Is your storage warehouse concerned with safety involving your loading dock? Loading dock safety is a fundamental component of owning and operating a warehouse and if you’re not being too careful, injuries can occur to employees, leading to claims on your moving and storage insurance. Whether it’s operator error, someone falling off or a vehicle prematurely leaving the dock before it is secured, there are an array of damages that can occur. Here are some safety tips for warehouse operators to take into account:

• Paint the dock edge yellow to make the hazard visually apparent to employees.
• Require wheel chocking at every bay door. When a trailer creeps or pulls out prematurely, the lift truck may fall between the trailer and the floor which could lead to a serious injury.
• Allow only trained and authorized employees to operate hand trucks or hand jacks. These types of devices pose risks to those who don’t have much experience using this type of machinery.
• Inspect the dock area on a daily basis to make sure that fire extinguishers are not blocked or damaged.
• Make sure dock plates are designed for the loads and lift trucks that will use them.
• Clean out dock areas often to remove any debris that may have accumulated. Wood and other combustible materials may get lodged between dock plates.
• Install barriers to protect pipes or other building structures that can be struck by a lift truck or load.
• Inspect the strength and quality of the trailer floors before a lift truck is driven onto them. Also, inspect trailer wheels to make sure they are locked-in place to prevent it from tripping.

At Wolpert Insurance & Risk Management, we aim to help storage warehouse operators get the information they need in order to get the most out of their futures. For more information on warehouse loading dock safety and how injuries can affect your storage insurance, contact us today with your questions.

As the owner or operator of a warehouse, there are many things you ought to be looking into in regards to safety. Warehouses come with a variety of dangers and hazards and sometimes, even when you’re being careful, things can happen that may lead you to file a claim on your liability insurance. But what exactly is liability insurance and what can it provide coverage for? Here are some frequently asked questions about liability protection with your moving and storage insurance:

What is warehouse liability insurance?

This type of coverage is designed to protect warehouse owners against loss or damage to property of others while under their control. When you, the owner of the warehouse, are found to be liable for loss or damage to property belonging to someone else, the liability insurance will pay off the damages.

What if a lawsuit is filed against me?

Defense costs related to a lawsuit brought on behalf of the owner would also be covered if the policy includes a clause for defense and any other legal costs you may incur.

What is the difference between released value and declared value?

There are two main options for the owner’s valuation of the goods in their warehouse, released value and declared value. Released value is when the property owner declines any additional level of protection other than the dollar amount per pound that the warehouse owner offers in their tariff and bill of lading. Declared value is when the property owner purchases a higher valuation for his goods.

What protection do customers have when they are entrusting you with holding their goods?

In some cases, the customer’s homeowner’s insurance may provide some coverage for damaged goods. However, in most instances a homeowner’s policy will not apply. The warehouse owner’s legal liability policy will only pay for loss or damage to the owner’s goods based on the declared value chosen by the owner.

At Wolpert Insurance & Risk Management warehouse owners who are looking for answers to their questions can always talk to us. When it comes to movers insurance, we have the information you’re looking for in Massachusetts. Contact us today!

As the owner or manager of a moving company, – you have a lot on your plate. A lot of things can happen during a move that your employees and company can be found liable for, specifically when it comes to property damage relating to customers. However, while your Bill of Lading and tariff will normally dictate how you’re responsible if property is damaged during transportation, what happens if customer property is damaged during an internal shift? Will your movers insurance cover it?

Moving property within rooms or floors in a building is different from “transporting.” When you move an object within a building, it’s called an “internal shift” whereas transporting or shipping involves moving property within two separate locations. For example, an internal shift could include relocating equipment within a business or moving a piano from one room to another in a house. Also, moving property outside but within buildings that are part of the same complex is also considered an internal shift.

In most cases, including in Massachusetts, the Bill of Lading and tariff will have stipulations about what the movers are responsible for in the event of damages. Consider the following stipulations included in a Bill of Lading that would not reflect an internal shift:

• Shipper: When performing an internal shift, there is no shipment. Therefore, there is no shipper.
• Carrier: No trucking means no carrier services are being provided.
• Transportation facilities and services: No transportation of property of motor vehicle means the Bill of Lading does not apply.
• Tariff: The tariff only applies to transportation and ancillary services (pack & load).
• Delivery: Customer has never relinquished possession…thus there can be no delivery.

