Tag Archive for: enhanced safety culture

Safety Training that Flatlines Your Insurance Rate

Insurance premiums going up? Infinit-I client Logistics Warehouse used three simple steps to flatline their insurance rates. It CAN be done!

An Evolving Workforce: Employee Development is the Key to Success

The Importance of Employee Development

Changes to how the workforce looks enforces the importance of employee development. Trends such as globalization, advancing technologies, changing employee demographics, and an increase in remote workers and multiple facilities make it more important than ever to provide employee development programs.

Some of these changes will create wider skill gaps, which requires proper training to deal with. Poor performance often comes when an employee doesn’t understand how to do their job properly. If they are unclear on their role, or not sure how to perform certain tasks, this will show in their performance.

Providing the opportunities for your employees to grow will ensure you’ll have the best workforce available for your company.

The Changing Demographics

Millennials are already one of the largest groups in the workforce, and by 2030 will make up 75% of the workforce. 87% of these millennials in the workplace say that professional development and career growth are very important to them.

In fact, 94% of all employees say they would stay longer with a company if the company invested in employee training. The importance of employee development is clear in these statistics.

Providing opportunities for employees will make them more engaged in your company. When employees feel like they have a chance to succeed within your company, they will be more involved and focused.

What Does Employee Development do For Your Company?

Changes to how employees develop in their careers increases the importance of employee development. Most employees these days will go through multiple positions and employment options. This includes self-employment, remote work, and individual employers.

These changes to how the workforce looks means continued education to maintain careers is more important than ever. New technologies create opportunities to recruit on a global scale. This means you need processes in place to train employees across the world.

You want to make sure employees have the skillset they need no matter where they are located. Employees need opportunities to understand emerging technologies that make this workforce evolution possible. They also need good soft skills to meet the demands of the changing workplace.

Prepare Employees to Deal with The Unexpected

One thing that highlights the importance of employee development is the large possibility of the unexpected. New technologies, changing strategies, unexpected opportunities, etc. can cause stress if employees aren’t prepared for potential changes.

Strategies can change along the way, but if you take the time to develop employee skills, you will create a workforce ready to meet those changes and find new strategies to solve unexpected issues and challenges.

Increase Employee Promotability

Employee development programs help you create a promotable workforce, making it easier to find skilled people to meet your company needs in key positions. Employees who know you value them enough to train them for possible promotion will more likely remain loyal to your company, meaning you have a good place to start when those positions come up.

These employee development programs can help you choose and train future leaders for your organization. If you see leadership potential in an employee, developing those skills as they go will make that transition easier when the time comes.

Promote Collaboration

Departmental collaboration is another area that shows the importance of employee development. Departments do not work separately from each other in an organization, yet often communication between departments is lacking.

Help employees in different departments understand how they work together by cross-training. Let them see for themselves how what they do affects others in the company and encourage them to work together. Providing this cross-training will help departments mesh and communicate better.

Increase Recruitment Potential

Since the majority of the current workforce puts high priority on employee development, providing these opportunities can act as a recruitment tool. Showing potential employees your desire to provide skill development opportunities will show a culture of progress and concern for employee needs.

This will help you recruit the best talent for your company needs as you are showing them you are serious about taking care of your employees. They will know they have the opportunity to grow in your company.

Boost Employee Performance

Taking the time to properly train employees will help them feel more secure in their roles. This requires an ongoing employee development program that focuses on skill areas employees need help with.

Taking the time to understand what causes poor performance and what areas employees are struggling in will help you get at the root cause of issues. Helping them feel better prepared will make employees more productive across the board.

Implementing a Strong Employee Development Program

When it comes to creating an employee development program, you need to consider your company goals, including long-term goals. Provide training around both current and future needs to best prepare employees.

You also need to consider the needs of your employees. Since employees are the driving force behind the importance of employee development, you want to find out where they feel their skills are lacking and what their goals are. Build employee development around these needs as well.

Keep in mind that soft skills are just as important as departmental and company-specific training. Teaching things like time management, communication, problem-solving, and other soft skills creates a workplace that can meet all challenges.

Prepare an Evolving Workforce

One of the technological advances that helps you meet your employee development needs is the use of online training management systems like Infinit-I Workforce Solutions. We understand the importance of employee development and provide the tools you need to create a program that meets your needs.

With access to a library of training videos developed to improve employee understanding, and the capability to implement custom content to meet your specific requirements, you can have all your training in one place. We also have tracking and reporting tools to help you keep up with progress and documentation. Infinit-I Workforce Solutions provides a simple way to improve your employee development program. You can see how easy our system is to use by requesting a free demo.

