axle thresholds.

Vehicles operating strictly intrastate or below these thresholds may not require IRP or IFTA credentials.

Apportioned Plates vs. Commercial Plates

The difference between apportioned plates and standard commercial plates lies in where and how a vehicle is legally allowed to operate.

Commercial plates are state-issued registrations that permit a vehicle to operate for business purposes within a single state.

On their own, they do not authorize interstate operation for vehicles that meet the definition of an apportionable (qualified) vehicle.

Apportioned plates, issued under the IRP, are required when an apportionable vehicle operates across state or provincial lines. These plates allow interstate and interprovincial travel, with registration fees distributed among jurisdictions based on reported mileage.

All apportioned plates are commercial plates, but not all commercial plates are apportioned. Operating a qualifying vehicle interstate without apportioned registration or a valid trip permit can result in citations, fines, and out-of-service orders.

How to Get Apportioned License Plates For Commercial Vehicles

Getting apportioned license plates is a structured regulatory registration process governed by the IRP and administered by each state’s motor carrier authority.

The goal is to ensure that interstate commercial vehicles are properly registered and that registration fees are fairly distributed among the jurisdictions in which they operate.

Confirm Your Eligibility

Eligibility for apportioned plates is based on commercial truck specifications and interstate use, not business size or how often you cross state lines.

As mentioned, a vehicle generally qualifies for apportioned registration under IRP rules if it operates in two or more jurisdictions and has a GVWR over 26,000 pounds, or if it has three or more axles.

If a vehicle meets these criteria, it requires an apportioned registration for legal interstate operation.

Your state’s motor carrier services office or Department of Motor Vehicles can confirm eligibility. However, responsibility ultimately rests with the carrier, not the state.

Register Under IRP

If your vehicle qualifies, you must register it under IRP through your base jurisdiction. This is the state where:

Your business is legally established
You maintain your business’s operational records
You control or dispatch the vehicle

This requirement exists so that one jurisdiction can administer registration, collect fees, conduct audits, and coordinate with other states under IRP rules.

Registering in the wrong base jurisdiction is a common compliance error and can result in your applications being denied or future penalties.

Submit Required Documentation

IRP registration requires documentation that proves ownership, insurance coverage, and operational intent. Most jurisdictions require the following:

Proof of vehicle ownership or lease, such as a title or lease agreement
Proof of insurance meeting state and federal minimums for commercial vehicles
Business registration documents, including an employer identification number (EIN) or state filings
Estimated mileage by jurisdiction, often based on prior operations or reasonable projections

Mileage estimates matter because IRP registration fees are calculated based on how much each jurisdiction will be used. Underreporting mileage can trigger audits, back fees, and penalties if the actual distance traveled exceeds reported estimates.

States are authorized under IRP to audit carriers to verify mileage accuracy. Auditors increasingly rely on telematics data and electronic records to confirm where and how vehicles operate.

GPS-based tracking systems, electronic logging devices (ELDs), fuel card data, and dispatch records can all be used to validate reported mileage across jurisdictions.

Pay Registration Fees

Registration fees are calculated using:

Vehicle weight
Number of jurisdictions selected
Estimated mileage in each jurisdiction

Heavier vehicles and broader operating territories result in higher fees because they impose greater wear on infrastructure across more jurisdictions.

Fees are paid to the base jurisdiction, which then distributes funds to other states and provinces under IRP guidelines.

Approval and Plate Issuance

Once your application is approved and fees are paid, the base jurisdiction issues:

Apportioned license plates
IRP cab cards, which list approved jurisdictions and weights

Cab cards must be carried in the vehicle at all times. Enforcement officers use them during roadside inspections to verify legal operation. Failure to produce valid credentials can result in citations or out-of-service orders.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Apportioned Registration

Most apportioned registration violations don’t happen because of intentional noncompliance, but because of common misunderstandings about how IRP and IFTA work together and how those rules are enforced. Here are some common mistakes people make:

Assuming Occasional Interstate Travel Does Not Count

IRP requirements are based on qualification, not frequency. If you operate an apportionable vehicle interstate, you generally need IRP apportioned registration or a valid trip permit before operating.