A common moving carrier, such as one that works in moving household goods, is considered to be a virtual insurer of bailed property. However, when doing an internal shift, the mover is not a carrier. Instead, the mover is a bailee. The customer receives the service requested, the mover secures compensation for the services provided, and both parties benefit.

In Massachusetts, a bailee has to provide ordinary care to bailed property. Failure to provide ordinary care is referred to as negligence. However, not every occurrence producing loss or damage to the bailor’s goods results from the bailiee’s negligence. In the absence of negligence, there is no liability.

At Wolpert Insurance & Risk Management we want moving companies to have the information they need in regards to what their moving insurance does and does not cover. For more questions about your coverage or internal shifts, feel free to contact us today.

We’ve all been pulled over by the police while driving, even when it’s been an honest mistake or a misunderstanding. Sometimes you accidentally go above the speed limit or take a wrong left turn without seeing a sign and that’s okay. However, when you do get pulled over it’s important to stick to a protocol trouble between you and the officer is avoided. If you’re polite and show respect, you may avoid a ticket and any subsequent claims on your movers insurance. Here are the Do’s and Don’ts of getting pulled over:

When you first notice flashing police lights…

Do:

• Turn off your engine and roll down your window all the way. Keep your hands on the wheel so they are visible to the officer.
• Turn on your hazard lights when you park.
• Always address the police officer as “officer.”

Don’t:

• Get worried or panic. Most stops are for common traffic violations like taking a wrong turn or rolling stops.
• Remove your seat belt. This may lead to the officer alleging you were not wearing your seat belt to begin with which may lead to a ticket or citation.

When you’re face to face with a police officer…

Do:

• Stay calm and seated. Unless the officer asks you to get out of the vehicle, do not under any circumstances. This includes any passengers as well.
• Hand over important documents. The officer is going to ask for your license, registration and maybe even your proof of insurance.
• Ask questions. If you’re given a ticket or citation and the charges are not clear to you, ask the officer to clarify.

Don’t:

• Reach for your license, registration or any other item until the officer requests you do so. Sudden hand movements are perceived as a threat to officers, so always keep them visible.
• Argue or create a confrontation. A smile and good attitude will help make the incident go by quickly and smoothly. If you disagree with the citation or ticket, you can deal with it in court.
• Zone out. Listen to what the officer has to say and be respectful when they are saying it.

At Wolpert Insurance and Risk Management it’s our job to make sure moving companies like yours are getting the information and movers insurance you need for the future. If you’d like to learn more, feel free to contact us today.

During the winter, your drivers are going to be driving in less than ideal weather. While the rules are generally the same in terms of driving a regular vehicle and a moving truck, adapting to cold, icy roads in the winter is a bit different for the latter. When your employees are driving during the winter, make sure they pay attention to these driving tips to increase employee safety and limit the chance of having to file a mover’s insurance claim:

1. Trucks take three to ten times longer to stop under normal operating conditions than cars. When driving in inclement weather such as rain or snow, increase your following distance substantially.
2. Completely remove snow and ice from all windows, lights, hood and rood. Always have a snowbrush and ice scraper in the truck during the move. The Massachusetts Turnpike Authority can prohibit vehicles from using roads if debris, such as snow and ice, could fall from the vehicle.
3. Make sure your windshield washer fluid, oil and anti-freeze are changed periodically.
4. Don’t let your fuel tank get below the one-quarter mark. When temperatures dip below freezing, sometimes vehicles may not start if there isn’t enough fuel in the tank.
5. Don’t force too much power to the drive wheels. This can cause you to lose traction when driving in the snow and result in a skid.
6. When driving through fog, slow down and turn on your lights. Keep lights at low beam! Turning on your high beams will cause the light to bounce back at you from water particles in the fog.
7. Use caution when getting into and out of the truck cab as well as on the cargo ramp. These areas can get slippery in the rain and snow and freeze up.
8. When snow is on the ground and the sun is out and shining, vision can be hindered by all the bright sunshine reflecting off the snow. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and  keep your eyes on the road.
9. Stock your truck with supplies such as warm clothing, blankets, flashlights, bottled water, road flares, jumper cables and a first aid kit.
10. Be aware of wind conditions and load weight.

At Wolpert Insurance & Risk Management, we want movers who are operating company trucks to be as safe as possible this winter. For more information on staying safe and avoiding any moving company insurance claims, contact us today for more information.

Starting and owning a transportation or moving company can be a tricky operation, especially when it comes to customer service. Since you are dealing with the valuable items of others it’s important you take the time to make sure your customers know everything about what they are getting so you don’t have any issues with your moving company insurance.