55 Things We Learned from an Expert Insurance Underwriter

Insurance premiums and renewal rates continue to be one of the biggest expenses incurred by trucking companies. Rates have increased exponentially in recent years due to accident frequency, truck driver shortage, and the ever-present threat of nuclear verdicts. But, we are here to help. We set out to learn about the underwriting process including:

  • Assessing a Trucking Company
  • Premium Increases
  • Technology Factors
  • COVID-19 Impact
  • Safety Culture Influence

Download your free eBook from Infinit-I: Avoiding Nuclear Verdicts

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
We interviewed Tony Hoff of Napa River Insurance about the underwriting process for trucking company insurance assessments. He gave the most interesting and data-packed presentation I have ever seen! I could barely keep up with all the notes.

Infinit-I Workforce Solutions presents: 

55 Things We Learned from an Expert Commercial Auto Insurance Underwriter.

Underwriting Process


  1. Fleet managers and front-line operations are the ones who must maintain the safety culture with the drivers. If they are not ‘singing the safety tune,’ no one is.
  2. Operations MUST believe in safety culture and live it every day. It is a continuation of the top-down culture that insurance underwriters take into consideration.
  3. Underwriters will not convince you that safety culture is important. You should already be living it.

“Safety is doing the right thing for a long time.” – Tony Hoff, Napa Valley Insurance

Industry-Wide Premium Increases


  1. 15-20% Increase in premiums across the industry without a horrendous loss. If you have incurred large losses, you can expect more.
  2. Underwriters consider 5 years of data history.
  3. Excess limits are more costly and difficult to fill. They are not priced to have a loss every single year.
  4. Results in commercial insurance carriers leaving the market because they can no longer afford to write commercial auto coverage.
  5. Capacity is on a steady decrease as insurance carriers leave the market. When you lose money from a loss standpoint, you don’t want to underwrite anymore.

COVID-19 Effects on Insurance


  1. In the beginning, COVID-19 slowed everything down in the commercial auto insurance market.
  2. Initial reduction in claims due to:
    • Less congestion on roads
    • Increased productivity
    • Fewer losses
    • Decreased accident frequency
  3. The trucking industry rebound has led to more claims due to the resurgence of traffic, congestion, and sudden backups.
  4. Speeding is OUT OF CONTROL!!! Unsafe Basic scores are rising across the board.
  5. “Accident rates are increasing at an unprecedented level. We need to slow these drivers down.”

Premium Increase Factors


  1. Everything is more expensive. (Claims frequency and amount, medical coverage, defense attorney fees.)
  2. Insurance companies are seeing losses where their vehicle never touched the insured truck but are still paying out.
  3. Plaintiffs are getting better at what they are doing. Ten years ago, they did not even know what a CSA score was. Not they could teach you about CSA.
  4. There is a lot of uncertainty in trying cases. Settling may be cheaper than going to court (fees/attorneys) even if you were clearly not liable.
  5. Loss development – the longer the claim is pending, the more it costs.

“A 300% increase in 6 years is dramatic. It is unsustainable. Something has to give. Who is it going to be?”

What You Can Control


  1. Know the process – know what steps of underwriting consist of.
  2. Underwriters who have time to thoroughly vet the submission feel more comfortable writing.
  3. Strongly suggest you shop early. Get ready at least 3 months before renewal. Have your documents ready.
  4. If you are going to shop with more than one broker/carrier, have a standard submission-ready.
  5. Know where you stand. Is my expectation to get a decrease? Or do I want to manage my increase?
  6. (Loss Ratio + Incurred Total Loss) / Your Premium. If you are over 65%, your insurance carrier is losing money.

Safety Culture


  1. Online continual training is key in proving your commitment to safety.
  2. Look at your drivers’ attitude. Do they accept responsibility? Are they willing to learn?
  3. It is absolutely crucial to have a remedial training program. Find drivers’ weaknesses and coach them.
  4. Insurers look at loss development, are you trending in the right direction. If you have a stellar loss history, a new loss may not significantly affect your premiums.
  5. Find the carrier that you enjoy doing business with and then figure out the pricing.
  6. Put some faith behind your trusted safety program. Invest in yourself.
  7. Let Underwriters know what makes you “Best in Class.”
  8. Be prepared for renewal, provide a packet with the following documents:
    • Financial documents and review
    • Loss History
    • Insurance History
    • Profile of Operations
    • CSA Roadside Results
    • Reportable Accidents not on Loss Run
    • Onsite Loss Control Survey

Be a Real Partner


  1. Solidify a business relationship with your Insurance Partner.
  2. You can get a quote from anywhere, be engaged.

Technology


  1. Track everything. You can’t know where you are trending unless you can track it:
  2. Turnover, Retention, Ops Performance, CSA Scores, Driver Safety Performance, Loss Trends, Accident Costs, Recordable Accident Rates, Total Accident Rates, Insurance Costs
  3. Benchmark yourself and maintain accountability.
  4. Find out what metrics are causing your losses and attack those.
  5. Use front end data to make back end decisions.