Enforcement officers do not consider intent or frequency during inspections.

Registering in the Wrong Base Jurisdiction

Registering where the truck is parked or purchased, instead of where the business is based and records are kept, violates IRP base jurisdiction rules and can invalidate registration.

Underreporting Mileage

IRP and IFTA both rely on accurate mileage reporting. States are authorized to audit carriers, and discrepancies can lead to back fees, interest, and penalties across multiple jurisdictions.

Confusing IRP Registration with IFTA Fuel Reporting

IRP covers registration fees. IFTA covers fuel taxes. Registering for one does not satisfy the requirements of the other.

Many compliance failures occur when carriers assume IRP registration automatically covers fuel tax obligations. These errors can result in fines, credential suspension, audits, and disruptions to operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need Apportioned Plates If I Only Cross State Lines Occasionally?

Yes, if your vehicle meets IRP qualification thresholds. The International Registration Plan does not base registration requirements on how often you cross state lines. It bases them on vehicle characteristics and interstate operation.

Do I Need IFTA If I Have Apportioned Plates?

Not automatically. IRP and IFTA are separate programs with different purposes and qualification rules.

IRP governs vehicle registration and registration fees. IFTA governs fuel tax reporting. A vehicle can require IRP registration without meeting IFTA requirements, although many interstate vehicles qualify for both.

Can I Get Apportioned Plates Without IRP?

No. Apportioned plates are issued only through IRP registration. There is no separate apportioned plate program outside of IRP. If a vehicle requires apportioned registration, the carrier must apply through their base jurisdiction under IRP rules.

What Happens If I Operate Without Apportioned Plates?

Operating a qualifying vehicle without apportioned plates is a registration violation. Consequences vary by jurisdiction but often include roadside citations, fines, and out-of-service orders.

Can I Register for IRP and IFTA at the Same Time?

Yes. Many states allow carriers to apply for IRP registration and IFTA credentials during the same onboarding process. Registering for both at the same time helps streamline compliance and reduces the risk of missing required credentials before operating interstate.

Conclusion

Apportioned license plates exist to make interstate trucking possible under a single, structured registration system. When used correctly, they simplify compliance, ensure fair fee distribution, and allow commercial vehicles to operate legally across jurisdictions.

For carriers planning to purchase a commercial vehicle for interstate use, understanding IRP and IFTA requirements early helps avoid delays and compliance issues.

Mission Financial Services focuses exclusively on commercial truck financing. If you are planning to purchase a vehicle that will operate interstate, start your credit application early to avoid financing delays once registration requirements begin.

A Guide To Ice Road Driving For Semi Trucks

Ice road driving is one of the most specialized areas of trucking. It’s dangerous and requires plenty of knowledge and experience driving in harsh conditions.

If you’ve ever been ice fishing, then you understand just how different it is to drive over frozen bodies of water. Even a small lake can pose a major challenge for a heavily loaded truck.

While ice driving is scary, ice road truckers can also be some of the highest-paid semi-truck drivers. Let’s explore exactly what ice road trucking is and how semi-truck drivers can safely navigate ice roads.

What is Ice Road Driving for Semi Trucks?

Ice road driving is when semi trucks drive on frozen bodies of water, like frozen lakes or rivers, that have turned into solid ice during the winter. These frozen roads are like temporary highways, connecting isolated communities in cold regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

While driving over black ice is challenging enough, true ice road truckers take this even further by covering long distances over entire frozen bodies of water.

Importance of Ice Roads in Certain Regions

Ice roads are crucial in certain regions because they provide the only means for transporting goods and supplies to isolated communities during the winter months.