What is a Bill of Lading?

A bill of lading is a written document from the moving company to the shipper detailing the parameters of what is being shipped, how it is being shipped and its destination. Moving companies are required to issue this document by law for every single shipment they process or else they could incur penalties or liability issues in which a claim with movers insurance would be necessary.

The bill of lading incorporates every single detail from a move from the type of vessel it’s shipped in (truck, plane, boat) to how many times the items will switch locations. In addition to supplying general information about the move, the bill of lading also acts as a legal contract between the moving company and the mover. The bill of lading ensures that the shipment—usually household goods, like furniture—are picked up from and transported to the correct location.

In essence, a bill of lading is a simple contract detailing the parameters and information surrounding a transportation of items from one place to another. If you don’t want to be left picking up the pieces after a liability claim, contact our agency today to see how you can get moving company insurance.

Are you aware that about 90% of trucking incidents and crashes occur during backing maneuvers? It’s true! As the owner of a moving and storage business, you bear the responsibility of training all company drivers in order to prevent this type of accident from happening. It is crucial to provide training and backing up safety tips to drivers who will be operating such large vehicles, especially since he or she will be backing up 50% of the time.

Here are 10 safety tips that should be included in your training for a safe and effective backing procedure.

Over the past few weeks, we have discussed the importance of reading over your insurance policy. Isn’t it funny how intimidated Americans are by large, technical word documents? Last month, Wolpert’s own Robert Mucci wrote an entire article on this issue, especially when it comes to those in the moving and storage business.

Since both Motor Truck Cargo (MTC) and Warehouseman’s Legal Liability (WLL) are classified as Commercial Marine Inland (CIM), these policies are written according to the writer’s own terms, conditions and charges. This can be a good thing, because it means that it will be tailored to each individual moving and storage company. However, sometimes this sort of technique will mean coverage gaps. According to the article, “Even though MTC and WLL policies are usually preprinted by the insurance companies for their convenience, they are at least theoretically modifiable, making them more susceptible to errors in customization.”

Let’s look at a quick example from Bob Mucci’s article:

“A carrier’s MTC insurance turned out to cover only shipments for which the trucking company issued the bill of lading. Because BOLs in this company’s operation are always issued by a steamship line, the forwarder or a shipper, the trucking firm had been paying hefty premiums for years for essentially zero coverage. They would have known if they’d read the policy.”

To read the entire article, head over to the Transport Topics Newsletter, here!

If you are concerned about your moving and storage insurance policy, do not hesitate to contact the experts at Wolpert Insurance. Our agents understand the risks you may face if there are gaps in your coverage. Together, we can make sure you do not face the worst case scenario.

Last week, we discussed the importance of reading over your cargo and warehouse insurance policy. These “tailored” policies can be tricky and if you are not careful about reading and understanding them, you may fall victim to a coverage gap.

To open your eyes to this issue, let’s take a look at a possible scenario…

ABC Moving and Storage receives directions for Product Company to pick up an outbound seafaring container that is heading to the local shipping port valued at $159,000. ABC sends a driver to Product Company and who then signs for the container. However, he realizes that he will not make it to the port in time, so he asks to leave the container in a remote section of the facility. He moves and unhooks the container and heads home for the weekend without thinking anything of it. Once Monday morning arrives, the driver returns to Product Company only to find out that the container has been stolen.

Product Company initiates a suit seeking reimbursement for their loss of $159,000. However, the motor truck cargo insurance policy ABC has purchased states that only loads hooked up to vehicles are covered as well as terminals and drop yards listed on the policy. Consequently, the insurance company denies the claim, stating that the load was unhooked from the tractor and the Product Company’s yard was not listed as a terminal on the ABC motor truck cargo policy.

In this case, ABC is now left to pay legal fees, related court costs and any judgment or settlement out of the income that ABC earns. This is just one example of a case where the exposures from operations of the company did NOT mesh with the coverage they have obtained. The bottom line: ABC should have read and understood their policy before making such a careless mistake. This is the horrible consequence of a coverage gap.

We get it; no one likes to read paperwork, never mind the fine print at the bottom. Massachusetts residents and Americans across the country are known to just sign on the dotted lined. While it may be easy to assume that all the language in the document is there to help and protect, this may not always be the case. Instead of taking a leap of faith, take a moment to stop and read over your policy. Failing to understand may just have you taking a leap of faith off of a high cliff, with nothing but financial woes to break your fall.