“Safety Professionals who make future decisions based on past results and analysis are the most effective. BE PROACTIVE.”

  1. “Every lawsuit involves being able to produce documents quickly. “Have you trained your drivers? Can you provide the documentation that you’ve trained your drivers?” Camera/online training combination can take a nuclear verdict and knock it out of the courtroom.” – Mark Rhea
  1. The greatest myth in trucking is that safety is too expensive. The advanced technologies that are now in place are a game changer in the industry. Technology is embraced by insurance companies because it gives us a claims “edge” that we otherwise would not have.
  1. Onboard cameras and collision mitigation are proven to influence courtroom decisions. BUT it only makes sense if you are willing to act on the data. You will need to have policies in place before you utilize these technologies.

Addition Tips from the Underwriter


  1. We will look at how many times you have switched insurance carriers in the past.
  2. If you have favorable loss history that extends beyond 5 years, and then have a bad year, it will come up at renewal. You need a relationship history with your insurer.
  3. Be 100% honest about what kind of carrier you are and what makes you the best.
  4. Bring to renewal: What do we do best? What do we need to do better?
  5. Have Best Practices in place, not the easy out. (PSP, Long-form physicals, etc.)
  6. Invest money in the onboarding process. Invest in your training.
  7. 10% of drivers cause 90% of your problems. Get them in and coach them before we lose them.
  8. Reporting the issue is huge! We track day loss happened vs. when it was reported to us.
  9. 3 things that will result in plaintiff verdict:
    • Leaving the scene of an accident.
    • Failure to report an accident.
    • Positive drug test after accident.

Insurance Take-Aways


  1. 2021 will continue to be a very challenging year from an insurance standpoint.
  2. Losses are up and so is speed. Slow your drivers down.
  3. We are living in different times and we need to adjust.
  4. What makes you an exceptional risk? Can we fix those areas that are not exceptional?

“Safety Culture = Commitment. If everyone in your organization stays committed, you WILL succeed.”

Get Your Insurance Questions Answered!


MCIEF Founder Tommy Ruke is Ready to Answer Your Most Pressing Insurance Questions. 

Learn Real Solutions to Your Insurance Problems. 

Infinit-I Workforce Solutions has partnered with the Motor Carrier Insurance Education Foundation (MCIEF.org) to help you get your insurance questions answered. Infinit-I and MCIEF have joined together to provide access to “Ask Tommy”.

This is a service provided to MCIEF members, but it is being opened up to Infinit-I visitors to give you the opportunity to ask your most pressing insurance questions.

Free Expert Transportation Insurance Advice

HOS REGULATORY CHANGES TAKE EFFECT LATE SEPTEMBER – UPCOMING EXPERT PANEL SAYS: “PREPARE FLEETS NOW.”

FMCSA Hours of Service changes are taking effect on September 29, 2020. We will be speaking with the president of Scopelitis Trucking and Consulting, David Osiecki, to review what the HOS changes mean for your drivers.

David J. Osiecki

If you are not familiar with the new HOS regulatory changes, a thorough explanation has been provided below. Join us for our upcoming webinar to learn how these changes will impact your fleet.

September 17, 2020 @ 10:30 am CST

The Fast Forward Expert Roundtable Webinars

Regulatory Changes


Pages 8-9 of the final ruling state the changes will include:

  • – The 30-minute Break
  • – Introducing the 7/3 Split
  • – Adverse Driving Conditions Exception
  • – The Short-haul Exception.

The 30-Minute Break


Drivers are still required to take a 30-minute break after 8 consecutive hours on duty. Previously, the break was only valid if the driver was in an off-duty status. (off-duty or sleeper berth). Now, the break is valid during on-duty functions if you are not driving.

Drivers can now legally take a 30-minute DOT break while:

  • – Watching Safety Training Videos
  • – Waiting in line at the shipper/receiver
  • – Fueling or waiting in line at the fuel pump
  • – Co-driver sitting in the passenger seat
  • – Filling out paperwork
  • – Loading/Unloading/Lumping

Just switch your status to On Duty – Not Driving.

The New 7/3 Split


The 8/2 split rule is just as complicated as it is helpful. This new HOS ruling expands a driver’s resting options. In addition to the typical 10-hour break or 8/2 split, the FMCSA is introducing the 7/3 split.

The New 7/3 SplitThe new 7/3 split rule works the same as the 8/2 split. It takes some drivers years to master the concept.

With the new rule, the driver can go into the sleeper berth for a full 7 hours. When he wakes up, he can use all the on-duty time that was leftover from before his break.

