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Introducing Canal’s New Driven Program

Mike Jordan — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 13:16:39 +0000

Attention NASTC Members in the following states:

AR, AZ, GA, IL, KY, MI, MN, MS, NM, OH, SC, PA, UT, WI, WV

Give NASTC Insurance Services a call today to discuss Canal’s New Driven Program. This enhanced program will allow you to be billed for your insurance based on the miles that you drive for all your lines of coverage. This recently rolled out “Exclusive” Program is extremely helpful for (1-15) unit fleets that have driver turn over and “spare” units that are not driving any miles. If you do not generate miles, then you will not pay the same standard monthly rate for your insurance premium as you have in the past.

Scan to the QR Code on the insert to determine if you ELD qualifies for the Driven Program, today.

If you would like to know more about this Program or any other insurance program that NASTC Insurance Services, LLC has to offer, please give us a call today.

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Best Three Days in Trucking Insurance Perspective

Mike Jordan — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 13:49:24 +0000

I have been involved with NASTC’s Annual Conference for 16 years now and I can say that I do not think that I could be prouder of what we accomplished in those 3 days. The breakout sessions and topics were on par with any previous annual meeting. We, as conference goers and venders, were graced with the presence of trucking and transportation treasures, like Rick Gobbell and Jeff Davis. Love both those guys. If with one of those fellas cannot get you out of trouble and compliant, I do not know who can. David Owen and Kevin Rutherford ended up in a many spirited debates throughout the weekend ending in agreement a time or two.

I was unable to attend our Broker Carrier Trust Forum dinner that Thursday night which featured a set from Killer Beaz and, most importantly of all, Overdrive Online’ s Small Fleet Championship. I was so proud to have learned that not only one of our members, but one of our insureds, was up for the title this year. We have had the pleasure of working with Oberman Logistics LLC dba Oberman Logistics for the last three years. Wesley Oberman is a great example of an owner that believes in strong partnerships with his vendors, willingness to embrace technology, and promote a no non-sense attitude to generate success in this challenging market and freight climate.

As part of our breakout session, Jeff Davis and I discussed how to surpass the insurance market’s expectations with telematic data. Wesley is a perfect example of a carrier that uses his telematic data to his advantage. He shares his ELD data with his insurance provider and they supply him with a vast array of reporting data back. Welsey actively, coaches and mentors his Owner Operator fleet with the real time data provided by his ELD provider. This active approach has helped Oberman retain and in some cases help encourage the operator on to his/her next employment
stop depending upon the outcome of the session.

(From Overdrive):

Wes Oberman noted surprise at the win when it happened for his now-11-truck all-owner-operator business, headquartered in Huntingdon, Tennessee, a couple of hours west of Nashville. He noted he had been a NASTC member from the start when he was but a one-truck, one-driver outfit, with himself behind the wheel. He continues to lead by example, as it were, in that regard behind the wheel of a 10-plus-mpg Kenworth T680 these days. “I would like to thank NASTC. … Their fuel card is second to none, and I’d also like to thank their insurance department” he said. “Without them, I don’t think we’d even be around at this point.”

Way to go Wesley, Job Well done, sir. All of us here at NASTC/NASTC Insurance Services, LLC, are proud to call you part of our family.

The bar has been set. Who will be the next NASTC member to qualify for this prestigious honor?

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Risk and Responsibility for Truck Brokers

Mike Jordan — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 18:11:24 +0000

Freight brokers face increasing legal, financial, and operational risks: not just from their own mistakes, but also from the negligence of the motor carriers they hire. In some cases, brokers are held responsible for negligent hiring if a carrier’s actions cause damage, even though the broker never physically handled the freight.

With shipper demands increasing, brokers are being pushed toward more primary coverage options that protect both themselves and their clients. Below are some tools that will help try to limit broker risk and reduce fraud in the day-to-day operations.

Contingent Cargo vs. Broad Form Primary Cargo

Freight/Truck brokers are not legally liable for cargo loss or damage by their authority alone, but shippers still hold brokers accountable by contractual requirements (broker–shipper agreements) requiring full indemnification for any freight loss involving the broker and cargo insurance, regardless of whether the carrier’s policy pays. In cargo claims, brokers often help shippers/consignees recover damages from the carrier or their insurer. Poor carrier insurance or refusal to pay can leave the broker covering the loss to maintain good business relationships.

