Tag Archive for: technology

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

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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. To submit your questions, click here.

Save Time


The most precious commodity. Online training offers numerous ways to increase your efficiency; the most effective being through online orientation.

Traditional in-person orientation for a trucker is about 3 days on average. Every day that one of your drivers is sitting in a classroom and not on the road is potentially 500 miles per new hire. That’s money lost for your bottom line.

You might be thinking, “It’s not always about mileage, safety is a big part of orientation.”

Absolutely, we couldn’t agree more. Since the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic, the entire business structure has shifted. Companies are now realizing the need for remote capabilities.

Our learning management system allows your new hires to start orientation as soon as the job offer is accepted. Instead of dozing off during orientation presentations, your drivers can

participate in online orientation from the comfort of their homes.

If you eliminate just 2 days of in-person orientation, you are looking at an additional 1,000 miles per new driver! Increased your efficiency, capacity, and revenue instantly.

Bonus: Since your drivers can work at their own pace while online, they get to spend more time with their family. This means, when your drivers do show up for their truck assignment, they aren’t worn out by several days of repetitive workshops or classes. They are fresh; ready to hit the road and make some money.

“Infinit-I is the pioneer and the leader for online truck driver training. For instance, we were able to cut our new driver orientation from two days into 2.5 hours with Infinit-I.”

-Bobur Hasan, HR and Recruiting

Save Money


The industry average cost of onboarding a new truck driver is around $10,000 each. How many new drivers do you take on each year? Most trucking companies have a turnover between 85-105%.

If you run a fleet of 100 drivers, your onboarding cost for one year could be up to $1 million dollars. That’s cost to hire, before rolling. How many miles would your new driver have to run before your company breaks even? And since the majority of turnover happens in the first 90 days of employment, how many of your drivers stay on that long?

Our safety program has proven to decrease our client turnover by up to 53%. That means is possible for Infinit-I Workforce Solutions to take you from 100% turnover to just 47%. A reduction in turnover like that would save you over half a million dollars per year in onboarding costs. Incredible!

Let’s say, however, that the Infinit-I Workforce Solutions platform reduces your turnover by a modest (very modest) 5%. Here is a simple formula to show your annual savings:

With a fleet of 100 trucks, a 5% reduction in turnover would save your company $50,000 annually.

 

Save Resources – Drivers, Equipment, Fuel


Our #1 goal is to support you in your effort to create safer drivers. Hopefully, you aren’t willing to put a price on a driver’s life. If our frequent and consistent safety training saves even one life, driver or civilian, our platform proves invaluable to your company.

We can, however, put a price on accidents. The average cost of an accidents/incidents in the trucking industry is around $5,000. Our learning management system has shown some clients up to an 18% reduction in accidents.

“The Infinit-I platform has streamlined our orientation process…resulting in lower CSA scores, reduced worker’s compensation claims, and decreased vehicle incidents and accidents.”

-Shepard Dunn, President & CEO

What could a just a 5% reduction in accidents return to your bottom line? If we figure one accident/incident per week for an entire year, your potential savings could be around $13,000 annually. Plug in your numbers below to figure how much your company could be saving.

Remote training can save you resources in so many other ways too. In-person training sessions, no matter how frequent, will always increase wear & tear on your equipment and unnecessary fuel consumption.

Not to mention the loss of revenue while your drivers are traveling to and from the terminal, not making money for your company. These are opportunity costs that aren’t typically considered when planning for safety training sessions.

And since social distancing is here to stay, in-person training presents even more challenges:

  • – What are your legal responsibilities to your employees?
  • – Can you accommodate a 6-foot distance between attendees?
  • – Will you require your drivers to wear masks?
  • – Will you provide masks?
  • – What types of masks are acceptable?

Too good to be true? Nope!


See for yourself with a complimentary, one-on-one, 30-minute demonstration with our experts. In just half an hour, you’ll experience the power of the Infinit-I Workforce Solutions platform.

Our learning management system will not only create safer drivers, but will save you time, money, and resources. We can prove it.

Click here to enhance your safety culture in just 30 minutes.

 

Want to know more…


More New Content Coming Soon! Check out these new additions to our library.

