As we roll into 2025, the transportation insurance landscape is more dynamic and challenging than ever. At Lewis Insurance Group, we’re breaking down the key trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the year ahead. Here’s what you need to know to navigate this evolving market.

1. Challenges in the Transportation Sector

The industry continues to face persistent headwinds:

• Low Freight Rates: Profit margins are tightening, especially for small and mid-sized fleets.
• Driver Shortages: Recruitment and retention challenges limit growth opportunities.
• Rising Loss Severity: Inflation in medical and property damages, along with increased legal costs, is driving claim...

The holiday season is the busiest time of the year, not just for retailers and shoppers, but for the trucking industry—the backbone of the holiday economy. As people enjoy holiday meals, decorate their homes, and exchange gifts, an army of trucks and drivers is working tirelessly to ensure everything arrives on time. This annual logistical surge is a story of dedication, resilience, and opportunity.

The Freight Frenzy: Why the Holidays Are Critical for Trucking

The weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas see freight volumes soar, driven by a trifecta of consumer behavior: Black Friday shopping sprees, Cyber Monday clicks, and holiday gifting. E-commerce alone has revolutionized this period, with millions of packages crisscrossing the country daily. According to the...

Dash Cams = More Money in Your Pocket

When you think of dash cameras, you probably picture them as safety tools, right? Something to keep an eye on the road, monitor driver behavior, and provide footage in case of an accident. And while that’s all true, here’s what most people don’t know: dash cams are a financial powerhouse.

Sure, they’re great for safety—but they’re also incredible at saving your fleet serious cash. Think lower insurance premiums, cheaper maintenance, better fuel efficiency, and even protection from costly lawsuits. Let’s dive into how dash cams aren’t just watching the road—they’re watching your bottom line, too.

1. Slashing Insurance Premiums: The Secret Weapon

Want to know...

The trucking industry, once seen as a man’s domain, is witnessing a powerful shift. With more women stepping into driver seats, leading fleets, and starting their own businesses, they’re proving that trucking is an industry open to anyone with the grit and drive to succeed. And now, with new opportunities and support, women are transforming this essential sector.

Breaking Barriers and Hitting the Road

Today, women make up about 10% of all truck drivers—a number that’s steadily growing. In fact, according to the National Transportation Institute, women now account for 18.5% of students in driver training programs. This isn’t just a statistic—it’s a signal that the future of trucking is becoming more inclusive and diverse.

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As a trucking professional, managing costs is essential to the success of your business. One significant factor that directly impacts your expenses is your insurance premiums. What many don’t realize is this: Your CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) score directly affects how much you pay for insurance.

In this post, we’ll explain why CSA scores matter to insurance companies and how you can leverage them to secure better rates on your commercial auto insurance.

What Are CSA Scores?

Before we explore how CSA scores impact insurance, let’s briefly revisit what they are. The Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program is managed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and is designed to improve safety for...

Launching your trucking business with a new DOT Authority is thrilling, but you need to get your insurance in place before you hit the road. Having the right coverage is not only about protecting your company but also about making sure you comply with regulations. Let’s dive into the types of insurance you need, how your CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores affect your premiums, and why working with an insurance agent is better than a call center.

1. Essential Insurance to Get Your Business Rolling

Here’s a simple truth: without proper insurance, your trucking business could be derailed before it even begins. As a new DOT Authority owner, these are the key coverages you need:

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In the trucking and transportation industry, maintaining strong fleet safety practices is essential—not only for the safety of your drivers and cargo but also to reduce liability and protect your commercial auto insurance rates. Whether you’re managing a small fleet or a large operation, improving safety helps avoid accidents, lowers costs, and improves your company’s CSA scores. Here’s how to enhance your safety culture and reduce violations, helping you safeguard your business and optimize your transportation insurance coverage.

• Conduct Regular Internal Safety Audits

  Regular safety audits help you identify potential risks and issues before they escalate. By reviewing...

The e-commerce explosion has changed the way people shop, and the trucking industry is feeling the heat—big time. As consumers expect faster deliveries and more convenience, truckers are the unsung heroes behind every “Order Now” click. But it’s not all smooth highways. The trucking industry is facing major challenges as it tries to keep up with skyrocketing demand.

Let’s break down how e-commerce is turbocharging trucking (and why it’s making fleet managers sweat a little more).

1. Speed is the New Standard

Remember when waiting 5-7 days for a delivery was normal? That’s ancient history. Nowadays, customers expect their packages faster than ever—next-day, same-day, sometimes even within hours. For trucking companies, that means tighter delivery...

As we head into 2025, the trucking industry is set for some exciting changes. From electric rigs to self-driving trucks, there’s a lot happening that will shape the future of transportation. Whether you're a driver, fleet manager, or business owner, these are the trends you need to watch. Let’s dive in!

1. Electric Trucks Are Taking Over

Electric trucks are no longer just a concept—they’re here, and they’re about to become a major player in the industry. With advancements in battery technology, longer ranges, and faster charging times, electric trucks are becoming a real option for more than just short-haul routes. Major manufacturers like Tesla, Volvo, and Daimler are rolling out new models, and more charging stations are popping up along key routes. In...

We’ve all heard the saying, “Location, location, location.” It’s usually the golden rule in real estate, but what if I told you the same thing applies to your insurance premium? Yep, that’s right—where you park your business could be costing you more than just rent. Let’s unpack why your address might be driving up your insurance rates (and no, it’s not just because your office is near that great taco truck).

Risky Business (Literally)

Think of your insurance company as a cautious friend—someone who’s always planning for the worst. They’re not just thinking about how safe you are; they’re worried about where you are. If your business is in an area with bumper-to-bumper traffic, high crime rates, or natural disasters waiting to happen, they’re going to...

In an industry grappling with a high turnover rate, the second-highest rate of fatal work injuries, and escalating insurance costs, implementing effective safe driver programs has become non-negotiable. Fatal crashes involving commercial trucks have surged nearly 40% from 2009 to 2021, and incidents involving inexperienced drivers are on the rise. In fact, the percentage of fatal large truck and bus crashes involving new drivers increased from 4.6% in 2017 to 7.4% in 2022. This spike in crash frequency and severity has prompted insurers to hike premiums for carriers — rising from 6.4 cents per mile in 2013 to 8.8 cents per mile in 2022.

The industry is also battling a driver shortage exceeding 70,000 drivers, forcing fleet...

The transportation industry has seen significant changes with the rise of safety technology in big rigs. From collision avoidance systems to lane departure warnings, these advancements are reshaping how fleets operate, offering enhanced protection for drivers and cargo. While these technologies help reduce accidents, trucking companies are still facing rising insurance premiums.

Why the Premium Hikes?

Despite the implementation of advanced safety features, insurance rates for commercial trucks continue to climb. A few key factors drive this trend:

1. Litigation & Nuclear Verdicts: Legal claims in trucking accidents often result in multi-million dollar settlements, also known as “nuclear verdicts.” These high payouts are...

Insurance costs for fleet operators are continuing to rise, with many companies seeing double-digit premium increases. But why? Legal settlements in accidents and high repair costs are driving rates up. So, what can you do to keep your insurance manageable?

1. Focus on Safety

Keep your fleet’s safety scores low by preventing violations, such as tire or light failures. Implement a solid safety program, and make sure you’re using tools like telematics to track and improve driver behavior.

2. Hold Drivers Accountable

Safety programs are only as strong as their enforcement. Let your drivers know the consequences for unsafe driving and implement consistent accountability.

3. Manage Claims Proactively

Stay...