Contingent Cargo:
- Limitation: Coverage only responds if the carrier’s policy doesn’t.
- Covers the broker if a carrier’s cargo insurance fails to pay for a covered cargo loss.
Broad Form Primary Cargo
- Preferred when shippers demand certainty and quick claim processing. This coverage is available for FTL (Full Truck Load) shipments for most commodities shipped.
- Covers cargo loss/damage as primary coverage, coverage when a freight broker agrees to assume responsibility for cargo loss or damage that a motor carrier fails to pay.

Cyber Liability
With trucking systems increasingly reliant on ELDs, GPS tracking, automated freight platforms, and cloud-based operations, cyber risk is growing rapidly. Threats include:

Funds Transfer Fraud – Hackers redirect payments.
Extortion/Ransomware – Locking systems until ransom is paid.
Corporate Identity Theft – Using broker credentials to commit fraud.
Telephone Hacking – Exploiting VoIP or PBX systems.
Privacy Breaches – Leaking sensitive shipper, carrier, or employee data.

Why it matters for brokers:
A Cyber breach can cause direct financial loss, operational shutdowns, and liability to clients if confidential data is exposed.

Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions)
Covers financial losses from broker mistakes not involving bodily injury, property damage, or cargo damage.

Examples:

Misdelivery – Goods sent to wrong address due to broker’s instructions.
Miscommunication – Wrong delivery date promised to consignee.
Regulatory Errors – Load seized because broker misunderstood legal requirements.
Discrimination – Favoring one carrier over another in a way that causes loss.
Negligent Hiring – Selecting an unfit carrier who causes a non-injury, non-cargo loss.
Negligent Acts & Omissions – Any operational oversight causing financial harm.

Not covered under E&O:

Cargo loss/damage (Contingent Cargo or Primary Cargo covers this).
Bodily injury/property damage (TBL or GL covers this).

Whether you have a Motor Carrier Authority with Brokerage Authority or have a separate Brokerage operation, please give us a call to discuss the proper insurance for your business.

Thank you.

NASTC Insurance Services, LLC – 844.264.8500 / nastc.insurance@nastc.com

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Your Solution for Transportation Insurance

Mike Jordan — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 16:02:00 +0000

I wanted to take a few minutes and remind our members that if you are in the market or need for insurance, new or renewal, our team is the perfect resource for your needs.

We understand that you may have a trusted resource that you lean on for this type of service. If it is not broken you do not need to fix it. We understand that your trust is earned and not expected, just because you are a member of NASTC.

As an Agency we are dedicated to working with members of NASTC as our primary client base. That is not to say that we don’t insure folks that are not members, but that type of business is not our focus. Our mission is to be the best resource possible, when we are called upon to service the NASTC membership.

If you would like to explore the options that we have available outside or your current agent’s reach, give us a call. We would like to at least be the other voice of reason beside some random stranger calling you and offering the deal of a lifetime just because they pulled your information off the Safer Licensing & Insurance web page.

If it is related to Transportation Insurance, we have a solution. I routinely get responses from one year to the next that we could not help last year, so it is commonly thought that we will not be able to assist again. That is indeed NOT the case. We continue to add markets that allow us to have an extension reach and appetite.

New Market options for 2025: Geico (PKG), Sutton Specialty, and Accredited.

Existing Market Menu: Northland, Canal, IAT, Progressive, Berkley Small Business, Great West (Partner Program), Berkshire Hathaway (Homestate), Lancer, Crum & Foster and more.

(Owner Operator Coverages): Non-Trucking Liability / Unladen / Physical Damage options – (8-10) markets.

NASTC Insurance Services, LLC: has our own program for (Non-Trucking) Liability. (MSP – Management Safety Program) companies can receive additional discounts for being a participant!

Give us a call today to see how we can help.

844.264.8500 / nastc.insurance@nastc.com

Mike Jordan – Jeremey Townes – Michelle Francis are here to help.