After completing his on-duty functions, he must go back into an off-duty status for at least 3 hours to complete his 10-hour break.

CONFUSING, RIGHT?

In essence, a split will pause the 14-hour on-duty window. When he comes back on duty, he will only have the leftovers from before his 7-hour break. So, if he drove 8 out of 11 hours, after the 7-hour break he can drive the remaining 3 hours.

When he comes out of the sleeper, the 14 starts running again. Since he was on-duty for 8 hours before the 7-hour break, his 3 hours of drive time must be used before his total 14 runs out. He would have 6 hours on duty to get in 3 hours of driving.

Adverse Driving Conditions Exception


Under this exception, two extra drive hours are available to drivers who encounter irregular and unforeseen circumstances that may have slowed your travel. This exception can now be applied to passenger-carrying CMVs.

ADVERSE DRIVING CONDITIONS EXAMPLES:

– Sinkhole or downed powerline that causes a delay

– Traffic accident that shuts down traffic

– Sudden tornado, snow, fog, etc. that was not in the forecast.

Adverse Driving Conditions ExceptionIf you qualify for this exception, you can now drive up to 13 hours as long as you do it within your 14-hour window. Keep in mind, it does not take away your 30-minute break or extend your 14.

This exception does not extend your 60 or 70-hour clock. If you only have 4 hours left on your DOT clock, you will only be allowed to drive out those 4 hours plus the additional 2 hours.

Drivers must follow up with a full 10-hour break. You are not allowed to split rest hours after taking advantage of this exemption.

NOT QUALIFIED EXAMPLES:

– Adverse weather you knew about or could have discovered by trip planning

– Traffic jams during normal rush hour times

– Snowstorm in the winter in North Dakota

– Loading and Unloading delays

The DOT strongly recommends you log that you were taking advantage of 395.1 Adverse Driving Conditions Exception.

Short-haul Rules


Short-haul RulesPreviously, drivers using the short-haul exemption, staying within an air radius of 100 miles, could not be on duty for more than 12 hours. Short-haul drivers within a 150-mile radius cannot drive beyond the 14 or 16th on-duty hour (depending on the number of days on duty).

This revision extends the radius from 100 to 150 air-miles for all short-haul drivers. It extends the maximum duty period allowed from 12 hours to 14 hours.

Special Offer!


For future IWS clients, we want to get you started for free. Get your free Infinit-I 30-day Complimentary Trial. No Obligation. No Risk. Simple Communication.

For More Information:


Top 6 Trucking Industry Updates for Safety Directors – Q4 2020

Drastically Reduce Detention Pay with New HOS Regulation – Split Duty Proposal

“It’s More than Rain.” Three Tractors Overturned, My Driver Made the Right Call

My Best Friend, the Trucker: How We Transformed the Dispatcher & Driver Relationship

TOP 6 TRUCKING INDUSTRY UPDATES FOR SAFETY DIRECTORS – Q4 2020
HOW WE TRANSFORMED THE DISPATCHER & DRIVER RELATIONSHIP

Hello to everyone out there! Thank you so much for checking out the blog and staying up to date on industry trends with me.

In this blog post, I would like to take a moment to formally introduce myself and give you all some background on my experience in the trucking industry. And, so we can get to know each other.

By the way, you can reach me at [email protected] with any comments, questions, or hilarious jokes about life on the road.

Let’s get started!


Just like all of you, I have had jobs in many different industries over the years. I have worked in restaurants, retail, real estate, etc. but nothing felt like home. Until I found trucking!

Several years ago, I made the jump into the trucking scene as a recruiter. It was my first experience with truck drivers, and “Man!” was it eye-opening. I fell in love with the industry, the people, and the sprint pace that truck drivers know all too well.

I became passionate about my work. I gained a whole new appreciation for all the hard-working truck drivers out there, realizing immediately just how difficult the job actually is.

The 14-hour days, being away from home, missing your family, frustration in the lack of communication, the list goes on…

The 14-hour days, being away from home, missing your family, frustration in the lack of communication, the list goes on. But every single truck driver I met holds so much pride in their work, it is intoxicating. So, through those relationships I garnered with big rig drivers, my career path was set. And I am so thankful to every one of those men and women who have inspired me through their work ethic and pride in the job.

After recruiting, I moved over to operations. I ran a fleet of 40 over-the-road reefer drivers, who inevitably came to be my best friends. We spent so much time together on the phone and through messages, they became my favorite colleagues.

My Team


I wanted to be the best dispatcher I could possibly be for themAfter a time, the inspiration flowed between us. They made me want to work harder. I wanted to be the best dispatcher I could possibly be for them. In turn, we became the best fleet in the nation. We were truly a team. That experience taught me that through mutual respect, gratitude, and a little bit of elbow grease, there’s no such thing as a late load or missed home time. Those were unacceptable, and my drivers held me accountable.

