http://www.aatruckinsurance.com/blog/View Alexander and Alexander, Inc.'s Website Blogen-uspostmaster@www.aatruckinsurance.comInsurance Website Builder - www.insurancewebsitebuilder.comurn:uuid:e08fa622-fa1e-4f80-85a8-470b3642df48urn:uuid:86d129c6-d66f-4f43-be16-76c3d67f2f61Trailer Interchange insurance provides Physical Damage insurance for trailers being pulled under a trailer interchange agreement. Some brokers require a trailer interchange agreement in order to haul freight.&nbsp;If this is agreement is a&nbsp;requi...Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:06:00 -0500<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Trailer Interchange insurance provides <a href="http://www.aandaky.com/category.aspx?id=MISC16" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Physical Damage</span> </a>insurance for trailers being pulled under a trailer interchange agreement. Some brokers require a trailer interchange agreement in order to haul freight.&nbsp;If this is agreement is a&nbsp;requirement, to be in compliance with the contract, you will need to purchase&nbsp;trailer interchange insurance to protect you while you're in possession of a&nbsp;trailer that you don't own. A trailer interchange agreement is a contract that arranges to transfer a trailer from one trucker to another in order to complete a shipment. Essentially, the coverage provides physical damage insurance for non-owned trailers while under dispatch. The coverage protects you, the motor carrier, if the non-owned trailer you are pulling is damaged by collision, fire, theft, explosion or vandalism. Minus the policy deductible, this endorsement assists in the repair or replacement of the damages. Most insurance companies will only provide this type of coverage if they write the <a href="http://www.aandaky.com/category.aspx?id=MISC5" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Primary Auto Liability</span> </a>and will require a copy of the complete trailer interchange agreement for their files.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">With trailer interchange insurance, you must select both a limit and a deductible. The limit is a stated amount that describes how much your insurance company will pay in the event of a claim. The limit of coverage should be indicated within the contract the broker provides. In most cases, the stated limit is between $20,000 to $30,000 and the deductible would be $1000. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Our agency specializes in <a href="http://www.aatruckinsurance.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Commercial Truck Insurance </span></a>nationwide, with current markets providing excellent rates for trucking coverage in KY, GA, TN, AL, FL, AR &amp; TX. If you have questions regarding Trailer Interchange we would like to hear from you. Our agency can build a policy to meet the needs of your operation. </span></p>urn:uuid:6891f061-3346-46fc-9825-16e7a15518a1Alexander &amp; Alexander, Inc.,&nbsp;is excited to announce that we now have our&nbsp;website available to you in a Mobile Application! Visit us online from your IPhone or Smartphone to see what its all about!&nbsp;The new application provides a str...Thu, 22 Sep 2011 14:18:12 -0500<a href="http://www.aatruckinsurance.com/" target="_blank">Alexander &amp; Alexander, Inc</a>.,&nbsp;is excited to announce that we now have our&nbsp;website available to you in a Mobile Application! Visit us online from your IPhone or Smartphone to see what its all about!&nbsp;The new application provides a streamline format for accessing all the features of our full website but from the convience of your portable device.You can now pay your bill, request a Certificate of Insurance, or even process equipment or driver changes while you are out and about. In the&nbsp;transportation industry, we know our clients, truckers, are ALWAYS on the road. <br /> <br /> Features include Click to Call, which enables visitors to tap our phone # &nbsp;in the application to contact us without having to leave the site.&nbsp;View&nbsp;our employee directory and send an email, download a V-Card&nbsp;or&nbsp;call your contact&nbsp;directly with the tap of your finger. Read current Trucking News. We subscribe to the current leading Transportation News Feeds so our customers can have access in ONE location. Our Links page provides weblinks to top resources for the fleet manager and the owner operator. Find freight, locate recruiting centers, check the weather,&nbsp;shop for parts,&nbsp;check&nbsp;road conditions, and find many other important trucking related sites at your fingertips. OR, Get a Free Truck Insurance Quote with our quick online form! <br /> <br /> Check us out today from your Smartphone to see what all the excitement is about! We strive to continually provide our customers the best service and technology. Spread the word and send us a <a href="http://www.aatruckinsurance.com/refer.aspx" target="_blank">referral</a> today! <br /> <br /> Visit our site from your phone today to check out this new service! <a href="http://www.aatruckinsurance.com/">www.AAtruckinsurance.com</a><br /> <br />urn:uuid:db59861e-e68c-49f2-9dd0-0008094e7258Want to save money on Commercial Trucking Insurance? Looking to purchase affordable truck insurance, but need advice? Getting the Cheapest insurance is not always the best answer. Reduce your premiums by being a smart consumer. Go directly to the so...Fri, 09 Sep 2011 11:47:26 -0500<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Want to save money on Commercial Trucking Insurance? Looking to purchase affordable truck insurance, but need advice? Getting the Cheapest insurance is not always the best answer. Reduce your premiums by being a smart consumer. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Go directly to the source. Contact an insurance agency that specializes in trucking insurance, like&nbsp;<a href="http://www.aatruckinsurance.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Alexander &amp; Alexander, Inc.</strong></a>&nbsp; A Nationwide trucking agent has more knowledge about the transportation industry and will better understand the needs of your operation.&nbsp; Some retail agencies have few markets to offer quotes. Select a retailer, like <a href="http://www.aatruckinsurance.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Alexander &amp; Alexander, Inc</strong></a>. that offers multiple companies and outlets to shop out your insurance to get you the best available coverage at the lowest price. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Know your equipment. Research the values of your semi tractor trailer. Knowing the current market value of your vehicle can save you premium dollars. Don&rsquo;t over insure with a higher stated amount. Physical Damage insurance is generally a calculated by a percentage based on the stated amount you provide on your equipment but claims settlement is based on the actual value at the time of loss. Insure your equipment as close to the actual value as possible to avoid overpayment of premiums. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Loss History. Have your claim reports (Loss Runs) available. Insurance companies will require at least 3 years of loss runs to provide accurate quotes. Having these on hand are beneficial to the applicant and the agent in the submission process as proof of good loss history will present a lower initial quote, in lieu of an estimate based on the future remittance of the reports. &nbsp;&nbsp;In addition, Loss Runs provide the underwriter with information about the profitability of your operation.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Do you have safe drivers? Does your equipment function properly?&nbsp; Be sure your safety manager is reviewing your drivers, and your drivers are doing proper pre-trip inspections. Hiring drivers with extensive claim or violation history generally creates issues for the Motor Carrier. Not only with Safety scores, but can increase premiums at renewal or even cause a policy to be non-renewed at expiration. Insurance Companies have regulations regarding the experience and history of applicant drivers. Make sure you review these requirements with your agent and submit drivers for approval prior to hire.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Our company is a retail facility specializing in the unique insurance needs of today&rsquo;s Motor Carrier. We know the trucking business and are centrally located in the United States. Our operation is licensed in 45 states including Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, Arkansas, Alabama &amp; Texas and we have the top markets for Trucking Insurance available to our clients. Contact our friendly staff today to learn more about saving money on your Transportation Insurance. We specialize in <a href="http://www.aatruckinsurance.com/category.aspx?id=MISC5" target="_blank">Auto Liability</a>, <a href="http://www.aatruckinsurance.com/category.aspx?id=MISC5" target="_blank">Motor Truck Cargo</a>, <a href="http://www.aatruckinsurance.com/category.aspx?id=MISC5" target="_blank">Physical Damage</a>, <a href="http://www.aatruckinsurance.com/category.aspx?id=MISC5" target="_blank">Non-Trucking (Bob-Tail) Liability</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.aatruckinsurance.com/category.aspx?id=MISC5" target="_blank">General Liability</a>, <a href="http://www.aatruckinsurance.com/category.aspx?id=MISC5" target="_blank">Bonds</a>, <a href="http://www.aatruckinsurance.com/category.aspx?id=MISC5" target="_blank">Workers Compensation</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.aatruckinsurance.com/category.aspx?id=MISC5" target="_blank">Occupational Accident</a> and more including an Exclusvie market now available for&nbsp;Owner Operators Fleets. Call US Today! &nbsp;1-800-325-9059</p>urn:uuid:08755b3a-207f-4314-b4c7-f0806ca46494Commercial vehicles pull trailers every day, however, serious and sometimes fatal accidents occur due to the result of improper inspections and preventative measures. It is necessary to understand your commercial truck. Verify that the brake and susp...Fri, 27 May 2011 10:52:36 -0500<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Commercial vehicles pull trailers every day, however, serious and sometimes fatal accidents occur due to the result of improper inspections and preventative measures.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">It is necessary to understand your commercial truck. Verify that the brake and suspension system on your tractor is designed to haul the trailer you are considering based on the loaded weight limit. Some modifications may be necessary to avoid compromising the handling and performance. &nbsp;Refer to your tractors&rsquo; Manufacturer for these recommendations. