Aleksey Orekhov, Author at Big Boys Insurance

About Aleksey Orekhov

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So far Aleksey Orekhov has created 40 blog entries.

Essential Information for New Clients: 5 Key Things to Keep in Mind

Dear customers,

We want to extend a warm welcome to you as a new or renewing client. We appreciate your recent purchase and are eager to ensure that you are taking full advantage of all the services we offer. Here are 5 key things you should keep in mind:

You should have received a link to our online certificate issuance service. If you need any assistance with it, please don’t hesitate to let us know.
If you require our service team to issue a certificate, you can contact us at coi@bigboysinsurance.com. Our team is available from 8:30am to 5:30pm Eastern Time, and the processing time is typically within 5-10 minutes.
If you need to make any policy changes, such as updating vehicles, drivers, coverage, or values, please email us at info@bigboysinsurance.com.
In the unfortunate event that you need to file a claim, please report it to claims@bigboysinsurance.com.
For any payment inquiries or to make Zelle or check payments, please use billing@bigboysinsurance.com.

If you have any questions or concerns about your policy, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Essential Information for New Clients: 5 Key Things to Keep in MindAleksey Orekhov2023-02-27T04:00:20-04:00

Fifteen tips that truck drivers can utilize to enhance fuel efficiency and decrease maintenance expenses

1

Watch your speed: For every mile per hour driven over 60 mph, fuel economy reduces by one-tenth of a mile per gallon. So, slowing down to 55 mph can save you 20% fuel compared to traveling at 65 mph. Excessive speed also increases wear and tear on your tires, brakes, and engine, leading to higher maintenance and repair costs.
2

Drive at a constant speed: Continually slowing down and speeding up is inefficient, as accelerating burns more fuel.
3

Find the engine’s sweet spot: The sweet spot is the most efficient RPM at which to run the engine. Running your engine in its sweet spot requires that you drive at a constant speed that is usually slower.
4

Avoid harsh braking: Every time you brake, you lose energy. To reduce braking, anticipate changes in traffic and follow at an extended distance.
5

Accelerate smoothly: Fast, hard acceleration wastes fuel and is hard on the engine. Try to anticipate acceleration points so you can use the appropriate amount of acceleration for the situation.
6
Maintain your truck: According to industry research, maintaining your truck and engine appropriately can play a substantial role in enhancing fuel efficiency in the trucking business. In fact, carrying out regular maintenance can result in a potential fuel mileage increase of up to 5%.
7
Check tire inflation pressure: Underinflated tires result in decreased fuel efficiency and increased tire wear. Keep the weather in mind as temperature changes cause tire pressures to fluctuate.
8
Check the condition of aerodynamic devices: Make sure all aerodynamic devices are in good condition with no dents, rips, tears, or dangling parts. Minimize the tractor-to-trailer gap.
9
Watch your load distribution: maintain a low and evenly distributed load. An unevenly distributed load can increase the effort required for your truck to move, so keeping the load height low is essential.
10
Use cruise control: Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed and avoids unnecessary accelerations and decelerations. Adaptive cruise is even better; use it if so equipped.
11
Minimize idling: A 10% annual reduction in idling is worth about 1% in fuel economy, translating to about $500 to $800 annually at $5/gallon fuel prices and 100,000 miles per year. Use a windshield curtain or solar reflector to keep heat loading out of the cab.
12

Do not overfill your tank: To avoid potential hazards and inefficiencies, it’s important not to fill your fuel tank beyond its recommended capacity. Excess fuel can expand when heated by external sources such as sunlight or the engine, leading to overflow. This not only wastes fuel but also poses a safety risk to other motorists. Additionally, the added weight of the surplus fuel can decrease the vehicle’s speed and performance.
13

Watch your interval: Keep the appropriate amount of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you based on speed and road condition. This helps eliminate harsh braking.
14
Optimize routing/reduce out-of-route miles: Take the shortest and quickest reasonable route with the least stops to your destination. Plan to avoid rush hour traffic.
15

Minimize shifting: Every time you shift the engine, rpms increase, and you burn fuel. Try to shift to the next highest gear while still at a low rpm. If you are not using an automated transmission, minimize the number of shifts you make.

