In traditional capacity models, carriers handle the heavy lifting; procuring freight from customers, obtaining licenses, filings, operating authority, liability insurance, etc. This environment is commoditized and fosters little opportunity to invest in or display value / differentiation. In all honestly, how many of your competitors have access to the same training modules, "proprietary" technologies, safety materials, etc.?... Read More

Since our last discussion in November, countless cultures across the world gathered with family and friends to celebrate various holidays, festivals and traditions. As a nation, our pride rests within our ability to practice these pillars of freedom, perseverance and faith, and recognizing the importance of spending time in reflection.... Read More

It's more difficult to operate in today's transportation environment than ever before.

Ok, not earth shattering news but you've already read all the “doom & gloom” and most likely have experienced significant changes to your business over the past few years. When examining impending changes to the current transportation landscape, most of us would start by acknowledging the 10,000 pound gorilla in the middle of the room - CSA (2010).... Read More

An Occupational Accident (Occ/Acc) insurance program is intended to provide benefits (medical expenses, lost wages due to disability, accidental death, etc.) for independent contractors (ICs) in the event of an occupational or non-occupational related accident. Occ/Acc was designed to be an affordable alternative to Workers' Compensation (WC) and with appropriate benefit levels, can mitigate the risk of ICs seeking employee status¹.... Read More

...what does it mean and how does it impact Your Business and your Independent Contractors?

As in any business model, Motor Carriers (MC) utilizing Independent Contractors (IC) enjoy certain benefits while also assuming additional
risks. One such risk is the potential "uninsured" exposure of the IC while not in a "business use" capacity for the Motor Carrier.... Read More

As I discussed in my previous blog, one of the biggest challenges Motor Carriers (MC) face is maintaining the IC Status of their drivers and defending an IC-to-EE reclassification. The first step involves having an IC Lease Operating Agreement (ICOA) and the second is to identify state-specific laws that pertain to EE and IC status. ... Read More

By leveraging a non-asset based platform with IC's, Motor Carriers (MC) are able to grow while mitigating the significant costs of employee drivers (EE's) and company owned units by leveraging a non-asset based platform with independent contractors (IC).

However, one should consider that while an IC fleet can be a great operational resource, there are inherit risks associated with their utilization.One of the biggest challenges a Motor Carrier faces is maintaining the IC Status of its fleet and defending an IC-to-EE reclassification challenge - an outcome to be avoided at all costs as the financial risks from the IRS & Workers' Compensation (WC) claims/audits could threaten the very existence of the company.... Read More