Out-perform, Out-shine, and Out-grow your Current Safety Culture

Why A Positive Dispatcher & Driver Relationship is Key

Why You Should Be Focused on Your Employee’s Cultural Relationships Now More Than Ever

The Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956


The Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956, signed into law by Dwight D Eisenhower, allowed $25 billion to construct a roadway system to efficiently connect the states. The bill is also known as the National Interstate and Defense Highways Act; its purpose to allow access for military defense during war.

While most drivers are aware and appreciative of this action, most do not know it was inspired by Eisenhower’s personal experiences in the Army. Lieutenant Eisenhower was a participant in the Transcontinental Motor Convoy in 1919, long before his presidency or the interstate system we know today.  The convoy left Gettysburg, Pennsylvania via the Lincoln Highway and headed to San Francisco.

They experienced numerous infrastructural challenges along the way. The convoy damaged bridges, became stuck off-road, and damaged equipment as a result of roadway conditions. The trip across the country took two months.

Because of this experience, Eisenhower was an advocate of constructing an interstate highway system to support national defense. In times of conflict, the US Army will be able to efficiently move troops and supplies across the country in just a few days, rather than months.

While truck drivers, along with the American public, still reap the benefits of this interstate system, it is aging and in need of major reconstruction.

2021 Budget Appropriations for the Department of Transportation


 

On July 14, 2020, the House Appropriations Committee voted on a $158 billion legislation to support the Department of Transportation, among others. The bill, passed in a vote of 30 to 22, will focus in part on the country’s aging transportation system.

 

“The departments and programs funded by the THUD bill are integral to our way of life – housing and transportation connect us to jobs, services, and education.”

-Chairman David Price, House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies.

The Secretary of Transportation received $1 billion for highway infrastructure program. From the full committee print, the allocation requests are listed below.

In the coming years, we are likely to see major reconstruction of interstates across the country. With improved highways, trucking companies will experience increased fuel efficiency and lower mechanical maintenance costs.

For You


As long as we have highways, however, we will always have construction. You do not have to wait until this project is complete to benefit from increased fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs. Infinit-I Workforce Solutions can help you get a jumpstart on those issues and improve your bottom line now.

Over the course of two years after implementing our system, American Central Transport experienced a fleetwide increase of almost 1 MPG. The Director of Safety states it was because of continual training and counseling through the Infinit-I Workforce Solutions platform.

You can do it too. We will show you how. We are offering free demonstrations of our system to anyone interested in enhancing driver performance. Give us 30 minutes to demo. If you like the program, and you will, we will give you 30 days to utilize the system absolutely free.

Further Reading


8% of Truck Drivers Could Lose Their Job if their Employers Do This To Save Money

More New Content Coming Soon! Check out these new additions to our library.

Out-perform, Out-shine, and Out-grow your Current Safety Culture

Why A Positive Dispatcher & Driver Relationship is Key

 

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) is an international effort between industry participants, focused on improving roadway safety. They maintain efforts to educate all drivers in several categories, including International Roadchecks, Brake Safety, Hazardous Materials, etc.

The Operation Safe Driver Program was created by the CVSA to bring awareness to the significance of proper driver behaviors.

Safe Driver Week takes place July 12-18 this year with speeding as the main target. Officers will especially be looking for drivers who are operating at excess speeds. Last year, over 17,500 speeding tickets were issued to commercial and passenger vehicles during the weeklong blitz.

Last year during the same week, CMV drivers received more speeding tickets than the following, combined:

  • – Failure to Wear a Seatbelt
  • – Using a Handheld Phone/Texting
  • – Improper Lane Change
  • – Possession/Influence of drugs or alcohol

Why is it important?

Most accidents involving a CMV are caused by driver behavior, but most often, it wasn’t the trucker’s fault. With crowded highways, speeding four-wheelers, and governed big rigs, traffic accidents are inevitable. Proper training and awareness can significantly reduce the likelihood of an accident involving you or your drivers.

Speed-related issues cause 9,378 crash fatalities in 2018.

9,378 people are dead because someone was driving too fast. Excessive speed is always avoidable and always unacceptable.