These frozen highways, built on thick ice over lakes and rivers, connect remote areas that are otherwise cut off from the rest of the world.

Ice Thickness Requirements

The most important requirement for ice driving is having the right ice thickness for semi trucks.

The minimum ice thickness required to support heavy vehicles is typically around 30 inches. This is for a 70-ton vehicle. You only need 3 inches of ice to support a single person, and a very light truck could navigate 8-inch ice. Of course, thicker ice is best if you’re driving a large or medium truck.

However, this can vary based on factors like air temperature, pressure, and other variables that influence the strength of the ice. Colder temperatures and higher pressures make the ice stronger.

To determine how thick the ice is, you’ll need to use methods like drilling, using an ice auger, or even using ice radar and sonar.

The Dangers of Ice Road Driving

Driving over lake ice in a semi-truck, or even a small truck, comes with plenty of dangers. Here’s what you need to be aware of.

Slippery Surfaces

Driving on ice is a challenge due to the slippery surface. Even with studded tires and chains, traction is limited.

Trucks can easily lose control, so drivers need to be extra cautious, maintaining slow and steady speeds to reduce the risk of skidding or sliding.

Limited Visibility

Snow and ice can severely reduce visibility on ice roads. Blowing snow, fog, and blizzards makes it hard for drivers to see the road ahead.

Unpredictable Conditions

Weather and road conditions on ice roads can change suddenly and without warning. Sudden blizzards, strong winds, and shifting ice can make driving extremely dangerous.

This is why it’s vital to constantly monitor weather forecasts and road reports, and consult local authorities on the weather to avoid getting caught in dangerous situations.

Increased Braking Distance

Braking on ice roads is much more difficult due to decreased friction. Ice increases the braking distance significantly, making it harder for trucks to stop quickly.

Driver Isolation – Slow Speeds, Long Trips

Ice road driving is all about slow speeds and long trips, which leads to driver isolation. The remote locations and the long, monotonous stretches of road can be mentally challenging.

Drivers must be prepared for the isolation, ensuring they have enough supplies, including food, water, and emergency equipment, to stay safe during the journey.

Why Ice Roads are Necessary

Ice road trucking might seem crazy, but it’s an important job in many isolated regions. Here’s why.

Remote Access to Far Off Places

Ice roads provide vital transportation links to isolated communities.

In remote regions, where regular roads are impractical or impossible to build, ice roads offer a lifeline. They ensure that isolated communities have access to necessary resources during the winter months.

Economic Benefits

Ice roads allow for resources to be moved and economic development to continue throughout winter in remote regions.

Environmental Considerations

Compared to alternative transport routes, ice road driving has a much smaller environmental impact.

Constructing permanent roads can be seriously environmentally damaging. Ice roads, however, are temporary. They require no land clearing or construction.

Safety Precautions for Ice Road Driving

Moving water, cracks, and melting ice are some of the biggest safety concerns for ice road truck driving. Here are some essential tactics to help you stay safe.

Check the Ice Thickness

Before driving on an ice road, always check the ice conditions and thickness. Ensure it meets safety standards and is thick enough to support the weight of your vehicle.

Reduce Your Speed

Maintain slow and steady speeds to reduce the risk of skidding on ice or sliding through snow cover.

Even with studded tires and chains, traction is limited. Applying defensive driving techniques is always good practice.

Know the Route

Familiarize yourself with the ice road route before starting your journey. Be aware of any potential hazards, such as areas with thin ice, and carefully plan your journey.

Safety Equipment

Make sure your truck is equipped with all the right gear. This includes things like strong fog lights, reflective markers, tire chains, and suitable ice-driving tires. You’ll also need an ice pick or ice chisel, an auger, and a tape measure to check ice thickness.

Equip your truck with safety essentials like emergency flares, a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, a life jacket, and a survival kit in case of an emergency. Of course, a proper semi-truck tool kit is also a necessity.

