Inside Coverage Insurance Spring 2006
A publication of Great West Casualty Company
Copyright 2006, All Rights Reserved

New Energy Friendly Reefer Unit

Carrier has launched a new multi-temperature reefer engine unit that will run on either diesel power or electric standby power.

Using it’s Deltek© technology, Carrier’s hybrid Vector 1800MT offers advantages, such as lower maintenance costs, a thinner profile, and reduced fuel consumption, the company says. When parked at a shipper or receiver location, the unit can be plugged into standby power, which reduces noise and emissions.

The Vector 1800MT uses less refrigerant than Carrier’s other multi-temperature units, and it has only one belt instead of four. Fewer components also help reduce noise. Because it heats electrically, compressor life is also extended since it is only used during cooling.

The Vector 1800MT comes with built-in 460-volt plug-in capability, which is important in urban distribution and in areas where emissions regulations are strictest. Operators can tap into standby power for emissions and noise abatement, as well as fuel savings.

The unit can be specified with Carrier’s Advance microprocessor control, which allows for precision temperature control. It can also serve 11 different trailer configurations. The simplified refrigeration system increases operating efficiency and reduces costs.
Source: www.trucktrailer.carrier.com

Monitoring Battery Power

It’s happened to truckers before. They go to start their truck and the battery is dead. Whether it's because the lights were left on, or extreme weather has had its effect, the fact is you aren’t going anywhere.

Now a solution called Battery Brain has been created, by Smart Energy Solutions, Inc. A small, innovative device, Battery Brain connects to a vehicle's battery and uses advanced electronics and software to continuously monitor the charge strength of the battery. If the charge drops below a pre-programmed level, Battery Brain automatically cuts off power to anything draining the battery, ensuring there is enough charge remaining to start the engine.
Source: www.batterybrain.com

Nitrogen Used To Save Tires

Nitrogen is a dry, inert gas used to inflate airplane tires, off-road truck tires, military vehicle tires, and race car tires for improved performance.  Nitrogen will help extend tire life by reducing premature failure of the tire. Parker Hannifin’s TireSaver Nitrogen Generators use dry nitrogen instead of compressed air to inflate tires, providing consistent tire pressure and cutting the likelihood of tire failure.
Source: www.parkertiresaver.com

Keeping Good Drivers

What is the main gripe of every transportation executive today? Getting and keeping good drivers. It’s no hidden secret that in today’s market, getting and keeping good drivers is one of the most important aspects in running a good business. Besides fuel costs, drivers are one of the top expenses. Want to keep your best drivers? Take a look at the top five reasons why a driver will leave your company.

1. Compensation – wages, benefits, bonuses and what
they are actually paid for.

2. Communication – company policies, newsletters,
and management and operations feedback, and
customer requirements. Keeping the driver
informed on changes.

3. Respect and honesty – being truthful with the
drivers; respecting the drivers.

4. Home time – getting home for vacations, holidays,
and spending time with their family.

5. Equipment and maintenance – vehicle’s
appearance, comfort, minimum breakdown, and
quick repair.

Want to find out what your drivers think? Send out a questionnaire to them. Ask the drivers questions such as: What will attract quality drivers to come to our company and stick around? What will make them more productive? What will help reduce expenses and generate more revenue? Sometimes, getting the driver’s point view can help you identify areas for improvement.

Once your get your responses back, review the results, discuss them with your operations folks, and at that point you can make some good quality decisions to improve overall operations and recruiting and retention. Hiring a quality driver and retaining that driver will pay off twofold in the long run.

Reporting Accidents Immediately Key To Effective Claims Resolution

The key to lower loss costs and better claims management starts with close cooperation between Great West Casualty Company and our customers. Great West strives to provide the best claims service possible. This includes prompt investigation, accurate evaluation, and ethical resolution while delivering the highest levels of customer service. When claims are reported late, our customers lose the advantage of utilizing a great claims team. All participants in the accident reporting process must be aggressive in addressing all areas of an accident no matter how large or small. The reporting process begins with the driver. How he or she responds can have a huge impact on the outcome of an accident.

Reporting an accident to Great West is simple. Our claims number, 800-228-8040, is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When you call, you will not get an answering machine. Instead, you will speak directly with one of our claims processors. Our claims staff wants to help keep your operation running as smoothly as possible. Your help, however, is needed to ensure that drivers are competent on accident reporting procedures. We want to make sure that if you end up in court, you have done everything possible to avoid an unpleasant and costly verdict.