Don’t get me wrong, we had some hard times. Every driver, however, was more than willing to work with me and they fought to stay on my fleet. It was something special.

Eventually, I became the Operations trainer. I administered onboarding training and continuing education to a team of 100+ dispatchers, planners, CSRs, recruiters, managers, and executives. My mission was to show respect to our 1000+ fleet and make the greatest, most efficient, and safest fleet on the road. Procedural training became just a detail. For me, it is all about the drivers.

My Best Friend, the Trucker


Over the next few weeks, I would like to give you some stories about the experiences that made me dedicate myself to trucking. I’ll start by sharing a memory about my favorite truck driver of all time.

His name was Mr. Gentry. We worked together for a long time and to this day, that man holds my deepest respect. He was an excellent driver. He knew every back road and greasy spoon all over the country.

His name was Mr. Gentry. We worked together for a long time and to this day, that man holds my deepest respectMr. Gentry was a career truck driver. 45 years on the road. He taught me more about trucking through friendly conversation than any of my superiors ever could. Through those little talks, we became friends.  We delivered hundreds of loads together. The dispatcher in me doubted him sometimes, but he always came through.

He lived a hard life and trucking took its toll, but he was proud of the man he had become. And I was proud of him. He was the truck driver that most strive to be. He was one of the good ones.

He taught me the most important lesson I have ever learned. One that some dispatchers work their whole career without realizing. Truckers are people. They have lives and families and feelings. As simple as it sounds, it’s the rule I lived by as a dispatcher. Always remember that there is a living, breathing person on the other end of the phone.

The Lesson I Learned


In the haze of fluorescent lights, computer screens, and KPIs, we are all still people just trying to earn a living. When the stress of operations takes its toll, it is easy to forget that your drivers are your team. A good dispatcher delivers on time. A great dispatcher makes friends for life (and delivers on time.)

In the haze of fluorescent lights, computer screens, and KPIs, we are all still people just trying to earn a living

I don’t get to speak with Mr. Gentry anymore, as he has moved on to a better place. But he will forever be with me. And every time I see a purple Kenworth with shiny wheels rolling down the highway, I think of him.

If your dispatchers and drivers aren’t experiencing a fulfilling relationship, the job is simply not worth it. And if you need some advice or information on creating those relationships, please reach out to me or anyone on my team. We are passionate about truck drivers, and we are here to serve.

Thanks for sticking with me. Drive safe out there!

  • Lindsay Presley
  • Former Fleet Manager, now Copywriter
  • Infinit-I Workforce Solutions
Spotted Lanternfly: Operating Without a Permit Could Cost You $20,000

Spotted Lanternfly

Add another quarantine to the list of 2020’s challenges to overcome. This year, the state of Pennsylvania has nearly doubled the number of counties placed under quarantine due to the spotted lanternfly. This travel quarantine applies to 26 Pennsylvania counties through which commercial vehicle operators must be permitted to travel.

The spotted lanternfly was first spotted in the United States in 2014 and have since rapidly expanded their U.S. population. Originating from China, India, and Vietnam, this invasive species has taken favor to many different types of fruit-bearing trees and plants on the east coast.

This year, they are back with a vengeance. Agricultural departments in Pennsylvania and New Jersey estimate 500% and 1000% increases, respectively, in the spotted lanternfly population. Projections by Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences show the spotted lanternfly could cause a loss of $324 million to the state’s economy and eliminate close to 3,000 jobs.

The Spotted Lanternfly


While these animals aren’t dangerous to humans, they can be devastating to a wide variety of agriculture and produce. Lanternflies are attracted to grapevines, figs, hops, avocados, and many other fruit-bearing plants. After infestation, they secrete a sweet and sticky substance that adheres to the plants. This secretion is attractive to a type of black mold that can be harmful and even cause plant death.

The spotted lanternfly reproduces by laying dozens of eggs at a time. There is no population control because this species has no natural predators. Without human interference, the lanternfly population has grown exponentially.

At least 26 counties in Pennsylvania are under a strict spotted lanternfly quarantine to stop the spread of the pest. Any business that moves goods through one of the quarantined areas must be permitted to do so. Penn State Extension offers a free training course through which you can receive a permit.

Manager’s Responsibility


At least one person in your company must complete the course and pass the knowledge along to the rest of the fleet. Any company that operates out of compliance could face a civil penalty of up to $20,000. The free Spotted Lanternfly course is available and teaches:

  • The importance of stopping spotted lanternfly
  • Lifecycle and habits of SLF
  • How quarantine zones work
  • Find and destroy SLF
  • Quarantine zone best practices

Each unit of your fleet who moves through one of the quarantined zones must be properly trained and carry a permit. Through the Infinit-I Workforce Solutions platform, you can assign custom training to all your drivers and issue their permits. Drivers can access that permit at any time through their resource library, should they be asked to provide it to enforcement officers.