Regular Maintenance

Keep your vehicle well-maintained, including checking tire pressure, ensuring all lights are working, and the brakes are in good condition.

Final Thoughts

Even on thick ice, navigating these routes with the weight of a semi-truck is an enormous challenge. This is why it’s crucial for ice road drivers to be properly prepared and experienced in navigating icy routes.

Of course, ice road driving can only be done with the right, reliable vehicle. Get in touch with us at Mission Financial Services if you’re looking for the best solution for financing a new semi-truck.

Semi-Truck Driver Tool Kit Essentials

Having semi-truck driver tool kit essentials as a trucker is crucial. If your vehicle breaks down, the right tools can help you handle minor repairs quickly, minimizing downtime so you can keep moving.

Without a curated truck driver toolkit, you risk interrupting your trip schedule for too long, ultimately reducing your income because repair shop mechanics can take hours to arrive for simple 10-minute light repairs.

Here’s the thing, though – there are so many tools for truck drivers. What are the most essential tools you should carry? Read on to learn more and assemble the ultimate trucker tool kit to match your needs.

What to consider when purchasing driver tools

To purchase truck driver tools that work well and offer great value for money, keep the following factors in mind:

Quality and Brand

Brands differ in terms of the quality of products they offer. You want to find high-quality tools that don’t need replacement often. The best way to identify such tools is by reading product and brand reviews.

You could also ask other truck drivers to recommend their best products. For this, pose your questions on different trucker groups online to get solid recommendations from truck drivers who’ve used the products they’ll recommend. You’ll get honest opinions to help you pick the best brands to work with.

Job Type

Why do you need a specific tool? What will you use it for? Understanding the answers to these questions will help you purchase the correct tools for the job. Some truck driver tools serve niche purposes. You don’t want to buy a tool made for flatbed truck drivers if you’re not a flatbed truck driver.

Price

Price is a key factor when buying semi-truck driver tools. However, cheaper isn’t always better. You may save money at the time of purchase but end up spending more due to frequent replacements. Similarly, the more expensive option may not be better either. Try to strike a balance between price and quality so you can find affordable, high-quality tools that will serve you well for a long time.

17 essential tools for truck drivers

Some essential tools nearly all owner-operators carry and find helpful during their trips include:

Toolbox

A toolbox will help you keep all your tools in one place, so they’re easy to find when required. Get one that is effective yet compact. You want it to fit inside your truck without taking up too much space while providing enough room to accommodate almost all the other tools you need.

Also, look for a toolbox with several compartments, or consider purchasing a truck toolbox organizer. It will help you organize your tools according to their use, making it easier to get the right tool for a specific job when needed.

Standard Hand Tools

Standard hand tools, like screwdrivers, bolts, and nuts, are necessary for various truck repairs. Because you can never tell which issues may come up at a time, it’s best to keep a set of these essential tools close. You can purchase a 200-piece multipurpose set of bolts, screwdrivers, and nuts at a decent price, and they’ll last you a while.

Vice Grips

Vice grips are the go-to trucker tool for several truckers because of their versatility. Well-designed vice grips can help you remove or tighten nuts and bolts, bend wires, remove broken screws, cinch leaky tubes, and keep things in place. Include straight-jaw and curved vice grips of different sizes in your toolkit. You’ll be well-prepared for any repairs that may come your way.

Sledgehammer

Sledgehammers are perfect for identifying tire problems beforehand. You can perform quick tire pressure checks by hitting each tire and listening to the sound they produce. If your tires produce unfamiliar sounds, you’ll know there’s a problem and can handle it before it gets out of hand.

In addition, purchase a regular medium to large hammer. You’ll need it to perform various tasks, like releasing stuck 5th wheels and frozen brakes or knocking ice off frozen padlocks and latches.

