Are You Prepared for the Unexpected?
From nuclear verdicts that make headlines to severe weather events that can halt entire fleets, today’s motor carriers face an increasingly challenging risk environment. These issues can disrupt operations, damage reputations, and threaten long-term financial stability. As these risks grow in complexity, being proactive is no longer optional.
This article highlights several of the most pressing emerging risks in trucking and explains how Great West Casualty Company supports motor carriers through specialized insurance coverages and comprehensive risk control services.
Nuclear Verdict Exposure
Large jury awards exceeding $10 million, often called nuclear verdicts, have become more frequent in recent years. Social inflation, shifting public sentiment, and aggressive litigation strategies contribute to this trend, significantly increasing carriers' financial exposure.
Great West Casualty Company offers Excess Liability coverage, which may provide additional protection beyond standard policy limits, subject to the terms and conditions of the policy. In addition, the company’s risk control services team supports motor carriers with:
- Driver guides and tools to reinforce safety awareness
- Guidance on incident response and post-accident procedures
- Resources to assist with legal preparation and defense strategies
Natural Disasters and Extreme Weather
Severe weather events such as hurricanes, wildfires, and blizzards continue to disrupt fleet operations nationwide. These events can damage equipment and cargo, delay deliveries, and create hazardous driving conditions that endanger drivers and other motorists.
Great West Casualty Company offers Physical Damage, Cargo, and Claims Services designed to support the protection of vehicles and freight, subject to applicable policy provisions. The company’s risk control team also works with motor carriers to develop contingency plans, deliver weather-specific driver safety training, and support proactive fleet readiness measures.
Regulatory and Compliance Changes
Motor carriers must continuously adapt to regulatory requirements, including emissions standards, electronic logging devices, and driver classification rules. Non-compliance can result in significant fines, operational interruptions, or potential coverage complications.
Great West Casualty Company offers extensive Safety and Risk Control Services to help motor carriers navigate these regulatory challenges. Services include compliance guidance and tools, resources on electronic logging devices and hours-of-service regulations, on-site safety audits, and access to educational materials such as the Truckers' Injury Prevention System (TIPS) manual and safety seminars.
Catastrophic Loss Prevention
A minor incident can become a catastrophic loss if proper preventive measures are not in place. Insufficient risk controls have contributed to many severe outcomes across the industry, including significant financial losses and reputational harm.
Great West Casualty Company supports carriers in reducing these exposures through on-site risk assessments, safety culture coaching, and targeted training programs. By strengthening safety practices and reinforcing a strong operational foundation, carriers can better protect their employees, equipment, and business continuity.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Emerging risks such as nuclear verdicts, severe weather, and shifting regulations continue to challenge motor carriers. Through specialized insurance coverages, including Auto Liability, Physical Damage, Cargo, and Excess Liability, along with comprehensive risk control services, Great West Casualty Company supports fleets in operating with enhanced preparedness.
To learn how these solutions can support your business, request a free quote today.
The information in this article is provided as a courtesy of Great West Casualty Company. To see what additional resources Great West Casualty Company can provide for its insureds, please contact your risk control representative, or click below to find an agent.
© Great West Casualty Company 2025. This material is the property of Great West Casualty Company unless otherwise noted and may not be reproduced without its written consent by any person other than a current insured of Great West Casualty Company for business purposes. Insured should attribute use as follows: “© Great West Casualty Company 2025. Used with permission by Great West Casualty Company.”
This material is intended to be a broad overview of the subject matter and is provided for informational purposes only. Great West Casualty Company does not provide legal advice to its insureds, nor does it advise insureds on employment-related issues. Therefore, the subject matter is not intended to serve as legal or employment advice for any issue(s) that may arise in the operations of its insureds. Legal advice should always be sought from the insured’s legal counsel. Great West Casualty Company shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss, action, or inaction alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the information contained herein.