Trucker’s Responsibility


Especially when crossing state or county lines, truck drivers should take special action to ensure they are not contributing to the spread of the insect. Instruct your drivers to complete a thorough search for spotted lanternfly nests on their equipment during their pre- and post-trip inspection.

Infinit-I Workforce Solutions offers comprehensive training content on how to manage spotted lanternfly occurrences. Current clients already have access to these materials and it’s ready to “plug and play” with their current training system.

Lanternfly resources and topics we cover:

  • – Destroying Spotted Lanternfly Egg Masses
  • – Development Stages of the Spotted Lanternfly
  • – How to Comply with Spotted Lanternfly Regulations Fact Sheet
  • – How to Identify and Destroy Spotted Lanternfly Egg Masses
  • – If You See A Spotted Lanternfly, Report It!
  • – Lanternfly Quarantine Zone Map
  • – Spotted Lanternfly Permit Training (Parts 1-5)
  • – Spotted Lanternfly Training Quiz

The US Department of Agriculture recommends destroying spotted lanternfly egg masses if found. Spotted lanternflies make nests on hard surfaces, your drivers should thoroughly check their wheel wells, bumpers, and in/around trailers. The nests, which can resemble tree bark, can be removed easily with any tool with a rigid surface. Scrape the egg mass into a plastic bag filled with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to eliminate the offspring.

We Can Help!


Remember, the state of Pennsylvania requires fleets to carry permits with them throughout the quarantined areas after proper training. We must do our part to suppress the expansion of the spotted lanternfly population.

For Current Infinit-I Workforce Solutions Clients:

Contact your Client Success Rep today to become spotted lanternfly certified and receive your fleet’s permits. Our content catalog has all the training you need to become a certified spotted lanternfly trained fleet.

For Future Infinit-I Workforce Solutions Clients:

Receive your spotted lanternfly training and certification today for free! We are offering a 30-day complimentary trial, no obligation. We can help you choose your designated spotted lanternfly trainer and have you certified by end of business today.

Get a free demo for more information about how to receive your fleets certification and permits.

Additional Resources:


What Your Drivers Need to Know About CVSA’s Upcoming Brake Safety Week

Nuclear Verdicts Entice Fraudsters in New Trucking Exploitation Scheme

Top 5 Surprising Ways Lawyers Attack Trucking Companies – Know Your Risk

Chuck Norris Says “Thank You, Truckers!” In This Touching Video

Nuclear Verdicts Entice Fraudsters in New Trucking Exploitation Scheme

Why Nuclear Verdicts Are Rising

The term “Billboard Attorney” describes those aggressive and high-energy lawyers who thrive on huge lawsuits. They are pictured standing atop a tractor-trailer shouting, “Have you been injured in a Big Truck Accident? Call Me!” Their commercial ends with a “1-800” number and promises fortunes to accident victims.

Nuclear verdicts, lawsuits with a reward of $10 million or greater, are on the rise in recent years due to their tactics. Not every trucker is completely innocent; some may be neglectful in the way they operate and cause at-fault accidents. However, 90% of CMV accidents are found to be caused by four-wheeled drivers.

With these statistics in mind, other outside influences must be penalizing trucking companies with these massive payouts. The answer is not always in the actions of the one behind the wheel. Trucking companies who aren’t diligent in the training process, or who are found to “slack” on prevention, are coming under fire too. These prosecutors will look for any weakness in the trucking companies’ structure, procedure, or safety culture.

Now, it has gone a step farther than these billboard attorneys waiting for the right call. What was once an opportunistic exploitation of an accident, is now sought by money-hungry fraudsters.

How Trucks Became Targets


Mastermind and scam leader Damian Labeaud was caught red-handed defrauding trucking companies around the New Orleans area. He has entered a plea agreement in an attempt to thwart a harsher sentence. He and his group of six participants, created an intricate scheme in which they would purposefully crash into a tractor-trailer with the intent of suing the trucking company for damages.

This detailed operation involved a driver, or “slammer,” who was the soon to be victim of the accident. A “spotter” stayed behind and acted as an impartial witness but was actually a plant. Labeaud was the driver, usually with other passengers on board; his would either sideswipe the trailer or stage a “near-miss.” After the incident, Labeaud fled the scene in a getaway car to avoid being identified in multiple trucking lawsuits. The spotter flagged down the trucker, who was often unaware of an incident, and filed a fraudulent accident report when police arrived.

Court documents reveal at least two attorneys participated in the scheme; however, they remain unidentified to the public. Participants received thousands of dollars for their involvement. According to the court report, Labeaud staged at least 40 accidents with one of the attorneys.