No load is worth your life or the lives of others around you.

What are we doing?

Infiniti Workforce Solutions is sponsoring an exclusive webinar for all safety personnel. We will be discussing CVSA’s Safe Driver Week focused on speeding. Three industry experts will be giving best practice advice to help you prepare your fleet.

Here’s the lineup of guests:

-Mark Rhea, Industry Consultant, Infinit-I Workforce Solutions

-Chris Turner, Director of Crash and Data Programs, Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance

-Major Chris Nordloh, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Coordinator, Texas Department of Public Safety

If you want to be proactive during the weeklong blitz, do not miss this webinar. Registration is free. Sign up here.

Infinit-I Workforce Solutions is offering a 30-Day Complimentary Trial to new users.

Absolutely free, no-obligation. Because 30 days is more than enough to prove our value.

And if not, you’ve had access to transportation’s #1 learning management system for free. No cost, whatsoever!

Here’s what you’ll gain:

Automatic Documentation – A rock-solid LMS that captures training and tests your employees on what they learned

Content Library – More content than any other transportation LMS. 850 training videos.

Unmatched Service – Dedicated Client Success Rep who works for you.

Enhance your safety culture today, click here to learn how.

 

Additional Resources:

7 New Social Responsibilities of Truckers; COVID-19 + July 4th

Out-perform, Out-shine, and Out-grow your Current Safety Culture

Why A Positive Dispatcher & Driver Relationship is Key

Why You Should Be Focused on Your Employee’s Cultural Relationships Now More Than Ever

Infinit-I Award-Winning Training Platform

Through the first half of 2020, the trucking industry has made major adjustments to a “new normal.” Our procedures have evolved to maintain efficiency in a wounded economic environment. And yet, we survived.

Resistance to change is common, as amendments to the status quo can be challenging. Stepping outside our comfort zone, however, is an opportunity for personal and professional growth. We were motivated, because of the pandemic, to protect our greatest assets.

You, as a client, are our most valuable asset.

For us, it really wasn’t much of a stretch. We pride ourselves on our unrelenting customer service. The pandemic has allowed us to prove it to a broader audience who, amid the crises, sought affirmation.

For the past six months, our clients continued their success through our training and communication software. To achieve our goal, we stuck by one rule: keep it simple.

Because they have always been top-notch, our Client Success Team was instructed to maintain business as usual. We strive to transcend your expectations, provide superior communication, and employ a problem solver mentality. We provide these through our stellar Client Success Representatives.

Transcend Expectations


We specialize in training. It’s no surprise our Client Success Reps are thoroughly prepared to handle sticky situations. Their abilities will consistently transcend your expectations.

Our Client Success Reps are here to see you out-perform, out-shine, and out-grow your current safety culture.

Out-perform, Out-shine, and Out-grow your Current Safety Culture.

Superior Communication


A key indicator of employee satisfaction is communication. Ask any truck driver, office employee, or shop worker, etc. They will agree.

Infinit-I Workforce Solutions has reformulated the traditional customer service model. Instead of waiting for you to call us with problems, we proactively seek out potential issues in a bi-monthly check-in.

No need to dial a call center, select your prompts, and wait for the next available representative. Our Success Team reaches out to you, saving you time while simultaneously driving you to success.

Problem Solvers’ Mentality


Infinit-I Workforce Solutions not only created the Five Leadership Principles, we employ them. During your chat, let them know which areas of your company you would like to improve. We will show you what it means to “Propel the Psychology of a Problem Solver.”

Our Client Success Reps are well versed in the content of our resource library. They will happily recommend and assign training courses to your employees.


While other companies are scaling back their client support, we are expanding. Where they are cutting availability, we’re building ours. Where they have you on hold for 30 or 60 minutes, we respond as quickly as always.

In addition to your own dedicated CSR, you can now take advantage of our learning management system for free. Get to know us during your 30-Day Complimentary Trial, our gift to an industry under stress.

Our success model is proactive. It is effective. And most importantly, it is personal. We call them Client Success Reps for a reason. You will win! Let us prove it to you.

