Great West Casualty Company Blog

Jan 29, 2020 2:00:00 PM

What Message Is Your Driver Screening Sending to Applicants?

By Great West Casualty Company

With driver turnover being an issue for most motor carriers, coupled with the lack of new talent entering the industry, screening applicants remains critical to a motor carrier’s long-term success. Grossly mistaken are those companies clinging to the old-school mentality that simply filling an empty seat with a warm body will solve their driver shortage problem. In reality, motor carriers are likely contributing to their revolving door dilemma by hiring drivers who are prone to job hopping, have a history of risky behaviors (i.e., crashes and injuries), or simply do not mesh with their company culture.

Jan 21, 2020 1:00:00 PM

Ask the Physical Damage Claims Adjuster

By Great West Casualty Company

WHAT TOWING RISKS EXIST IF MY TRUCK IS IN AN ACCIDENT AND I HAVE SPLIT COVERAGES? Having a driver involved in a crash is stressful in itself, but motor carriers may compound a bad situation if their liability, physical damage, and cargo coverages are split between multiple insurers. Splitting coverages invites confusion and communication breakdowns between parties involved. As a motor carrier anxiously awaits resolution of the claim, the disjointed parties involved must determine who has coverage for each claim and what the policy limits are, and then coordinate clean up, towing, salvage, and storage of cargo, to name a few tasks. Having one insurer handling all aspects of the claim is ideal. Avoiding split coverages for your operations can reduce the risk of unnecessary delays and inflated claim costs, and better protect the motor carrier from future litigation.

Jan 15, 2020 3:00:00 PM

Courageous Leaders Aren’t Afraid to Break a Few Eggs

By Great West Casualty Company

On April 23, 1910, in Paris, France, Theodore Roosevelt delivered a speech that would come to be known as “The Man in the Arena.” In his address, Roosevelt touched on the courage it takes for a person to lead, to stand up, and to be a target for failure and ridicule in the face of progress. Roosevelt said, “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood...who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.”

Jan 7, 2020 3:03:22 PM

5 things you need to know about the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse

By Great West Casualty Company

Dec 18, 2019 2:00:00 PM

Improve Communication by Asking Better Questions

By Great West Casualty Company

Have you ever run a report and questioned the results? You may have looked at the report, noted something about the data didn’t look right, researched further, and realized the data was bogus.

Dec 10, 2019 11:00:00 AM

The Difference between Fault and Preventability in a Crash

By Great West Casualty Company

Fault and preventability are two terms motor carriers often confuse. The process of determining who was at fault in a collision is typically based on applicable motor vehicle laws and the actions of both drivers. Evidence will be collected and witness statements are taken so that fault can be determined, either by law enforcement or in a legal proceeding. Preventability, on the other hand, has a completely different meaning. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), “a preventable collision is a collision in which the driver failed to do everything reasonable to avoid it.” So, even if a truck driver is not cited for being at fault for an accident, the motor carrier could still deem the collision preventable.

Dec 6, 2019 3:02:00 PM

What to Do If a Load Is Rejected

By Great West Casualty Company

A load can be rightfully rejected for several reasons, such as the goods were not delivered at the agreed-upon time or shifted in transit and were damaged. When a load is wrongfully rejected by the consignee, such as rejecting the load due to alleged temperature abuse, missing seals, etc., this can create an uncomfortable and stressful situation for your driver as he/she is left to deal with an unsatisfied customer. In many cases, drivers are not allowed on the dock, so they may not even get the chance to contest the allegation. In other cases, your driver may be gone before word arrives that the load was rejected.

Nov 25, 2019 10:03:45 AM

Protect Yourself from Thefts and Hijackings

By Great West Casualty Company

Cargo theft and hijackings are a real danger to drivers. When out on the road, there are safety and security techniques that can help deter would-be hijackers and protect you from harm. Remember, if you see something, say something. Notify your employer, the shipper/receiver, or local authorities if anything looks out of the ordinary. Read the information below, and determine how you can help prevent cargo theft and protect yourself from would-be thieves.

Nov 7, 2019 11:02:00 AM

Mirror Use: A Key to Safe Driving

By Great West Casualty Company

Mirrors are an essential piece of safety equipment. A skilled driver knows how to use mirrors to help manage the space around the truck and avoid crashes while changing lanes, backing, turning, and during startups. Are there actions you can take to improve your driving skills and reduce the risk of a crash by using your truck’s mirrors more effectively? Read the information below.

Oct 29, 2019 3:01:00 PM

Technology and Coaching: A Proven Combination to Change Driver Behavior

By Great West Casualty Company

In today’s trucking environment, where high-dollar litigation has become the norm, driver managers are tasked with an ever-increasing burden to ensure drivers conduct themselves in a safe manner. This is quite challenging since drivers are out of sight most of the time, but technology is catching up to the trucking industry, and motor carriers should be happy about that. Sitting drivers down in front of safety videos is one of the least effective ways to change their behavior. For adults, it is best to show them their performance gaps (i.e., bad fuel economy, moving violations, etc.) and help them find solutions on their own. A proven way to do this is to combine technology and coaching.

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