One of the participants claims her attorney encouraged her to undergo neck surgery to receive a larger settlement.

“[In Louisiana,] We have a litigious culture, and we have a significant amount of marketing for lawsuits against trucks… Self-defense is our best approach.”

Chace McNeely, Executive Director of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association

Your Best Defense


First, your drivers must be aware of the possibility of becoming a target. In the event of an accident, whether at fault or not, make sure they know the proper procedures according to your company handbook. Any variation from procedure could mean punitive damages for your company.

Communicate frequently and clearly about and updates or changes to your accident policy and obtain acknowledgment signatures. This will not only protect your drivers in the event of an accident, it will protect your company from risk.

One of the most proactive measures trucking companies practice is frequent and consistent safety training. Keeping safety practices top of mind leads to changed behaviors. Drivers who are constantly learning and being exposed to training make better decisions and create safer habits.

In addition to your on-board cameras and in-cab technology, add transportation’s #1 learning management system. Infinit-I Workforce Solutions offers a library of 850+ safety training videos, ready to go.

Encourage safer driving habits with Infinit-I Workforce Solutions. Request a demonstration, in just 30 minutes, we can show you how to enhance your safety culture and reduce your litigation risk.

Additional Reading

Top 5 Surprising Ways Lawyers Attack Trucking Companies – Know Your Risk

How to Sue a Trucking Company and Win Big – The Impact of Rising Nuclear Verdicts

MICHAEL SHIPMAN DONATES HUNDREDS OF MASKS TO SMALL FLEETS

Infinit-I Workforce Solutions proudly introduces Michael Shipman. Michael is an account executive with Infinit-I. He spends his days bringing in new businesses and overseeing renewals. His favorite part of the job, he tells us, is going out to visit the fleets.

At Infinit-I, we aim not only to provide stellar service, but also to build true relationships with our clients. By getting to know our clients, we can better understand their needs. That’s how we drive you to success.

As soon as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, Michael began researching different ways to support his clients. As face masks were becoming scarcer, several smaller trucking companies were struggling to get their hands on any.

The Challenge


Michael has worked hard to build relationships with each of his clients. He sees his role not only as Account Executive, but also as a supportive player in the continuity of their business. The pandemic presented new challenges, however, in limiting the amount of face time with clients which he had become accustomed to.

Michael recognized this as a major issue. And as mass panic grew, it because increasingly difficult for truckers to perform their job duties. They were denied bathrooms and showers. They had to go hungry as fast-food restaurants closed their dining area.  Some were forced to sit on a load for weeks due to overwhelmed warehouse workers and piled up inventory.

The Motivation


Back in May, you couldn’t find masks, hand sanitizer, or gloves in any retail store. Even Amazon, the biggest retail store of all, was on backorder. America’s front-line workers were being dealt an injustice, especially if they couldn’t obtain the proper equipment, namely PPE.

That’s when Michael decided to step in and do something. He began searching for the needle in the haystack of medical supplies, face masks. The first struggle was, in fact, finding any available masks that he could get his hands on. Since they weren’t available in stores, he took a different route.

The Deal


The plan was simple, but the means were challenging. Thinking creatively, Michael contacted the American Trucking Association, with whom he had built a solid relationship throughout his five years with Infinit-I Workforce Solutions.

Michael explained intentions and desire to our ATA partners. The ATA felt compelled to get involved as well and arranged a deal. Michael was able to purchase face masks from the ATA’s inventory. Because of his dedication to overcome the improbable, he was able to purchase a shipment of face masks.

The Delivery


Since he was working from home at the time, Michael had several boxes of face masks delivered to his home. After counting, sorting, and organizing hundreds of KN95 masks, Michael was ready. Masked and prepared to social distance, Michael hit the road. He visited 8 of his 5-50 truck fleets across the state of Indiana. He took the proper precautions when visiting the terminals, as not to contribute to their exposure risk.

“We were trying to help fleets out because a lot of them weren’t able to get the supplies they needed, especially the smaller ones. We wanted to show our support, that we are by their side, and there for whatever they need” – Michael Shipman

Watch the Infinit-I Workforce Solutions Mask Donation Project.


Michael’s advice to those who want to help is simply to get involved. Search the internet for ways to give back to your hometown. Most state trucking associations hold events and drives to support truckers. You can also contact the American Trucking Association for further reference.

Thank you to Michael for your diligent effort in keeping your clients rolling. And thank you to America’s truck drivers. Your sacrifice and dedication to the job keeps us on our feet.

Drive safe and don’t forget to wear a mask.