WHY A POSITIVE DISPATCHER & DRIVER RELATIONSHIP IS KEY

Dispatcher & Driver Relationship


Dispatching truck drivers is a challenging yet rewarding career path. The relationship between the two can be maintained in a healthy way through constant coaching and communication.

Dispatchers must be trained to manage any situation a driver might face over the road. They must be competent enough to walk the driver through sticky situations according to company policy. Not add to the stress of an already intense situation.

A dispatcher is the trucker’s first line of communication when encountering difficult situations. They are the first phone call when a trucker realizes their load might be late, or their trailer is overweight.

But these are minor inconveniences that happen daily, with relatively simple solutions. When a driver becomes injured, however, the dispatcher must be equipped to oversee the crisis.

Proactive vs. Reactive


In the simplest terms, being reactive means responding to situations that have already happened. Being proactive means having a plan in place before a situation occurs.

When a driver realizes their load might be late, there are certain stresses that exist when reporting to the dispatcher. They might be afraid they will get written up or lose their bonus.

While a written warning from a dispatcher is anxiety-inducing, it is nothing compared to the stress that can be caused by injury. Truck drivers are at high risk for some nasty injuries. From broken bones to lost limbs, even death, each is a potential risk of the job.

When a driver calls in to report an accident, the dispatcher must be trained to keep calm. They must also readily recall company policy in order to properly report the incident.

To achieve this, training should occur for dispatchers. Not only on the proper procedures, but also how to effectively communicate with a truck driver after a traumatic incident has occurred.

 

Driver Risks


Work-related injuries can happen anytime, anywhere. For truck drivers, the consequences of a work-related injury could be life or death.

As with any physically demanding job, truckers encounter many risks:

  • – Entering and Exiting the Tractor Trailer
  • – Slinging Chains or Tarps
  • – Loading and Unloading freight
  • – Adjusting Heavy Equipment (sliding tandems)
  • – Back Injury from Extended Driving
  • – Heat-Related Injuries
  • – Hazardous Material Exposure
  • – Accidents and Incidents

Each of these poses a threat to the driver’s health, up to serious injury or death. They could also be put on medical hold if deemed not qualified to operate a commercial vehicle, which can lead to financial struggles for the company and/or the driver.

In addition to truck driver training, dispatchers should be trained on the proper procedures before an event occurs. Knowledge that is frequently and consistently trained will be readily available during a time of crisis.

The Dispatcher & Driver Relationship Program


A healthy relationship is a fundamental motivator for hard work.

Encouraging a positive company culture is essential to achieving top performance. Your dispatchers and drivers are the heart and soul of your company. The health of their relationship is a key indicator of employee morale. A healthy relationship is a fundamental motivator for hard work.

The Dan Baker Cultural Relationship Program offered by Infinit-I Workforce Solutions teaches dispatchers the importance of communication and cooperation with their drivers.

In addition to Dispatcher Driver Relationship training, The Dan Baker Cultural Relationship Program focuses on:

  • – Employee Development
  • – Improve Communications
  • – Encourage Cooperation
  • – Foster Professionalism

The entire Dan Baker Cultural Relationship Program is available on the Infinit-I Workforce Solutions platform.

 

 

Additional Resources:


5 Intangible Must-Haves that Truckers Crave in the Job Market

Why You Should Be Focused on Your Employee’s Cultural Relationships Now More Than Ever

Why your Safety Culture will Die without Buy-In. And how to get it.

 

 

Truck drivers are in high demand, and they know it. Because of the driver shortage, truck drivers expect more from their employers than ever before.

You must become the kind of company a driver wants to work for.

Truckers move fast.  Formalities disappear when communication is hurried.  In the rush, sometimes we forget to see each other as people.

As someone’s mom or dad.  As someone’s son or daughter; grandma or grandpa. Sometimes we forget about each other’s lives lived outside the walls of the company.

The Cultural Relationship


Retention is one of the key factors in the profitability of a trucking company. And to achieve long-term retention of your drivers, they must value your company and want to be there.

Establishing a cultural relationship focuses on enhancing the employee experience. Building positive working relationships between employees improves employee retention and satisfaction.