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2025 Open Enrollment Plans Are Here

Mike Jordan — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 16:09:00 +0000

As we move closer to the end of the calendar year, open enrollment options will begin for healthcare providers. NASTC and NASTC Insurance Services LLC, is fortunate to have a partner resource that can assist you with navigating the shark infested water of the Health Care marketplace. Whether you have an existing policy or are looking to establish one for your business, we have the perfect resource for all your health insurance needs. Whether you are a One-Man band or operate a fleet of trucks we got you covered.

Give us a quick call and we can connect you today!

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Claims, Processing and Outcomes

Mike Jordan — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 16:34:00 +0000

We have recently seen a spike in claims reporting over the last several weeks. There are a few key details to know about the claims process and how you as the company can help the adjuster to resolve the claim quickly and efficiently.

When your driver has been in an accident, it is best practice to report the claim immediately. This can be done by calling your insurance agent, or the insurance company directly. If the accident occurs while your agency is closed, you will want to report the claim to the insurance company promptly. The quicker you can get the claim reported, the quicker your truck can get back on the road!

Some companies feel they should not report the claim until they have all the details regarding the accident. The adjuster will continue to gather details after the claim has been assigned and processed, so the minimal information you are able to provide the insurance company at claims intake will suffice. These details may include location, injuries, driver information, police report number, etc. After the claim is reported, you can then begin to gather the more detailed information for the adjuster when assigned. Police reports are always going to be needed if one is completed, so best practice would be requesting the report as soon as it becomes available. Pictures and dash cam footage will always be helpful to an adjuster as well.

After an adjuster’s first notice call to you as the company, it is imperative that you keep the line of communication open. Claim resolutions could often be met faster if the insured communicates efficiently. The type of accident will determine the documents needed for a claim. For example, if you are presenting a cargo claim- most all adjusters are going to request documents such as the Bill of Lading, Rate Con and Reefer Maintenance Logs if
applicable. As a company, you can be mindful of these requests and have the information gathered before it is even requested of you.

The outcome of a claim ultimately relies on the participation of all parties involved and how much information is provided. Yes, there are times when a claim may linger due to subrogation or arbitration and that is to no fault of either party. Most claims can be resolved without legal intervention, helping your driver get back out there as quickly as possible. One of the most important things to remember when facing a claim is to make sure you understand any actions taken- meaning if you do not understand why something is being paid for or feel the amounts offered may not be correct, always be sure to go back to the adjuster and ask for clarification. Adjusters understand that your company is not fluent in insurance lingo, so it is their duty to educate you on all decisions made in the claims process.

We at NASTC Insurance Services. LLC, take pride in our claims handling process and are always a call away for any questions you may have. It is important that you leave the claim feeling like the process was handled properly. We have an abundance of knowledge to share with you to make you as a trucking company feel comfortable with the claims process and your rights as the insured. Accidents are stressful as is and for smaller
trucking companies they will often bring all operations to a halt. Understanding the claim process, actively communicating with adjusters, and asking questions for clarity are imperative in getting you back in business as quickly as possible!

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Single Load Based (Spike) Cargo Insurance

Mike Jordan — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 16:37:00 +0000

With cargo theft rising year over year, it has become more difficult to secure trusted methods of Spike or Single Load Excess Cargo. Brokers, carriers, and agents have less options in the last couple of years, because insurance options and carriers in this market have become scarce. Even if the program is still active, the list of approved commodities has become smaller making it more difficult to cover loads in a timely manner.

NASTC Insurance Services, LLC has been fortunate enough of discover an option for Spike Cargo that has the following attributes:

– Quick Online Entry
– Limited Commodity Restrictions (Cannabis/Contraband, Drive-a-way, Household Goods
Property Mover, Mobile Homes). All other commodities considered.
– We can provide a quote without being your primary insurance agent. We just need
proof of current coverage along with shipment details.

In an uncertain market, allow NASTC Insurance Services, LLC be your trusted solutions for you Spike/Excess Motor Truck Cargo needs.

Give us a call today.
844.264.8500

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Drivers and Risk: An Insurance Perspective

Mike Jordan — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 16:41:00 +0000

Having safe and qualified drivers is the most important asset of a successful small trucking company. The luxury of having a risky driver is nonexistent. To grow a risk adverse company, there should be a guideline for driver qualification. The measured characteristics of drivers that affect risk are age, driving experience and the driver’s motor vehicle record (MVR). All three of these factors dictate insurance premiums and driver qualifications for insurance companies. When hiring new drivers, they must be affordable and reliable. Using set guidelines will guarantee a driver is affordable. Using previous employment history and recommendations will give an understanding on the reliability of the hired driver.

