Scott, a security guard, was injured when the driver of a truck he was inspecting unexpectedly closed the truck's roll down door. Scott's back and neck were injured so he sued the employer of the truck driver. The employer's CGL carrier refused to cover the loss because of the automobile exclusion. Scott argued that the automobile exclusion would not apply because, at the time of the loss, the truck was not being operated as a truck.

Click here to see how the courts interpreted the argument that a truck was not a truck.

The trucking industry is having problems staffing up. Young people are not joining the ranks as older drivers retire. The better fleet operators know that they must hire, train, and retain to survive. One important tool is managing fleet risk in order to prevent injuries.

Click here to review a Rough Notes article about high-tech tools being used in the trucking industry.

ISO offers three types of auto coverage forms. The Business Auto is the standard. The Auto Dealer is for different types of vehicle dealerships and the Motor Carrier is for the trucking industry. A trucking risk can use the Business Auto but at the risk of losing certain advantages.

Click here to review a coverage comparison of the Business Auto Coverage Form and the Motor Carrier Coverage Form.

A number of markets are available for trucking operations and the premium on each risk can be substantial but any agent wanting to pursue these accounts needs to understand the unique aspects of the industry. Producer's Commercial Lines Risk Evaluation System is an excellent starting point to begin your research.

Click here to view the Trucking Narrative that could start you on your way.