From Drivers, Operations, Shopworkers, Recruiting, and everyone in between. Add enterprise-wide value with these takeaways:

  • Employee Development
  • Improve Communications
  • Encourage Cooperation
  • Foster Professionalism
  • Reinforce Company Culture

Drivers and Everyone else


A driver’s relationship with your company is formed by every single interaction, from day one. Think about your recruiters, your dispatchers, your mechanics; their job performance of determines the driver’s perception of your company.

An adequately trained and competent workforce leads to greater driver satisfaction. Which, in turn, reduces your turnover and saves you money.

Every employee is responsible for your company culture, a critical factor in retention. Every single employee is a key piece in making your company the place drivers want to stay.

Think about your drivers’ typical day, whether at the terminal or on the road. Every point of contact they meet is potentially a pivotal interaction.

Each of those points of contact determines the driver’s perception of the company. Each interaction is an opportunity to create value for the driver.

At any moment, your driver could experience an unfulfilling encounter with another employee. If that driver decides to leave your company, the cost of a new hire replacement is tremendous.

Your winning team depends on motivation, encouragement, and employee morale. Discover the secret to all three with The Cultural Relationship Program: The People Side of Trucking with Dan Baker.

The Dan Baker Cultural Relationship Program


The son of a trucker, Dan Baker utilizes his 40+ years in the industry to improve trucking operations. His consultation builds relationships between employees that bridge generational gaps.

Dan has developed the Dan Baker Cultural Relationship Program, designed for all employees. From the administration to the shop, from the CEO to the custodial staff, this program will improve their communication skills.

The Dan Baker Cultural Relationship Program is available now on the Infinit-I Workforce Solutions platform. It is presented in three sections:

Employee Development (71 videos)

  • Company Culture, Parts 1 & 2
  • Conflict Resolution, Parts 1 & 2
  • The Most Important Part of the Process is You
  • Our Five Basic Needs
  • Perception
  • How We Perceive Ourselves
  • What Makes People Tick?
  • Comfortable With Yourself

Dispatcher Development/Communication Training (64 videos)

  • Dispatcher Foundations
  • Perception
  • Trust and Respect
  • The Generational Challenge
  • The Functions of a Dispatcher, Parts 1&2
  • Successful Communication
  • The Dispatcher/Driver Relationship
  • Managing Your Own Thinking, Parts 1 & 2

Recruiting Insights (18 videos)

  • Generational Turnover Parts 1 & 2

Poems & Stories (2 videos)

Other Interesting Articles:


Why your Safety Culture will Die without Buy-In. And how to get it.

HOT HOT HOT! Sunshine Threatens Truckers. Here’s What Your Fleet Needs to Know

28 Things Every Employer Should Do While Employees Are Heading Back To Work

Truck Drivers Challenged by Demonstrations All Over the Country

Minimize Mistakes to Maximize your Most Valuable Resource – Your Drivers

What is Buy-In?


One of the most used and sought-after business phrases in the workplace today: Buy-In. When you have a project idea, but you are not a decision-maker, you must get the approval of higher-ups to go ahead.

Before the pitch, you must begin campaigning, gathering support from like-minded co-workers who share your vision for the future. Their support is called “Buy-In.”

Think about the process of starting a business. Most likely, you would need the financial support of investors. The first investor is usually the hardest to convince. Once you have a board of supporters, it is easier to get new ones to sign on.

Selling points


As with any business proposal, the pitch must include the top benefits of the product you wish to implement. Find the aspects of the product that will benefit your company the most and bring those to the presentation.

For instance, your decision-makers may be concerned about the additional workload with this new product. Focus on the redistribution of work that is offered by Infinit-I Workforce Solutions.

They may say the budget doesn’t call for an additional product. In that case, look for all the returns offered by the investment. For example, Infinit-I Workforce Solutions has been proven to reduce the number of accidents for clients.

One prevented accident could save a company thousands of dollars. In that case, the system pays for itself.

When the issue is budget-related, ask yourself what factors you examine when putting a price on your driver’s safety. How are those factors weighted?

Of course, this is a silly question. There is nothing more important than the safety of your fleet. When the return on investment is life or death, establishing a solid safety culture is paramount.