Fifteen tips that truck drivers can utilize to enhance fuel efficiency and decrease maintenance expensesAleksey Orekhov2023-02-22T09:53:41-04:00

What is a difference between insurance filling BMC91 and MCS90

BMC-91 and MCS-90 are both forms that are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for commercial motor carriers operating in the United States. However, they serve different purposes and cover different types of liabilities.

BMC-91 is a form used to prove that the carrier has liability insurance coverage for bodily injury, property damage, and environmental restoration. It provides evidence of financial responsibility and is required for motor carriers operating vehicles that transport property across state lines.

On the other hand, MCS-90 is an endorsement that is added to the insurance policy and acts as a guarantee that the insurance company will pay for any judgments against the carrier for bodily injury or property damage caused by the carrier’s negligence or failure to maintain the vehicle. Unlike BMC-91, MCS-90 covers the public and is not limited to a specific type of liability.

In summary, while both forms are required by the FMCSA, BMC-91 provides proof of liability insurance coverage, while MCS-90 serves as an endorsement to the insurance policy and covers the public against any negligence or failure to maintain the vehicle by the carrier.

What is a difference between insurance filling BMC91 and MCS90Aleksey Orekhov2023-02-16T09:46:35-04:00

Cost of trucking accident

The cost of a trucking accident can vary widely depending on several factors, including the severity of the crash, the type of damage sustained, and the number of vehicles and people involved. However, on average, the cost of a trucking accident can be substantial.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the average cost of a large truck crash involving a fatality was estimated to be $3 million in 2020. This includes costs related to medical expenses, property damage, legal fees, and other costs associated with the crash.

The cost of a trucking accident involving injuries can also be significant. The FMCSA estimates that the average cost of a large truck crash involving an injury was $130,000 in 2020. This figure can increase significantly if the injury is severe, or if multiple people are injured in the crash.

In addition to direct costs, such as medical expenses and property damage, trucking accidents can also result in indirect costs, such as lost productivity, increased insurance premiums, and decreased consumer confidence in the trucking industry.

It is important to note that these figures are estimates, and the actual cost of a trucking accident can be higher or lower depending on the specific circumstances of the crash. Nevertheless, it is clear that the cost of trucking accidents can be substantial, and it is in everyone’s best interest to take steps to reduce the risk of crashes and minimize the impact of accidents when they do occur.

Cost of trucking accidentAleksey Orekhov2023-02-16T09:46:27-04:00

Dangers of speeding

Speeding is a major contributor to fatal crashes, as it increases the risk of losing control of the vehicle and reduces the amount of time available for the driver to react to potential hazards on the road.

Truck accidents involving speeding often result in severe injuries or fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 4,000 people were killed in crashes involving large trucks in the United States in 2019. Of these fatalities, approximately 17% were occupants of the large trucks, while the remainder were occupants of other vehicles or non-occupants.

Research has shown that the risk of a crash increases with speed, and trucks require longer distances to stop than passenger vehicles due to their size and weight. The combination of speed and the large size and weight of trucks can make truck accidents involving speeding particularly dangerous. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has found that the risk of fatal crashes increases significantly as speed increases, even in small increments. For example, the risk of a fatal crash doubles with every 10 mph increases in speed above 50 mph.

In addition to the risk of crashes, speeding also reduces the fuel efficiency of trucks, increases wear and tear on the vehicle and its components, and contributes to the creation of dangerous road conditions.

Dangers of speedingAleksey Orekhov2023-02-16T09:46:20-04:00

How do insurance companies use ELD data

Insurance companies use ELD data to better understand a trucker’s driving behavior and performance. This information can then be used to assess the level of risk associated with insuring a particular driver or trucking company, and to set insurance rates accordingly.

Specifically, insurance companies may use ELD data to:

Evaluate driving habits: ELD data can provide insights into a trucker’s driving habits, such as their speed, braking patterns, and overall driving style. This information can help insurance companies assess the risk of insuring a particular driver.
Monitor compliance with regulations: ELD data can help insurance companies monitor compliance with regulations such as hours of service rules, which limit the amount of time a trucker can spend on the road.
Determine accident risk: ELD data can provide information about a trucker’s driving history, including any accidents they have been involved in. This information can help insurance companies assess the risk of insuring a particular driver or trucking company.
Set insurance rates: Based on the information obtained from ELD data, insurance companies can set insurance rates that accurately reflect the level of risk associated with insuring a particular driver or trucking company.

