In order to be a commercial vehicle driver, there are plenty of qualifications and requirements to be aware of. As the owner of a moving and storage company, it is important that YOU are aware of these requirements for the times you must hire new drivers.

Over the next month, we will be focusing on these requirements, from qualifications to disqualifications to physical requirements to even drug and alcohol use and penalties. This week, let’s focus on 10 CMV driver qualifications and requirements. Drivers must:

1.    Be in good health and physically able to perform all duties of a driver

2.    Be at least 21 years of age

3.    Be able to drive vehicle safely

4.    Complete an application for employment

5.    Have only one valid commercial driver’s license

6.    Provide an employing motor carrier with a list of all motor vehicle violations

7.    Pass a driver’s road test or equivalent

8.    Possess a valid and current medical certificate

9.    Know how to safely load, block, brace and secure the cargo

10.    Speak and read English well enough to: converse with the general public, understand traffic signs and signals, respond to official questions and be able to make legible entries on reports and records.

When hiring a new driver for your moving company, it is important to turn to these qualifications. You may want to even start a checklist! Hiring an unqualified candidate may not only get you into lawful trouble, but may also lead to more claims against your moving and storage insurance policy.

Concerned about disqualifications? Be sure to come back next week for another informational blog!

Are your commercial vehicle drivers wearing safety belts? As the owner of a moving and storage company, this is a question you should constantly be asking and addressing! While it may seem childish to repeatedly remind your employees’ about the importance of seat belts, do not hesitate to do so. Those who do not buckle up may end up injured… or worse!

Luckily, your moving company insurance policy will be there to handle the finances that accidents and crashes bring your way, but it will only protect drivers so far. Your drivers must protect their own well-being by taking care of themselves, first. Here are a few reasons for safety belts to pass along to those who forget to buckle up:

•    Safety belts prevent serious injuries and fatalities.

•    In the event of a crash, a safety belt will keep the driver in place.

•    Safety belts improve your chances of escape.

•    Safety belts can help avoid serious impact of organs crashing into each other within the body.

•    Buckling up is the law! If a CMV has a seat belt installed (which it most likely does), drivers are not to drive without properly buckling up first.

At Wolpert Insurance, we do not want to see your drivers involved in any accidents. However, you cannot stop the unexpected! What you can do: pass along these crucial safety tips and of course, cover your company. If you are interested in receiving a free moving company insurance quote, contact us today. We would be happy to provide you with a variety of coverage options, including: garagekeepers coverage, auto coverage, equipment and tools coverage, workers compensation and much more.

Until then, continue to buckle up. Also, be sure to come back next week to read about a few seat belt safety myths!

As always, our movers insurance experts believe that it is important to keep you up-to-date and familiar with industry-related news! This week, we have put together a quick Q&A session about daily logs and toll receipts.

Q1: What is “short haul” provision?

A: Short haul provision is the rule that allows drivers of non-CDL vehicles to operate within 150 air-miles of their work reporting location without having to prepare a daily log. However, there are a number of conditions to this rule, so be aware!

Q2: If my power units are equipped with GPS, is the Department of Transportation (DOT) permitted to use my GPS records to verify the accuracy of my drivers’ logs?

A: Yes they are permitted and will do so.

Q3: What others records will the DOT use during a log audit?

A: It is required that motor carriers hang on to supporting documents for at least six months. These supporting documents should be documents that can be utilized to verify the accuracy of a driver’s log.

Q4: Are owner operators required to turn in their toll receipts?

A: Yes.

Q5: If an owner operator does not turn in their toll receipts, what are the consequences from the DOT?

A: The DOT would most likely fine the company for not retaining supporting documents. This would most likely happen during an audit.

For more news and information pertaining to the moving and storage industry, you could always turn to the Department of Transportation website or come back to our blog! Be sure to check out the past blogs on our site, too.

If you are interested in hearing more about our movers insurance solutions, contact our agency. We are dedicating to serving New England moving and storage companies and ensuring protection from the worst case scenario. For more information on general liability, warehouse legal liability, umbrella insurance, workers comp and more, call 508-459-4700!

As the owner of a moving and storage company, backing up large vehicles is an everyday maneuver. However, without the proper care and technique, you may find that this everyday maneuver has become an everyday hazard! While our agency is dedicated to providing insurance for moving companies, such as yourselves, we are also here to help you lower your risks and the chance of an accident, injury or claim. This week, let’s focus on the main things to consider while backing up your moving vehicle:

Here is a quick list:

•    Have you checked for any objects in your way? You should look out for: overhead power lines, poles, ladders, awnings, tree branches, pot holes, soft pavement obstacles, etc.

•    Can other traffic intrude on my lane of travel?

•    Can any pedestrians walk into my path?

•    Do I need another person to control or block traffic?

•    Will weather conditions such as ice, snow, fog or glare restrict my vision?

•    How close do I need to get?

•    Have I secured all trailer doors?

•    Have I put out the appropriate amount of cones?

•    Should this approach and delivery be abandoned?

If both you and your drivers ask yourselves these questions, you may be able to avoid the worst case scenario.

At Wolpert Insurance, we want to make sure you keep risks, injuries, accidents and claims to a minimum. We also want to make sure you are covered in the event that something DOES go wrong! This is exactly why we are dedicated to providing unique and affordable insurance for moving companies. For more information on your options or a free quote, contact us today.