A Metal Dowel Rod

Metal dowel rods are must-have truck driver tools if you haul loads during winter. When your brakes freeze or get stuck, a dowel rod can help you break the ice and get back on the road faster. Ensure you’re keen not to hit your brake lining when using them. You don’t want to crack it and deal with more costly repairs.

Wrenches

Truckers should have wrenches to help loosen or tighten nuts and bolts when necessary. Preferably, get 6-, 8- and 10-inch adjustable wrenches, commonly known as crescent wrenches. They offer more coverage if you have to handle odd-shaped nuts and bolts.

A 4-inch crescent wrench may also be helpful if you need to work on the smaller, hard-to-reach sections of your truck, and a 12 or 14-inch is perfect for work on your trailer.

Crowbar

A crowbar is a multipurpose tool that can help you remove nails from the trailer bed before loading, break down wooden pallets, or pry open crates. With this tool, you can create more space at the back of your truck to carry more cargo or keep your load light.

Flashlight

Flashlights are essential for driving at night. You want to include a small and large flashlight in your toolkit. You can use the small flashlight to confirm if your 5th wheel is coupled to your trailer correctly. The large flashlight will be helpful when conducting pre- and post-trip vehicle inspections late at night or early in the morning.

Gloves

Gloves keep your hands warm and protect you from injuries when fixing your truck. Different gloves help with various tasks. For example, canvas gloves are multipurpose and perfect for all sorts of handy work. They’ll help you get a tight grip on different tools, making your job easier.

You may also consider leather gloves for refueling, checking oil and belts, or windshield washing.

Duct Tape

Duct tape is a staple in most truckers’ toolkits because of its strength and durability. Specifically, clear and gorilla duct tape helps with quick fixes in and around your truck. Say you find damaged wires during your routine inspections. You can use clear duct tape to fix the problem temporarily until you get to a shop for repairs.

Wire Cutters

As an owner-operator, you’re likely to encounter various situations that require you to use wire cutters. Having them at hand will prevent frustrations.

A Tire Depth Gauge

Having a tire depth gauge in your toolkit helps with proper tire maintenance. You can perform routine checks to see how much time you still have with your tires, so you know when it’s time to replace them.

Tire Air Pressure Gauge

The internal pressure of your tires changes as the air heats up and expands. You need this tool to confirm if your tires have enough air at least once each day.

Final Thoughts

All these tools will help you save time and money while keeping you safe on the road. But remember, these are physical tools to help with mechanical truck repairs and maintenance. Other digital tools can help you increase the efficiency of your trucking operations.

If you’re an independent owner-operator, consider using trip planning plus load profitability apps to keep your fuel costs low and profit margins high. Or use real-time load trucking apps to connect with more well-paying trucking jobs.

For more recommendations of tools that can promote your health and make your trucking lifestyle more comfortable, visit our blog. Specifically, check out our detailed guides about top gifts for semi-truck drivers and the best semi-truck seat cushions.

GAP Insurance For Semi Trucks

Understanding Gap protection is essential for those leasing or financing their trucks. It proves valuable when your business vehicle is stolen or deemed a total loss in an accident, and you still owe on the loan.

While gap insurance is typically supplemental, it’s worth considering shielding your business from unforeseen financial setbacks that could disrupt operations. Need to grasp what gap insurance is, how it operates, and who requires it?

Here’s a brief guide to help you understand everything and determine if it’s necessary for you.

What Is Gap Insurance?

Gap insurance stands for guaranteed asset protection insurance. It’s an add-on insurance coverage that protects you if an unrecovered theft or total loss of your truck occurs.

If your loaned or leased business vehicle is stolen or irreparably damaged in an accident and you still owe money on your loan, your insurance company will typically compensate you based on the vehicle’s actual cash value or its stated value at the time of the incident.

This reimbursement reflects the current market value of a similar vehicle, not necessarily the amount you initially paid for the vehicle or the remaining loan balance.