It’s important to note that not all insurance companies use ELD data, and the use of this data is subject to various legal and regulatory restrictions. It’s best to check with a legal expert or industry professional for the most up-to-date information on the use of ELD data in your jurisdiction.

How do insurance companies use ELD dataAleksey Orekhov2023-02-16T09:45:57-04:00

Speed limit per state

The speed limits for trucks and cars vary by state in the United States. Here is a general overview of the speed limits for all states per insurance Institute for Highway Safety:

State	Rural interstates, MPH	Urban interstates, MPH	Other limited access roads, MPH	Other roads, MPH
Alabama	70	65	65	65
Alaska	65	55	65	55
Arizona	75	65	65	65
Arkansas	75 trucks: 70	65	75 trucks: 70	65
California	70 trucks: 55	65 trucks: 55	70 trucks: 55	65 trucks: 55
Colorado	75	65	65	65
Connecticut	65	55	65	55
Delaware	65	55	65	55
District of Columbia	n/a	55	n/a	25
Florida	70	65	70	65
Georgia	70	70	65	65
Hawaii	60	60	55	45
Idaho	75; 80 on specified segments trucks: 70	75; 80 on specified segments trucks: 65	70	70
Illinois	70	55	65	55
Indiana	70 trucks: 65	55	60	55
Iowa	70	55	70	65
Kansas	75	75	75	65
Kentucky	65; 70 on specified segments	65	65	55
Louisiana	75	70	70	65
Maine	75	75	75	60
Maryland	70	70	70	55
Massachusetts	65	65	65	55
Michigan	70; 75 on specified segments trucks 65; 75 on specified segments	70	70	55
Minnesota	70	65	65	60
Mississippi	70	70	70	65
Missouri	70	60	70	65
Montana	80 trucks: 70	65	70 day 65 night	70 day 65 night
Nebraska	75	70	70	65
Nevada	80	65	70	70
New Hampshire	65; 70 on specified segments	65	55	55
New Jersey	65	55	65	55
New Mexico	75	75	65	55
New York	65	65	65	55
North Carolina	70	70	70	55
North Dakota	75	75	70	65
Ohio	70	65	70	55
Oklahoma	75; 80 on specified segments	70	70	70
Oregon	65; 70 on specified segments trucks: 55; 65 on specified segments	55	65	65
Pennsylvania	70	70	70	55
Rhode Island	65	55	55	55
South Carolina	70	70	60	55
South Dakota	80	80	70	70
Tennessee	70	70	70	65
Texas	75; 80 or 85 on specified segments	75	75	75
Utah	75; 80 on specified segments	65	75	65
Vermont	65	55	50	50
Virginia	70	70	65	55
Washington	70; 75 on specified segments trucks: 60	60	60	60
West Virginia	70	55	65	55
Wisconsin	70	70	70	55
Wyoming	75; 80 on specified segments	75; 80 on specified segments	70	70

Note that these are general speed limits and there may be specific restrictions or variations based on the type of road, vehicle, weather conditions, etc. It’s always best to check the specific laws and regulations in your state or consult with local authorities for the most up-to-date information.

Speed limit per stateAleksey Orekhov2023-02-15T01:26:15-04:00

Cargo thefts are on the rise

According to Cargonet there was a 17% increase of cargo thefts from trucks in 2022 with an average loss value of $116,030 with a total loss value of $223 million. About half of the thefts occurred between Friday and Sunday.

Top 3 States:

Top Commodities:

1

Household goods
2

Electronics
3

Foods and beverages

Top Locations:

1

Parking lots
2

Truck stops
3

Secured yards

According to 2019 FBI theft statistics, only 2.8% of stolen cargo was recovered across the nation with just 0.5% recovered in Florida vs 24.3% in Texas.

Here is a list of suggestions to minimize cargo thefts:

Do not leave your truck with cargo unattended
Once truck is loaded, secure the doors with seals and hardened padlocks
Plan your route and stops ahead avoiding known theft hot spots
Park at secure, well-lit and monitored locations
Install electronic security locks, alarms, immobilization systems and tracking devices
Keep the cargo value information secret and keep the drop off location on need-to-know basis
Your drivers is number 1 defense from cargo thefts, hire right and train your employees!

