Ready for harsh conditions on the road ahead?
Melbourne, Fla.— With the arrival of the winter, many truck drivers start experiencing harsh conditions on the road while crossing through states with lower temperatures, snow, ice and many other hazards.
The following are some tips that can help you stay away from trouble during the risks of this season:
Check weather forecasts and possible construction areas along your route before planning your trip.
Chart your fuel and meal stop locations.
Make sure to allow extra time for any traffic delays.
Do an inspection to verify the conditions of tires, wiper blades, fluids, and lights. This must be done both, visual and hands-on.
Drivers need to monitor the shipper’s loading procedures since weight distributions is key to their safety under hazardous.
Speed limit is set by law and what the conditions allow. Slowing down and making gentle movements can compensate for poor traction. Never tailgate, and make sure to double or triple your following distance.
Black ice is always your enemy. Keep an eye out under bridges and overpasses, and in shady spots and intersections where it’s likely to form.
In the chance, you begin to skid, take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral quickly, then steer in the direction you want your car to go. Before the rear wheels stop skidding, shift to drive and gently press the accelerator. Do not slam on the brakes.
Florida owners and operators of commercial trucks can't get by with a standard commercial auto insurance policy. In addition to protecting the cargo that they carry, truckers must consider the massive physical damage that can be caused by their trucks, the potential environmental issues an accident could cause, and the expensive cost to repair their large vehicles.
Liability Insurance
For bodily injury and property damage liability exposure, one should consider an auto liability insurance policy. This policy will protect truckers, covering many different types of harm that they can unintentionally inflict on others and their property. This includes accidental damage to a retailer’s delivery dock, to other drivers, vehicles, and pedestrians.
Cargo Insurance
Your clients rely on you to safely deliver their cargo in the same condition it was in when they turned it over to you. With cargo insurance you can reimburse a client for qualifying damages made to their cargo during transport—and all without tapping into your business bank account except to pay the deductible.
Bobtail Insurance
When your truck is without cargo, it still needs protection. Bobtail insurance covers your truck even when it is not operational.
Physical Damage Insurance
If your truck is in an accident or collision, you need the right commercial insurance policy protecting your financial interests. Collision insurance and comprehensive insurance can cover various accidents and damages caused by theft, vandalism and fire.
Environmental Liability Insurance
If your truck carries cargo that can be environmentally toxic or could contribute to pollution, you need special insurance to help pay for the cost of the cleanup if it should be spilled in an accident. Environmental liability insurance will cover this expense, as long as it occurs in a qualifying situation.
Contact one of our local commercial/truck insurance specialists to find out what options are available for your trucking and transportation business in the Space Coast area, and help you start saving on the protections needed to keep it always afloat. Melbourne Truck Insurance has the products and underwriting experience that meet the insurance needs of your business.
Give us a call for a FREE consultation (321) 329-5556, at Melbourne Truck Insurance will be more than happy to serve you.
Oscar Pacheco - Licensed Agent