Push Back


When faced with changes, people naturally look for reasons to push back. Humans respect a routine. We feel most at ease when there are no surprises or new tasks to learn. Stepping out of one’s comfort zone is scary to some.

So, when pitching a new project, you will run into some nay-sayers who are not interested in advancing their skills but would rather coast through another day. Your safety culture, however, should never be diluted just so it appeals to those who are complacent.

“We wanted a well-rounded training program. Training dispatchers how to talk to drivers. Everyone has to understand the industry or there will be communication issues back and forth.”

-Larry Finley, Environmental Health & Safety Manager, White Arrow, LLC

As with any profession, employers tend to get the most push back from veterans of the industry. They will hear things like…

“We’ve never had to do this before.”

“I’ve never had an accident.”

Handling Objections


Of course, neither of these are qualifiers to skimp out on training. Accidents and incidents can happen at any moment, to anyone.

Experience managers plan for negative feedback. Try to think of every reason an employee might not want to participate. Prepare a rebuttal for each of them.

“I’ll quit before you make me do more training.”

This is, perhaps, the most challenging form of push back. Take a moment to realize the implications of this statement and how it threatens the quality of your safety program. If you have an employee that does not support the improvement and future direction of your company, you should reevaluate their position.

“There is an apex we want to shoot for. Value of training and the value of people and their safety. Do it right, do it safe, and treat everyone like a leader.”

-Jonathan Richardson, Director of Corporate Training, Martin Transport, Inc.

Mission Critical


Above all, you must prepare to counter uncertainties within your target audience. If your goal is to ensure the safety of your fleet, focus on frequent and consistent safety training.

Now, you can do it for free. Infinit-I Workforce Solutions is offering a Complimentary 30-Day Free Trial to help you gain the Buy-In you need to improve your safety culture.

“Safety training doesn’t just come from a vacuum; you have to start someplace… It’s a process that has to be addressed year-over-year with ownership…”

-Craig Hart, Product Manager, Infinit-I Workforce Solutions

Further resources and expert advice are available in the Infinit-I Workforce Solutions Fast Forward Webinar Series.

In other news: 

7 Steps to Get Safety Ideas Out of the Boardroom and Implemented Into Safety Culture

Why Enhanced Safety Culture is Your #1 Money Saver

Premier Safety Culture Advice

Sunshine Threatens Truckers

Its that time of year again. HOT! And it won’t be getting better any time soon. Heat-related illnesses affect truck drivers often due to the nature of the job.

Loading, unloading, throwing tarps, strapping, etc. all cause extended exposure to the heat. Operations managers must be aware of the risk their drivers are taking by working in the sun and extreme temperatures.

While assessing the risk, managers should create a response plan to be followed in the event of a heat-related illness. Familiarize yourself with the following information so you can create a solid plan to be deployed between your operations staff and drivers.

Truck Drivers are some of the hardest working people in the country. Along with road safety, we here at Infinit-I Workforce Solutions would like to offer some health safety tips.

Please be mindful of the following challenges you or your drivers might face as the temperatures continue to rise:

Sun Related Illnesses


Heat Stroke

If you suspect you or someone near you are suffering from a heat stroke, call 911 or local emergency services. Heat Stroke (or sunstroke) is a medical emergency that causes lasting damage to the victim.

A person can suffer from heatstroke without prior symptoms. It strikes hard and fast from high-temperature exposure. Your body loses its ability to control its temperature, classified by a core temperature of more than 104. This syndrome can cause damage to internal organs.

Check here to study the symptoms before it happens to you.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat Exhaustion is a less severe issue, but if left unchecked, it can lead to heatstroke. It is usually caused by exposure to high temperatures and either dehydration or salt depletion.

Obviously, if you don’t drink enough water, your body will not stay hydrated. It is less known that if your sodium levels get too low, your body can not retain the water you do take in.

Dehydration

Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluid than you are drinking. Watch for the warning signs before it happens. Vomiting and diarrhea can often lead to dehydration if you can’t adequately replace fluids lost.