Additional Resources


Top 5 Surprising Ways Lawyers Attack Trucking Companies – Know Your Risk

Chuck Norris Says “Thank You, Truckers!” In This Touching Video

Go Green: How Online Training Saves You Time, Money, and Resources

Increase Fuel Efficiency and Lower Maintenance Costs – Legislation Passed to Improve U.S. Highways

TOP 5 SURPRISING WAYS LAWYERS ATTACK TRUCKING COMPANIES

Every trucking company knows the risk involved with hauling an 80,000 lb. machine down the highway. Don’t feel hindered, however, by the mountain of liabilities. Simply be prepared. Below are the weaknesses that prosecuting attorneys will try to take advantage of in the event of an accident.

Driver Fatigue

Every decent truck driver knows to pull it over when they are feeling tired. They know the risks of driving while fatigued. But how often do they actually pull over when they should?

Truckers juggle many pressures while on the road: Traffic congestion, highway construction, dispatcher’s expectations, etc.

Take a look at these messages between a truck driver (grey) and their dispatcher (blue):

Driver Fatigue

A good dispatcher would see the warning signs. The driver didn’t sleep well last night. This dispatcher should have asked about the driver’s ability to safely perform that day. Instead, the dispatcher was concerned with their own performance. Perhaps, feeling the pressure from their own manager. The conversation continues below.

A good dispatcher would see the warning signs.

The driver has now admitted to being fatigued, asked to pull over, and coerced into rolling anyway. The driver could nod off again, injuring or even killing themself or other innocent bystanders.

This conversation is now recorded and creates the kind of paper trail that prosecuting attorneys love. They would use this conversation to prove to a jury that your company chose to further the load over the safety of the public.

A delicate balance must exist between management, dispatchers, and truck drivers. Each must be aware of and truly understand mounting pressure and weighing the risks. While is it is a fine goal to want every load delivered on time, it should not be achieved at the expense of safe driving.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving can take many forms. According to the CDC, distractions are categorized as visual, manual, and cognitive.

Distracted Driving

Driving an 18-wheeler takes intense focus and coordination. Any of the things listed above could bring about a life or death situation for your driver or the people around them.

Train your fleet not only the signs of distracted driving, but they should also be aware of the potential outcome severity. Visual demonstrations can be assigned fleetwide to prove the importance of maintaining proper attention to the road.

Let’s say your driver is eating a big, greasy cheeseburger while driving down the highway.Let’s say your driver is eating a big, greasy cheeseburger while driving down the highway. After driving over a small pothole, the driver drops a pickle on the tractor seat. The driver leans over to place the burger onto the passenger seat and begins the pickle search.

At the same time, traffic up ahead has abruptly slowed, causing some cars to swerve or pull on the shoulder. When your driver finally finds the pickle and returns their eyes to the road, it is too late. The driver locks up the breaks, jackknifes the trailer, and bumps into 4 cars that were leading the way.

In a scenario where your driver has an accident due to distracted driving, an attorney will look for any reason that it was the company’s fault. In the event of a lawsuit, the prosecuting attorney will consider:

  • – What policies do you have in place?
  • – Cell phone usage while driving
  • – Eating meals/snacks behind the wheel
  • – Volume restrictions on the radio
  • – Have the drivers been properly trained on these policies?
  • – When was the last time a driver was trained/re-trained on this topic?

Driving Under The Influence

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a crime whether a truck driver or civilian, 18-wheeler or 4-wheeler. Truck drivers, however, hold much more responsibility. The more you communicate with your employees about your drug and alcohol policy, the more likely you are to be protected in court.

Pre/Post-Trip Inspections

A proper pre-trip inspection is the ultimate proactive measure a driver can take. If your drivers aren’t properly trained, it might be difficult to spot a faulty brake line, damaged mud flap, or a loose lug nut.

Inexperience or Improperly Trained

A proper post-trip involves over 50 points of inspection. Expert drivers might be able to recite all the inspection points from memory, but that skill should not be expected. Provide all your drivers with DVIR checklists. Since these are required to be on file for 90 days, you should require your drivers to fill one out every day, for every load, even if it passes inspection.

Inexperience or Improperly Trained

Perhaps the most important base to have covered. Do you drivers know how to avoid accidents? Do you drivers know what to do in the event of an accident?

You probably have policies in place that explicitly instruct drivers what to do if they get into an accident. Our recommendation is to send this policy out to your fleet at least once a quarter. Test them on the material. Require their signature. Your attorney will easily establish your credibility if you have these documents available.

Review the Webinar

Infinit-I Workforce Solutions presented an exclusive webinar in late July featuring Attorney Peyton Inge. Peyton specializes in defending trucking companies after an accident occurs. You can review the past webinars as well as the rest of the FastForward series.

Get your free training management demo. Infinit-I Workforce Solutions will protect you in a courtroom. Give us 30 minutes to show you how.

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