Operating a trucking company means dealing with risk at every level of your business. From driver behavior and vehicle maintenance to cargo theft and weather events, these risks can disrupt operations, reduce profitability and expose your company to financial and legal liabilities.
Understanding these exposures and taking proactive steps to address them is essential to maintaining a safe and resilient operation. In this post, we outline several of the most common risks facing trucking companies today and share practical strategies to help you reduce those exposures. Whether you manage a large fleet or are building your operation one truck at a time, this guide can help strengthen your risk management foundation.
Managing Driver-Related Risks
Drivers are the most important asset in any trucking operation, but they are also a primary source of risk. Issues such as fatigue, distracted driving, inadequate training and health-related impairments contribute significantly to preventable crashes and insurance claims.
Key risk factors include:
- Long hours behind the wheel with insufficient rest
- Mobile device use or other distractions
- Inconsistent driver onboarding or lack of continuing education
- Chronic health issues that affect reaction time and decision-making
Risk-mitigation strategies:
- Develop and enforce a formal driver safety program that includes ongoing education, safety refreshers, and clear expectations for behavior behind the wheel
- Conduct pre-employment screening, including MVR reviews and drug and alcohol testing
- Host regular safety meetings and engage drivers in discussions about real-world scenarios and near misses
- Promote driver health and wellness by encouraging sleep hygiene, exercise, and nutrition
Great West Casualty Company offers Safety + Risk Control Services designed to support these efforts. Resources include customizable safety program templates, meeting facilitation guides, and performance benchmarking tools to evaluate and enhance fleet safety practices.
Addressing Equipment and Maintenance Risks
Trucking operations depend on reliable equipment. A single mechanical failure can lead to unsafe conditions, delivery delays or roadside breakdowns that jeopardize both safety and customer satisfaction. In some cases, neglected maintenance can result in costly claims or compliance violations.
Common exposures include:
- Brake system failure due to wear or improper service
- Tire blowouts from underinflation or tread separation
- Steering and suspension issues not identified during inspections
- Unreported equipment problems caused by inconsistent driver feedback
Risk mitigation strategies:
- Implement a preventive maintenance program with clearly defined service intervals based on manufacturer recommendations, vehicle usage, and past failure trends
- Require drivers to complete thorough pre- and post-trip inspections and ensure that defects are logged and addressed promptly
- Use telematics and maintenance tracking software to monitor vehicle condition, schedule service, and review maintenance history
- Conduct periodic audits to verify that service standards are being met consistently
Great West Casualty Company’s Safety + Risk Control Services provide tools to help fleet managers structure maintenance policies, track compliance, and reduce downtime due to preventable issues.
Mitigating Cargo and Theft Risks
Cargo theft is an ongoing concern in the trucking industry, particularly in high-traffic areas, unsecured lots, and during extended stops. Loss or damage to freight can not only affect customer relationships but may also result in substantial financial loss and legal complications.
Cargo-related risks include:
- Theft from unsecured trailers or parking locations
- Improper loading or securing of freight
- Inaccurate or incomplete documentation
- High-value or high-risk loads without enhanced monitoring
Risk mitigation strategies:
- Educate drivers on theft prevention tactics and high-risk geographic areas
- Require use of secured and monitored parking locations during layovers
- Install GPS tracking on power units and trailers to improve visibility and support recovery efforts
- Verify documentation, including bills of lading and cargo seals, at every transfer point
Having the right insurance coverage is also essential. Great West Casualty Company offers Cargo Coverage to protect motor carriers against financial loss from damage or theft during transit, loading, or unloading. This coverage can be tailored to the types of commodities you haul and the unique exposures of your operation.
Building a Safer, More Resilient Fleet
Trucking companies face a range of risks that can impact safety, service reliability and financial performance. By focusing on core areas such as driver training, equipment maintenance and cargo security, fleets can significantly reduce exposure and operate more confidently.
Great West Casualty Company works exclusively with the trucking industry and provides specialized coverage options and risk management services designed to support safe and successful operations. From Auto Liability and Physical Damage to Cargo and Excess Liability, our products are built to address the realities of life on the road.
To learn how we can help you strengthen your risk management strategy and better protect your drivers, your freight and your bottom line, 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.
