Understanding Occupational Accident Coverage
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Understanding Occupational Accident Coverage

It’s often thought that the most important asset to trucking companies in the freight they’re transporting. However, as much as the goods being transported are valued, the individuals doing the transportation are even more valuable. One of the ways that trucking companies can protect their most important asset is by having the right insurance policies, one of which being occupational accident insurance.

What Is It?

Due to the fact that independent contractors aren’t employees, trucking companies have no legal obligation to provide any additional benefits. As written on www.truckinsure.com, while employees are covered under government-mandated workers’ compensation laws, independent drivers are not. As a result, contractors who suffer on-the-job injuries would need to either pay for their expenses out-of-pocket or sue the hiring company. However, with occupational accident coverage, expenses related to a contractor’s accident would be covered. While it generally doesn’t offer the same coverage limits as workers’ compensation, it offers peace of mind for your contractors who would know that they’re covered in case something happens.

How Does It Work?

Like workers’ compensation, occupational accident coverage covers expenses tied to job-related injuries. It can cover medical bills, dismemberment and death benefits as well as lost wages. While it may not function exactly the same way, it will protect your company against lawsuits and serve as another way to show your independent drivers that you care.

Depending on their makeup, some companies opt for smaller workers’ compensation packages while offering more occupational accident benefits. Work with an experienced agent to obtain the right mix of protection for your staff.

Winter’s Negative Effects on Fuel Efficiency for Truckers
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Winter’s Negative Effects on Fuel Efficiency for Truckers

Working to improve semi-truck fuel efficiency can save your business money at the pump. However, it may be even more necessary to have better fuel efficiency in the winter. The last thing you want is to have your truck stranded for running out of fuel.

Cold Weather

The cold weather negatively affects fuel economy for all vehicles. To compensate for the lower temperatures affects on diesel gelling, many fuel companies add additives to allow the diesel to work better in the cold which decreases fuel efficiency. As referenced on www.truckinsure.com/, properly inflated tires, clean filters, and limited idling can help improve fuel efficiency.

Wind Effects

Cold fronts, winter storms, and blizzards tend to bring an increase in wind speed. The fuel efficiency of a vehicle especially a semi decreases when the winds are strong because of the aerodynamic drag of a headwind. Truckers can expect as much as a 13% decrease in fuel efficiency for every 10mph of a headwind or crosswind.

Idle Time

The cold weather outside can seep into the cab when at a stop. Truckers are more likely to increase the amount of time idling when making any stop in order to keep the cab warm. Idling decreases fuel economy.

With all the ways the cold weather can affect fuel economy, using a few tips to improve semi-truck fuel efficiency can help combat those effects. Save fuel and money this winter.