Because vehicles depreciate fast, losing about 20% of their purchase value within a year, the actual value amount your insurer pays will probably not be enough to clear your outstanding loan balance. And this is where gap coverage comes in.

Gap insurance helps cover the difference between your insurer’s standard comprehensive or collision coverage payout and the remaining loan or lease balance. So you can clear the amount you owe your lender and avoid making loan payments for a truck that no longer exists or is inoperable.

To qualify for gap coverage, you must have other auto-insurance coverage options, specifically comprehensive or collision coverage, on your policy.

What Does Gap Insurance Cover?

Unlike most types of commercial truck insurance, GAP insurance coverage does not cover bodily injuries or pay for property damages and repairs. Instead, it works as a safety net, helping you clear your outstanding loan balance if you suffer total loss for your truck.

Also, note that GAP insurance doesn’t cover extra charges associated with your loan, like finance and excess mileage charges.

Who Should Get A Gap Insurance Cover?

Consider purchasing gap insurance coverage if you:

Are operating on a lease. Gap insurance is a requirement for obtaining a lease from most lenders.

Have a long financing term for your truck. The longer you finance your vehicle, the higher the chance you’ll owe more than the vehicle’s worth, since your truck will continue to depreciate with time.

Have a low down payment on your new truck purchase or none. If the down payment you made when buying your vehicle was less than 20% (or none) of its purchase price, you’ll probably get negative equity once you leave the dealership. It will be wise for you to purchase gap coverage to protect your business from negative equity.

Want to protect your business assets from depreciation? Some vehicles depreciate faster than others. You’ll benefit from gap insurance if your truck falls under this category. Here’s how to calculate your vehicle’s depreciation rate to determine if gap coverage is necessary.

Have a loan rollover. Say you transfer your existing car loan balance onto a new vehicle loan. If your new loan is more than your vehicle’s worth at the time of loan renewal, gap coverage will be helpful to you.

What Is The Difference Between Gap Insurance And Commercial Auto Insurance?

Commercial auto insurance is mandatory for businesses to operate in nearly all states. It covers all the cars your company uses for business, offering protection against specific risks, including collision and non-collision incidents and their aftermath.

Gap insurance works as an optional add-on coverage. You’ll have to purchase other commercial auto insurance policies before getting it to boost your financial stability. Gap insurance also works well for the business vehicles you finance through a loan or lease – it doesn’t apply to all commercial vehicles like commercial auto insurance.

Further, gap protection doesn’t cover various risks as commercial auto liability insurance does. Instead, gap insurance covers the difference between your truck’s actual cash value and the amount you owe your leasing agency or lender.

How Long Does Gap Insurance Last?

Once you include gap coverage in your insurance policy, it remains active for the duration of the policy. But you can cancel it when you keep making payments and reduce your loan balance to less than your vehicle’s current value. You’ll have to monitor your loan balance against your truck’s market value regularly to know when to cancel the insurance.

How To Purchase Gap Insurance

The simplest, most affordable way to purchase gap insurance is to check with your insurer and see if they can include it in your existing policy. If not, consider getting it from a trusted vehicle financing institution like Mission Financial Services. You can also get gap insurance from car dealerships, although their price will likely be higher than most insurance companies.

Final Thoughts

Although optional, Gap coverage is essential, especially if you’re on a loan or lease repayment plan. It will save you from paying loan debt on a totaled truck, i.e., a truck that can no longer make you money.

Also, some providers offer additional benefits with their gap insurance packages and at low costs. With Mission Financial Services gap protection, for example, you’ll be fully covered (including reimbursement for your insurance deductible) after an unrecovered theft or total loss event.

You can enjoy the peace of mind you need to grow your business, knowing you won’t have to pay anything out-of-pocket in the unfortunate event you lose your loaned truck before clearing its loan.

To learn more about how our add-on coverage options work or how we can help finance your new or used commercial truck purchase after a total loss, reach out to us. We’re always ready to help you thrive.