Cargo thefts are on the riseAleksey Orekhov2023-01-19T09:39:57-04:00

FMCSA increased fines for violations effective 1/6/2023

Violating trucking regulations became even more expensive effective 1/6/2023. Below is a list of violations and fines. It is important to understand that violations of trucking regulations can have a negative impact on insurance costs for trucking companies. Insurance companies may consider a company’s compliance with regulations when setting premiums, and a company with a history of violations may be seen as a higher risk and therefore charged higher premiums. Additionally, if a company is found to be in violation of regulations in connection with an accident or incident, the insurance company may be less likely to cover the resulting damages, which can result in significant financial losses for the company.

Violation	Former penalty value	New penalty value
Failure to respond to Agency subpoena to appear and testify or produce records (minimum)	$1,195	$1,288
Failure to respond to Agency subpoena to appear and testify or produce records (maximum)	$11,956	$12,882
Out-of-service order: Operation of CMV by driver	$2,072	$2,232
Out-of-service order: Requiring or permitting operation of CMV by driver	$20,719	$22,324
Out-of-service order: Operation by driver of CMV or intermodal equipment that was placed out-of- service	$2,072	$2,232
Out-of-service order: Requiring or permitting operation of CMV or intermodal equipment that was placed out-of-service	$20,719	$22,324
Out-of-service order: Failure to return written certification of correction	$1,036	$1,116
Out-of-service order: Failure to cease operations as ordered	$29,893	$32,208
Out-of-service order: Operating in violation of order	$26,269	$28,304
Out-of-service order: Conducting operations during suspension or revocation for failure to pay penalties	$16,864	$18,170
Out-of-service order: Conducting operations during suspension or revocation	$26,269	$28,304
Recordkeeping: Maximum penalty per day	$1,388	$1,496
Recordkeeping: Maximum total penalty	$13,885	$14,960
Knowing falsification of records	$13,885	$14,960
Non-recordkeeping violations	$16,864	$18,170
Non-recordkeeping violations by drivers	$4,216	$4,543
Alcohol prohibition violations (first offense)	$3,471	$3,740
Alcohol prohibition violations (second or subsequent conviction)	$6,943	$7,481
Commercial driver’s license violations	$6,269	$6,755
Special penalties pertaining to violation of OOS orders (first conviction)	$3,471	$3,740
Special penalties pertaining to violation of OOS orders (second or subsequent conviction)	$6,943	$7,481
Knowingly allowing, authorizing employee violations of OOS order (minimum)	$6,269	$6,755
Knowingly allowing, authorizing employee violations of OOS order (maximum)	$34,712	$37,400
Special penalties pertaining to railroad-highway grade crossing violations	$17,995	$19,389
Financial responsibility violations	$18,500	$19,933
Violations of Hazardous Materials Regulations and Safety Permitting Regulations (transportation or shipment of hazmat)	$89,678	$96,624
Violations of Hazardous Materials Regulations and Safety Permitting Regulations (training) (minimum penalty)	$540	$582
Violations of Hazardous Materials Regulations and Safety Permitting Regulations (training) (maximum penalty)	$89,678	$96,624
Violations of Hazardous Materials Regulations and Safety Permitting Regulations (packaging or container	$89,678	$96,624
Violations of Hazardous Materials Regulations and Safety Permitting Regulations (compliance with FMCSRs)	$89,678	$96,624
Violations of Hazardous Materials Regulations and Safety Permitting Regulations (death, serious illness, severe injury to persons; destruction of property)	$209,249	$225,455
Operating after being declared unfit by assignment of a final “unsatisfactory” safety rating (generally)	$29,893	$32,208
Operating after being declared unfit by assignment of a final “unsatisfactory” safety rating (hazmat maximum penalty)	$89,678	$96,624
Operating after being declared unfit by assignment of a final “unsatisfactory” safety rating dash; hazardous materials (maximum penalty if death, serious illness, severe injury to persons; destruction of property)	$209,249	$225,455
Violations of the commercial regulations, property carriers	$11,956	$12,882
Violations of the CRs, brokers	$11,956	$12,882
Violations of the CRs, passenger carriers	$29,893	$32,208
Violation of the CRs, foreign carriers, foreign motor private carriers	$11,956	$12,882