If the driver meets the qualifications that the company has set forth, using the FMCSA’s pre-employment screening program (PSP) will give the last remaining details and assurances that the driver is a good hire. The FMCSA’s PSP provides details about the past five years including crash data and three years of roadside inspection data. Using this additional data, a company can gauge the safety of a driver through concrete numerical figures. According to the FMCSA, “Companies using PSP to Screen new hires lower their crash rate by 8% and driver out-of-service rates by 17%, on average, compared to those that do not use PSP.” (FMCSA, https://www.psp.fmcsa.dot.gov/psp/public). Using the PSP program, MVR checking, and employment history will remove the risk of negligent hiring.

The risks sustained for a company driver versus an owner operator vary. Generally, Owner-operators indicate less risk due to several factors. Owner-Operators carry their own physical damage, which costs the company less overhead cost. Owner operators generally have more experience and are older than the standard company driver. The replacement cost for an owner operator is generally less due to the lease agreements that are in place. While there is less risk and maintenance for owner operators there are fewer potential earnings for the business owner.

Driver Health is an important factor for driver retention. Neglecting driver health will cause higher turnover. NASTC provides several programs that help companies be proactive in improving driver health and facilitating improved chances for a pass from the medical examiners within our driver health and wellness program. One part of the driver health and wellness program is the sleep apnea program. As litigation increases from the government about the health of drivers, it is important that trucking companies are proactive in the investment of driver health. Using our sleep apnea program minimizes the possible financial and health risks by using preemptive actions.

HelpMD is another program at NASTC that we encourage companies to obtain. It is a telemedicine program in which drivers can obtain prescription medicines for common illnesses over the phone. Since drivers are over the road, access to proper medical care is reduced. Using Help MD reduces the risk that a driver is out of work due to sickness which will cause them to be safer, happier, and healthier.

Incidents that cause injury to drivers on the road are inevitable. It is important to not only protect your equipment with insurance but also your drivers. Protecting your drivers, which can include yourself, can be completed with the use of workers compensation or an occupational accident plan.

Drivers are a variable that affect every aspect on a trucking company. In small trucking companies it is more important that the standard of hiring be greater than those of the larger ones. To mitigate risk, invest in the process of hiring drivers and maintaining drivers. This will pay dividends in the long-term success of your company.

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To Interchange Or To Non-Owned Trailer, That Is The Question

Mike Jordan — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 16:52:00 +0000

Reference: Going Deeper on insurance requirement unique to power only operations: Trailer Interchange v. Non-owed Trailer (W.Joel Baker-Jan18th, 2022)

This week NASTC Insurance Services, LLC. and a few of our clients, were reminded that not all coverage is created equal when it pertains to needing Trailer Interchange vs. Non-Owned Trailer coverage. When an insurance agent is in the discovery process and discussing trailer usage with a prospect, we are asking details about the types of trailers an insured will use in their operation as well as the specific types of cargo commodities that each will haul on a regular basis. The reason this is important is because not all insurance companies view the coverage the same way. If this information is not communicated properly and understood, it could have disastrous and costly consequences for a motor carrier. Unfortunately, the term Trailer Interchange is often used as a “loose” term describing any trailer that a motor carrier uses to transport loads when the insured does not own one directly. Insurance companies and risk managers with large brokerage operations have taken it upon themselves to tell us there is a difference.

Trailer Interchange is used to cover hauling units that are owned by a single company or customer. The interchange agreement will contain information on scope, usage, and coverage of the trailer while it is in your possession and will typically need to be signed by both parties to be considered valid. Most insurance companies believe the above items need to be present, to be considered a valid Trailer Interchange agreement. The cost of Trailer Interchange is also calculated differently than non-owned trailer. As an agent, we need to know the value limit to cover the trailer for comprehensive and collision, the number of loads or turns per week that will be hauled by the motor carrier, and how many weeks per year usage is needed. The rating factors used in pricing the interchange coverage can be less than the basic method used for Non-Owned Trailer coverage depending on the usage. If the trailer type and cargo commodities are the same and a valid interchange agreement exists, a Trailer Interchange can apply to multiple agreements. The value limit just needs to be high enough to cover the multiple agreements and updated load figures and usage time provided to the insurance company.