Fuel Efficiency Strategies In Semi-Trucks

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Are you concerned about the rise in diesel fuel prices and looking for fuel-efficiency strategies to cut costs? You’re not alone.

The new truck emissions regulations plus rising fuel costs have many fleet operators and independent truckers looking to increase their semi-truck’s fuel efficiency. Increased fuel efficiency helps you reduce emissions to the environment and save fuel. It can make a big difference in your business operations and profit margins.

Below, you’ll find 17 simple fuel efficiency strategies you can implement to improve your semi-truck fuel economy and reduce your fuel costs.

The Importance of Semi-Truck Fuel Efficiency

Semi-truck fuel efficiency is crucial for three primary reasons:

Environmental Impact

The transport sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. It generates about 29% of the total greenhouse gas emissions, and the trucking industry accounts for nearly 23% of the 29%. By increasing your semi-truck fuel efficiency, you use less fuel for longer.

Compliance With Environmental Regulations

Increasing your semi-truck fuel efficiency helps you comply with all federal and state regulations on greenhouse gas emissions. You also stay aligned with the latest zero-emission goals for the trucking industry.

Higher Profit Margins

Improving fuel efficiency reduces your semi-truck’s fuel consumption. You’ll spend less on fuel and save money. These savings add up and can increase your profit margins in the long run.

Average Semi Truck Miles Per Gallon

An average semi-truck gets approximately 6 – 8 miles per gallon (mpg). The low fuel economy of most heavy-duty vehicles is because of their weight. The heavier your semi-truck is, the less fuel-efficient it will be unless you actively take action to increase fuel efficiency.

Semi-truck fuel efficiency isn’t constant. It may vary depending on many factors, such as:

The model of the truck. Newer semi-truck models have advanced technologies, like low-rolling resistance tires and an aerodynamic design, to optimize engine performance and improve fuel economy.
How you drive: Aggressive driving habits like speeding and hard braking burn more fuel and decrease fuel efficiency compared to safe driving habits, like moving at a safe speed.
The weight of cargo: Semi-trucks hauling heavy cargo have a lower fuel economy than trucks hauling lighter goods.

How to Manage Semi-Truck Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency strategies that work focus on controlling truck drivers’ actions and vehicle maintenance. Some include:

Inspect Vehicle Before Trips

Inspect your vehicle and fix any damage before your trip. Damages to your truck’s body, such as a bent front bumper, low body skirting, and missing or loose parts on your truck’s exterior, can all affect the vehicle’s aerodynamic design. The less aerodynamic your semi-truck is, the higher your fuel consumption and the lower your fuel economy.

Plan your trip

Trip planning helps you optimize your routes, identifying the most effective way to deliver cargo in the shortest time possible. You’ll know where to fuel up, stop for breaks, or park for the night. You can also tell where road constructions are in advance and find the best way to navigate such situations without increasing fuel usage.

When planning your trips, avoid mountainous terrain because steep grades often decrease semi-truck fuel efficiency.

Avoid Overfilling Tank

Getting a full tank right up to capacity leads to fuel wastage. Fuel expands when hot. When you over-fuel, it’s likely to seep out the sides as you drive. Fuel spillage is a sign of low fuel efficiency. It’s also dangerous for other motorists.

Use Low Rolling Resistance Tires

Low rolling resistance tires designed for semi-trucks need less energy to move. Using the right tires helps you reduce the fuel you use and increase your fuel economy.

Check Tire Pressure

Maintaining your tires in good condition also helps maximize fuel efficiency and save money. Check your tire pressure regularly to ensure they’re well-inflated. Your fuel usage increases by 1.5% if your wheels are underinflated by ten pounds for every square inch (PSI). On the other hand, inflating your tires well saves you about $0.11 per gallon.

Check Tire Alignment

Misalignment between your front and rear axles creates higher rolling resistance, which increases fuel usage and tire wear. Regularly checking your tire alignment ensures you handle misalignment issues early and use fuel efficiently.