Violations of the CRs, foreign motor carriers, foreign motor private carriers before implementation of North American Free Trade Agreement land transportation provisions (maximum penalty for intentional violation)	$16,443	$17,717
Violations of the CRs, foreign motor carriers, foreign motor private carriers before implementation of North American Free Trade Agreement land transportation provisions (maximum penalty for a pattern of intentional violations)	$41,110	$44,294
Violations of the CRs, motor carrier or broker for transportation of hazardous wastes (minimum)	$23,915	$25,767
Violations of the CRs, motor carrier or broker for transportation of hazardous wastes (maximum)	$47,829	$51,533
Violation of the CRs, household goods carrier or freight forwarder, or their receiver or trustee	$1,798	$1,937
Violation of the CRs, weight of HHG shipment, charging for services (minimum for first violation)	$3,600	$3,879
Violation of the CRs, weight of HHG shipment, charging for services (subsequent violations)	$8,998	$9,695
Tariff violations	$179,953	$193,890
Additional tariff violations, rebates or concessions (first violation)	$359	$387
Additional tariff violations, rebates or concessions (subsequent violations)	$449	$484
Tariff violations, freight forwarders (max penalty for first violation)	$901	$971
Tariff violations, freight forwarders (max penalty for subsequent violations)	$3,600	$3,879
Service from freight forwarders at less than rate in effect (first violation)	$901	$971
Service from freight forwarders at less than rate in effect (subsequent violations )	$3,600	$3,879
Loading, unloading violations	$17,995	$19,389
Reporting and recordkeeping dash; min penalty	$1,195	$1,288
Reporting and recordkeeping dash; max penalty	$8,998	$9,695
Unauthorized disclosure of information	$3,600	$3,879
Violation of registration conditions	$901	$971
Knowingly and willingly fails to deliver or unload HHG	$17,995	$19,389
HHG broker estimate before entering into agreement with motor carrier	$13,885	$14,960
HHG transportation or broker services dash; registration requirement	$34,712	$37,400
Copying of records and access to equipment, lands and buildings (max penalty per day)	$1,388	$1,496
Copying of records and access to equipment, lands and buildings (max total penalty)	$13,885	$14,960
Evasion of motor carrier regulations (minimum for first violation)	$2,392	$2,577
Evasion of motor carrier regulations (maximum for first violation)	$5,978	$6,441
Evasion of motor carrier regulations (minimum for subsequent violations)	$2,988	$3,219
Evasion of motor carrier regulations (maximum for subsequent)	$8,958	$9,652
Evasion of carrier or broker regulations (minimum for first violation)	$2,392	$2,577
Evasion of carrier or broker regulations (minimum for subsequent)	$5,978	$6,441

FMCSA increased fines for violations effective 1/6/2023Aleksey Orekhov2023-01-09T05:14:06-04:00

What do I need to know about insurance renewals?

We ask for information before renewal for several reasons. First, we need to assess the current coverage and determine if it is still appropriate for the business. This may involve reviewing the business’s activities, the size of the business, and any changes that have occurred since the last policy was purchased. Second, we will use this information to get updated quotes from multiple insurance carriers, so that we can compare prices and coverage levels and find the best policy for your business. Finally, we may need to gather additional information in order to meet the requirements of the insurance carrier or to comply with state or federal regulations.

In the scope of the renewal we look for the following information from our clients:

Changes in operations, such as changes in managements and contacts, type of services provided, or types of commodities hauled and any other anticipated changes in business for the upcoming policy term
Current equipment/assets schedule and market values
Current driver schedules
Anticipated mileage and/or revenue
Updated payrolls

Your timely and complete responses to our requests for information will enable us to comprehensively analyze your coverage needs, market your account with multiple insurance companies and to offer you more options at the renewal.

What do I need to know about insurance renewals?Aleksey Orekhov2023-01-09T03:24:00-04:00

Rastey.

About Aleksey Orekhov

Top 3 States:

Top Commodities:

Top Locations: