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Thursday, January 23, 2014

Driving Toward Efficient MC Authority Registration

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has been working on the new Unified Registration System (URS) for the past few years. It should benefit drivers and owners of motor carrier enterprises and businesses, particularly in applying for MC authority registration.

The URS will consolidate the systems that track registration, identification, and financial responsibility into one “smart form.” It aims to raise the standards for entry into the industry for carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders. Parties entering the trucking industry need to acquire an MC number, which will be made simpler by the URS.

The FMCSA is trying to achieve a more detailed but simplified registration. The current system entails going through more than three separate processes, including the USDOT Number, Single State Registration System, and Financial Responsibility Information, all of which can just be consolidated.

One of the reasons the FMCSA instituted this new system is to track down “chameleon carriers.” These truckers have been registering under different names and using different USDOT IDs to evade apprehension for safety violations. This anomalous practice has been fairly easy under the current system, giving the FMCSA a lot of trouble tracing these unlawful truckers.

The problems that arise from chameleon carriers include lack of safety inspection and insurance, as well as financial responsibility issues. Presently, chameleons can hide from the authorities by registering under different names.

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Why Get Trucking Insurance before Hitting the Road

For protection against the devastating effects of road accidents, every vehicle owner must be insured. There’s no telling when accidents might happen, and when they do, the driver is most likely to be held liable. Having a comprehensive trucking insurance can provide the trucking business owner and driver with peace of mind and offer security in case of an accident.

Those who are thinking of getting commercial truck insurance normally look for an affordable plan that still covers the essentials. Since insurance companies are responsible for their clients come any accident, it’s only reasonable for providers to make sure that the clients’ trucks pass vehicle safety tests. In addition, these insurers also see to it that drivers have a good driving record.

On the part of trucking business owners and drivers, taking safety driving classes is recommended. Such a measure give insurance companies the assurance of the truck drivers' sense of responsibility, as well as the business operators'. In return, insurers can provide discounts in their insurance packages.

Drivers attending safety driving classes will further prove to be a good investment since they will be improving their skills and expanding their knowledge in the commercial trucking industry. For those planning to get coverage, whether it’s a tractor trailer or a long haul trucking insurance, they should turn to reliable companies. Reputable insurance companies assure the business owners and drivers that their investment is protected.