Heat Cramps

High temperatures lead to dehydration. Dehydration leads to cramps.

Be mindful of your nutrition and hydration levels, especially if you are loading/unloading, throwing tarps, or performing truck maintenance. Exerting yourself in the hot weather can lead to severe cramps.

Heat Rash

Heat Rash is marked by blisters or red bumps that often occur when sweaty skin meets friction. It is especially common in areas that aren’t able to breathe, like armpits, elbow crease, or chest.

While this condition is less severe than the above, it can cause much discomfort to the sufferer. If this happens to you, try to remain in a cool, dry place. You can use powder or antiperspirants to keep the rash dry.

Sun Burn

The pain of a fresh sunburn is all too familiar. It is always a good idea to wear sunscreen, even on a cloudy day.

All skin types are susceptible to sunburn, some may be more vulnerable at lower UV rates. If your skin starts to feel tight or retains heat, it is time to move to a shady area.

Repeated exposure to sunburn can also lead to skin cancer. If you work a job that constantly has you out in the weather, always wear some sort of skin protection.

Use this CDC chart to become familiar with the Warning Signs and Symptoms of Heat Illness.

Sun Related Illness Prevention


To Operations:

Check on your drivers daily. Watch their logs and make sure they are moving. If you see a driver has been idle for an unusual amount of time, be sure to get in contact with them immediately.

If contact cannot be made, you may have to employ an emergency intervention. Speak with your management about a plan before this becomes an issue.

Drink water

Drink water on a timer and consistently throughout the day, not just when you’re thirsty. Often, thirst is not a warning sign of dehydration, but a sign it’s too late.

Avoid alcohol

Obviously, if you’re a professional driver, you should avoid alcohol altogether. Alcohol can function as a diuretic, causing your body to get rid of the fluids that you need. That’s partly why people suffer from hangovers; alcohol causes dehydration.

Avoid sugary drinks

Sugary sodas, juices, and teas are also diuretics and can cause your body to lose fluids more rapidly than normal. In extreme temperatures, it is best to drink low- or no-caffeine, unsweetened drinks.

Idle time

Your employer probably has a policy in place about the amount of time you can idle. Running your air conditioner to stay cool is an important factor in your health and safety. Ask your Operations how often you can idle during the summer months, so you don’t put yourself at risk.

Take Breaks Indoors

During your pre-plan, check your shipper and receiver for a driver lounge. Do not stay in your tractor if it is not required.

Cool Showers

In extreme heat, it is best to avoid scouring shower temperatures if possible. Extended hot water exposure can raise your body temperature. If it is hot outside, your body has to work overtime to cool you back down.

Sunscreen

Make sunscreen a part of your daily routine to protect you from sunburn in the short term and skin cancer in the long term.

Friendly reminder: Drink water.

We have a responsibility to take care of each other. During the summer months, it is critical to know the warning signs of heat-related illness and be able to respond appropriately.

Make sure you have a specific plan in place for heat-related illness and a proper way to communicate that plan to all your drivers and operations staff.

If you do not have the ability to communicate a safety plan immediately, contact Infinit-I Workforce Solutions at 866-904-5087 to learn how we can help. Or request a free demo.

Other Helpful Articles:

Minimize Mistakes To Maximize Your Most Valuable Resource – Your Drivers

Driver Safety Tips for the Summer

5 Tips for Truck Driver Fatigue Management

Our nation is being challenged once again. This time, not only in the spread of a deadly virus, but at the hands of ourselves.

Citizens are outraged over recent acts of brutality, and rightfully so. Demonstrations of protests are taking place all over the country, bringing a voice to those who are concerned. While peaceful protests are encouraged in the Constitution, the actions of extremists are unpredictable and potentially dangerous.

Protesters


Thousands of protesters have joined forces to bring light to a subject about which they are passionate. Where thousands gather, trouble may follow. Live videos on social media show footage of broken glass, buildings on fire, interstates blocked by protesters, etc.

At least two people were injured in Tulsa during a protest that stopped traffic on Interstate 244. In Minneapolis, a tanker truck can be seen driving dangerously fast through a crowd on Interstate 35W.