Slow Down

Every increase in driving speed consumes more diesel. For example, driving above 75 mph consumes approximately 27% more fuel than driving at 65mph.

Maintain a constant speed to ensure your fuel consumption remains consistent. Stay in one gear while sticking to the speed limit as long as possible. The fuel economy of trucks reduces by 0.1 MPG for each mph you drive above 55 mph.

Brake Wisely

Many drivers use various braking methods to reduce the number of unnecessary complete stops, especially at stoplights and stop signs. This helps you avoid restarting your vehicle often. It takes more fuel to restart your truck whenever you come to a complete stop.

Use Your Momentum

Driving a heavy-duty vehicle generates momentum even if you travel at constant speed. By strategically using momentum to coast through certain situations, such as approaching stop lights or slowing down when going downhill, you can reduce the need for heavy braking. Using your momentum helps you use your brakes sparingly, which reduces fuel usage.

Use Cruise Control

For better fuel economy, use cruise control whenever you get an opportunity to do so. Cruise control helps you move at a constant, safe average speed throughout, using enough fuel. It prevents excessive acceleration and braking, which lowers the fuel economy of trucks.

Manage Cruise RPM

RPM, your truck’s revolutions per minute, measures engine speed. Semi-trucks use more fuel at higher engine speeds and less at lower speeds. Monitor your truck’s RPM to keep the figure within the range recommended by the manufacturer. Slower speeds and lower RPM will reduce your fuel costs.

Avoid Idling

Most truck drivers leave their semi-trucks idling when running quick errands. Others leave their trucks idle to stabilize the temperature on a hot or chilly day. But this behavior wastes fuel. You lose a gallon of gas in an hour of idling. Always turn off your truck when you have to leave it.

Avoid heavy traffic

Heavy traffic contributes to idling, which, as mentioned above, wastes fuel. Consider paying attention to real-time traffic updates to recognize congestion-prone routes ahead of time and work around them to avoid getting caught up in traffic and idling.

Keep load height low

A low cargo height reduces wind resistance, so your truck moves smoothly with less fuel. This helps you save fuel costs. Keeping your load height low and evenly distributed also improves fuel efficiency by improving your semi-truck aerodynamics.

Invest in Aerodynamics

There are several technological advancements and add-ons you can invest in to make your truck more fuel-efficient. A few add-ons to improve aerodynamics and get you more miles per gallon include:

Truck Wings – close the gap between your cab and trailer, reducing drag
Side extenders
Roof fairings
Trailer skirts
Deep angled bumpers

Adopt Electronically Controlled Transmissions

Automated manual transmissions are a new technology that helps increase fuel mileage and improve fuel economy. An automated manual transmission (AMT) makes driving smoother and less tiring, leading to increased driver safety and better performance.

Most trucking companies are switching to automatic transmissions to improve driver retention and increase fuel efficiency.

Regular Preventative Maintenance

A regular preventative maintenance schedule can also lead to an improved fuel economy. Ensure you:

Change your air filter regularly
Replace your fuel filter often
Change your oil plus oil filter regularly
Consider switching to synthetic oil, which has less engine resistance
Grease your fifth wheel top plate regularly

Here are a few more semi-truck care tips you should consider.

Final Thoughts

All the fuel efficiency strategies discussed above will help you reduce fuel expenses and increase your income. To begin, control your speed. Speed control is the number one strategy you can implement today and start seeing results almost immediately.

If you’re a fleet owner, create speed control guidelines your drivers can follow and incentivize them to ensure they’re motivated to adhere to all speed control guidelines. Your operating costs will be reduced, and your profit will increase.

Also, consider replacing your older trucks with newer models fitted with the latest fuel-saving technologies to enhance fuel economy. In this case, call us. We’ll customize our commercial loan options to your business needs and help finance your purchase without interrupting your cash flow.