Non-Owned trailer coverage is used to provide comprehensive and collision coverage on a trailer that is not owned by the motor carrier. The trailer is also one that does not have the same vin# used on a regular basis. As an agent, if we do not have a copy of the interchange agreement from the insured, we are most likely going to put this type of coverage on a policy. It is important for your insurance agent to know which companies / polices will allow Non-Owned trailer coverage or will only accept a signed Interchange Agreement. The cost for Non-Owned trailer coverage is typically calculated the same as an “Owned” trailer would be. All Power units and trailers will have a physical damage rate based on percent of value. If you have a current physical damage rate of (5%), that rate would also be used to calculate the value of the Non-Owned trailer. The cost could vary somewhat if you already have a primary rated trailer on policy as the liability cost associated with this trailer might be rated as a spare unit, which would be a small bit less than the primary trailer.

Until recently, it has been easier for agents and insureds to just have Non-Owned added to their policies so neither had to worry about policing the interchange information required by the insurance companies. Claims issues and concerns with some insurance and brokerage companies have made it necessary to have both coverages represented on an insurance policy. One of the larger companies is shifting to Trailer Interchange only coverage when a client is hauling their owned trailers omitting the fact that they have accepted Non-Owned trailer coverage in the past. So, if you are dealing with some of the larger asset-based brokers moving forward, it may be a requirement for you to have both coverages if their company loads are not 100% of the load volume that you carry.

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Let’s Talk Claims, Specifically, Wide Right Turns

Mike Jordan — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 16:41:00 +0000

Recently, we have noticed a spike in claims relating to wide right turns. As a driver, you may be very familiar with this situation. When a driver is preparing to make a wide right turn, other drivers often attempt to pass the commercial vehicle to beat them at the turn. This interaction has led to the uptick in claims due to the trailer hitting the vehicle trying to make a pass.

Across the board, we are seeing the resolution of this claim fall to the commercial driver’s liability. More times than not, this type of accident should be considered “Non-Preventable” for the commercial driver. Because of this, it is very important that you as the driver make yourself aware of your surroundings, double check your side mirrors and proceed with caution to ensure you are doing everything you can to prevent this type of collision. When making the wide turn, it is easy for a driver to switch over into the left lane to make the turn. In this case- the commercial driver would likely be at fault due to traffic laws regarding switching lanes without indication or crossing over double lines. This is why is it very important for the commercial driver to maintain their lane and double check the surroundings to avoid any scenarios where they could be placed at fault.

When the ruling is determined and liability falls to the commercial driver, there are a few options of how to get this decision overturned. First and foremost, if a dashcam is in the truck, this footage can help tremendously. Being able to see video right from the scene of the accident allows an insurance adjuster to see exactly what happened and often will help determine the commercial driver did everything in their power to prevent the accident. The most important piece of the puzzle used to determine liability is the police report. An adjuster will almost always use the police report to make their final determination in a claim. We encourage you as the driver to gather at least one witness to give a statement to be included on the police report if you can after an accident of this nature. We have seen time and time again an insurance adjuster call upon a witness to get more details of the accident, and often this will help determine the liability falls to the other party. Aside from dash cams and police reports, the last option would occur after the claim is paid out and closed. If the insurance company determines you as the commercial driver are at fault, but you feel you have substantial proof showing the other party should possess the liability, you can file a DataQ. We previously discussed how to file a DataQ in our 2023 2nd quarter newsletter, but if you need assistance or have any questions regarding the process, feel free to reach out to our office!

At the end of the day, you are responsible for yourself, your truck and how you react to the other drivers around you. It is always disappointing for us to see a wide right turn claim fall on the commercial driver’s loss run. Do your part, double check your surroundings and maintain your lane when making those tough turns. NASTC Insurance Services is always here to walk with you and guide you through the claims process when handling these sticky situations.

Buckle up and be safe this holiday season!

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