Posted on October 27, 2016
Common carrier vs contract carrier are two expressions that refer to different methods of conveying goods to various destinations. Depending on the goods you are moving, you can choose either a common or a contract carrier. However, before making your choice, it is vital to look at both options and understand the one that is just right for you.
Understanding a common carrier
A common carrier is simply a business enterprise that transports goods and people from one location to another. Trucking firms, shipping firms, bus lines, airlines and rail services fall under the common carrier category.
Features of common carriers
The relevant regulatory body usually regulates common carriers. In addition, these firms are legally bound to carry passengers and goods as long as the fee has been paid and there is space. Common carriers that refuse to carry people or goods unjustifiably may be sued for damages.
Service characteristics of common carriers
This article is looking at common carriers from the perspective of the trucking industry. Below are some of the service characteristics of common carriers with emphasis on the trucking sector.
Accessibility
Highway carriers provide great accessibility. Pickups and trucks give excellent delivery service and the best part is that they can serve long distance and short distance customers.
Flexibility and fast delivery
Trucks have a definite advantage over rail and barge because they can be loaded faster than these options. In addition, the large number of truck lanes and highways means that trucks can deliver goods efficiently with minimum delay.
Safety
Trucking is a relatively safe method of transporting goods. The regulatory agencies insist on speed control, weight limitations, working hours and vehicle safety inspections. This results in less damage to the cargo and this saves the customer a lot of money.
Types of vehicles
Some of the vehicles used in the trucking business are the dry van, open top and tank trailer. Others are the refrigerated truck, flatbed and high cube. In some cases, special vehicles are designed to accommodate unique cargoes like heavy machinery, automobiles and gases.
Understanding contract carriers
A contract carrier is simply a trucking or shipping company that serves specific customers. Contract carriers do not carry freight for the public. They only work for organizations or firms that are contracted to them. A contract carrier could be a single person with a delivery van or a large multinational company with a fleet of trucks, ships or aircraft. Like common carriers, contract carriers are strictly regulated and must obey the rules that govern their operations.
Why you need contract carriers
Contract carriers offer specialized services so you need them if you require specialists to deliver certain goods. For instance, you need a contract carrier if your firm delivers gases that are under pressure. In this case, the contract carrier is expected to have experts in the oil and gas industry to handle and deliver these gases. Again, you need contract carriers for medical transport. Transporting blood, organs for transplant and sensitive medications requires expertise and logistics. You cannot entrust sensitive products of this nature to common carriers so it makes sense to get contract carriers to do the job.
Factors to consider before choosing a contract carrier
Before choosing a contract carrier, you need to be sure that the carrier has the equipment needed for the job. You should also consider the cost and the professional effort involved in this special service.
Common carrier vs contract carrier
The common carrier and the contract carrier serve different purposes. The one you choose depends on the goods you are moving and the destination of these goods. Carry out elaborate research and opt for the carrier that is perfect for your needs.
Posted on October 6, 2016
No one can predict the future, meaning that it would be wise to plan for it should anything go wrong. Your truck is your livelihood, and it can cost a lot to repair or replace it. An interruption could delay your work, unless you think ahead and purchase physical damage truck insurance. You should be aware of what this type of insurance can do for you and why it is important for you to consider, even if your truck is paid off.
The Dangers Truckers Deal With
Being a truck driver can be profitable, but it also happens to be one of the most dangerous jobs around. Statistics show that collisions, and other types of accidents, make truck driving one of the deadliest jobs.
It is recommended that you stay vigilant, and do not overlook any safety measures to make sure you are safe on the road.
One thing you have to worry about is other drivers. Yes, about 80 percent of all truck-related collisions were actually caused by car drivers.
What should be understood is that most car drivers believe they are fast enough to outmaneuver you, or they are simply not paying attention. These collisions can end up costing you a lot more than you could imagine, making physical damage insurance an important commodity that can help alleviate some of the damage your truck suffered. This is especially true if you own the truck outright because some of the cost might fall on you. Most people cannot easily come up with enough money to repair a truck.
Tips to Protect Yourself On the Road
There are about 150,000 truck-related collisions per year, so it is definitely a possibility to prepare for. Repair cost for some truck-related accidents can end up costing around 55,000 dollars, and that is just the average.
It is clear to see how physical damage insurance coverage can keep more cash in your pocket and get you back on the road quicker. Still, one of the smartest things that you can do is take precautions to prevent an accident from even happening.
There is a lot that you can do on your own, like making sure your truck is serviced as recommended, paying particular attention to your brakes and the steering system.
Loading your cargo correctly should help you keep control of the truck, so try to spread the load evenly on the trailer bed.
As mentioned earlier, the biggest danger is other drivers, and you should always drive accordingly. There are a few signs of a bad driver that you can look for like drivers who speed or change lanes without signaling. You might also want to pay attention to drivers who keep reaching for something, which could be a phone.
Drivers who constantly sway may also be dangerous as they could be distracted or under the influence.
You want to either slow down if you can, or try to pass these vehicles as far as possible, just to keep yourself safe. You can also honk your horn if you believe a vehicle cannot see you to get his or her attention, but you should only do this if you believe it is an emergency. A honk could be startling, which could end up causing an accident, too.
What Physical Damage Insurance Can Help With
An accident can still happen, no matter how much time you spend protecting yourself or driving carefully. Like mentioned earlier, there is no telling what the future holds, which makes purchasing physical damage insurance a wise decision.
The insurance should cover your truck and trailer. The insurance rate or premium is not set in stone; it is usually based on your driving history and the overall value of your equipment. You should remember that the insurance company will try to pay the fair market value of the truck and trailer should something happen, so make sure that the truck is not being undervalued or overvalued.
This type of insurance can also cover you if you strike an object or roll over for any reason. It is important to make sure you are aware of the types of accidents the insurance will cover. Be sure to ask about what kind of rollover coverage you are going to be purchasing.
One of the main reasons a truck rolls over deals with weather and another has to do with bad tires. It is important to find out the extent of the coverage.
You should also ask your insurance representative if any discounts are available should you take safety classes or install certain safety features on your vehicle. This should help lower premium payments.
Another addition to this type of insurance is a comprehensive insurance. This addition should help you recover from other types of problems like fire, theft, floods, hail, windstorms, lightning, and earthquakes. These are real dangers that could damage your truck as well. It is important that you have a plan set in place to deal with these possible setbacks.
It is important to find out about the deductible before you agree to a particular coverage so you know how much you might be responsible for should an accident occur. Do not sign anything until you are comfortable with the number.
You should also ask about any limitations concerning your insurance, and try to find a way to deal with those limitations if you need to. There are some insurance plans that will not cover livestock or hazardous materials that you might be transporting, and some insurance plans will not cover coal either.
So make sure that you are covered for certain types of cargo should you depend on them for your job, and strive to be as safe as possible while you are on the road. It is clear to see just how important the right physical damage truck insurance really is and the kinds of dangers a trucker faces without good coverage. Do not delay because your livelihood is worth every penny and every minute of your time.