These demonstrations popped up all over the nation. News reports state that protesters have been impeding traffic all over the country, especially in major cities like St. Louis, Seattle, Asheville, Memphis, etc.

These areas are high traffic corridors for the logistics industry. Millions of truck drivers employ these interstates and inner-city streets every day. Follow these best practices to ensure the safety of your entire fleet.

Solidify your Communication Process


In today’s environment, trucking companies utilize technology to meet their need for widespread communication. Managing an over-the-road fleet requires the capability to quickly communicate with hundreds of people at the touch of a button.

Your drivers should have the ability to receive instant communications from management whether you send messages through text, email, or other messaging platforms. Infinit-I Workforce Solutions has the capabilities to communicate with every employee in your enterprise, whether they be HR, Operations, Safety, Shop, or Professional Driver.

 

Be Proactive


Have you trained your drivers on your current company process in the event they run into protesters?

Keep in mind, most people carry a video camera in their pocket. Cell phones are being used to record interviews, fights, fires, and every little action that might get shared on social media.

You could have a driver end up in the wrong place at the wrong time. Truckers have been video recorded defending their equipment.

If that happens in front of your company logo, it could be considered a giant advertisement of your endorsement of violence. In addition to your driver’s emergency communication plan, you should also include what to do if your company receives bad press.

 

Educate Your Fleet


The world of trucking requires companies to think quickly on their feet and react to all manner of situations. Trucking companies must have a system in place to deliver continuing education to their drivers who can’t immediately route to the terminal for training.

The only way companies can effectively train a widespread fleet is through technology. Drivers can attend and be tested on customized safety training courses from their smartphone or computer.

This technology allows drivers to be trained in situations that unpredictably arise. Management can assign courses on the proper course of action if one of their truckers encounters a protest.

Ensure Safety


Make sure you have a clear and concise plan of action that your fleet and operations are able to execute should they run into one of these demonstrations:

  • Do your dispatchers know how to advise their drivers?
  • Are there any curfews along their route?
  • Do you have a plan for customers if freight is delayed?
  • Have your drivers included searching for protests in their trip plan?
  • Should your drivers abandon their truck if they feel endangered?
  • What should your driver do in the event of an injury?
  • What should your driver do if his equipment is damaged by protesters?

Some of these questions may feel extreme, but its best to have readily available answers in case of an emergency. Infinit-I Workforce Solutions’ Five Leadership Principles could be used in preparation for crises that arise out of this conflict. Click here for the entire webinar series.

Manage HOS Expectation

Personal Conveyance vs. HOS Exception


Managing hours of service is an unforeseen challenge regarding the protests. Interstates are being shut down for hours at a time to ensure the safety of protesters. If your driver is caught in a traffic jam and cannot get off the highway, they must know what to do when they run out of hours.

Drivers can always use personal conveyance to move to the nearest safe haven if they use their entire 11- or 14-hour clock. This off-duty driving tool cannot be used, however, to complete loads unless the shipper or receiver is the nearest safe stop.

Truckers can use the hours of service exemption, however, when delayed due to extreme circumstances. The exemption grants two additional hours of drive time if stoppages could not have been anticipated.

This is usually regarding weather or infrastructure failure, etc. but could be used in the occurrence of an impromptu demonstration.

The exemption will not apply to drivers caught in a traffic jam that could have easily been anticipated. In the case of an empty clock, that driver must use PC to the nearest truck stop, rest area, or parking lot.

We want to Help


Infinit-I Workforce Solutions reminds all professional drivers that your safety is our number one concern. We are doing everything in our power to minimize further injuries and damage. We want to bring safety to the forefront of your truck driving experience.

To help with our mission, we are offering trucking companies a 30-Day Complimentary Trial. We are here to ensure the secure movement of your freight and the safety of your entire fleet.

Here are some articles you may find helpful:


Minimize Mistakes to Maximize You Most Valuable Resource – Your Drivers

Remembering Those Who Are Gone And Dedicated to Keeping Others Safe

5 Bright Future Forecasts For Truckers And How The Industry Is Adapting to Coronavirus Challenges

8 Ways Truckers Relieve Stress During The Pandemic