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Verify with your local authority, DOT, regarding trailer braking requirements and laws. Better to be sure than cited. Electric braking systems in trailers should be verified for proper Installation, maintenance, wiring, and should also have a dashboard mounted manual override button which will allow the driver to activate the trailer brakes without operating the brakes of the tractor. Hydraulic systems are surge brakes. Always regularly inspect, test, and maintain these system components.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Authorities enforce that commercial trailers that require brakes also include an emergency braking system in the event the trailer becomes detached from the tractor. Electric braking systems must include a battery backup as well as a breakaway switch. Hydraulic systems must have a cable or chain that automatically activates the trailers brakes.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Wiring, including flashers, tail and brake lights must be functioning properly and are critical for safe operation. Heavy duty flashers may be needed in the vehicle to allow for the extra electrical load that trailer lights require. Connectors corrode easily,&nbsp; these will need extra attention to maintain proper working order. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Hauling a trailer with a coupler of a different size or rating capacity of the hitch is asking for a disaster. Make sure the hitch should be located so the trailer sits level when connected to the tractor. Grease the hitch lightly so the hitch rotates smoothly. Safety chains should be long enough for tight turns and be crossed to help maintain control while stopping. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">&nbsp;Using s simple safety checklist is maintaining your risk of liability exposure on the highway for your trucking operation.&nbsp; As a fleet safety operator, requiring these inspections can reduce or maintain your insurance rates, safety scores and more.</p> <ul> <li>Inspect brake wiring and harness </li> <li>Inspect safety chains</li> <li>Inspect and clean lighting plug and receptacle</li> <li>Inspect hitch components</li> <li>Test breakaway switch</li> <li>Check exterior lighting</li> <li>Lubricate coupler and latch</li> </ul>urn:uuid:068c69b8-e6ec-433d-8c1a-ca44748ebe8cAlthough the majority of&nbsp;driving takes place during daylight hours, at some point all professional drivers are forced to be driving after dark. Since most accidents occur during nightime hours, it is clear that it takes defensive driving skills ...Fri, 20 May 2011 11:05:32 -0500Although the majority of&nbsp;driving takes place during daylight hours, at some point all professional drivers are forced to be driving after dark. Since most accidents occur during nightime hours, it is clear that it takes defensive driving skills to be safe on the interstate in the evening. <br /> <br /> Roadway lighting is often very poor and in most rural areas lighting is very limited. Know your truck, and be prepared to stop with just the illumination of your own headlights. Do a pre-trip inspection of your headlamps prior to an overnight trip to make sure that they are clean and properly adjusted. Make it a routine to check your lights and reflectors each time you stop and consider installing halogen headlamps for and improvement to your vision. To insure your vision, avoid looking directly into the lights of approaching motor vehicles. <br /> <br /> Evening drivers also impose the possibility of having some fatigue, and in some cases are impared to drive. Be alert for aggressive motorists, as they will generally be driving erratically during these times. Maintain a safe distance from these drivers and allow yourself plenty of room to stop. If a vehicle approachs your lane head-on, slow down and move your vehicle as far to the right as you can. Never take evasive action into an oncoming lane of traffic.<br /> <br /> Reduce your speed during evening hours. Without natural light, fatigue is expected and vision and reaction time are slightly impared. Decrease speed when driving unfamiliar roads or routes less travelled. Maintain a safe distance (up to seven seconds) between you and the vehicle ahead.urn:uuid:a66c3761-27ab-41a5-971b-c5355971d4a8Reduce Vehicle Accidents By encouraging the following driving skills you significantly decrease the effects of accidents. Defensive driving not only protects your driver, it creates a safer environment for those travelling on the highway, minimizes l...Thu, 19 May 2011 16:33:47 -0500<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 13px;">Reduce Vehicle Accidents</span></b></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 13px;">By encouraging the following driving skills you significantly decrease the effects of accidents. Defensive driving not only protects your driver, it creates a safer environment for those travelling on the highway, minimizes liability exposure and potentially saves you money in downtime and expenses associated with vehicle accidents. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: tahoma; font-size: 13px;"><strong>Keep A Safe Distance.</strong> By keeping the proper distance between the tractor and a private passenger auto, the risk of front or rear-end accidents decreases. The recommended safe following distance for passenger vehicles is three seconds. Since the weight of a loaded tractor trailer is substantially greater than that of the passenger auto, the following distance should be increased to five, six or even seven seconds depending on the weight at the time. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 13px;">Wet pavement can present dangerous conditions for drivers. With these inclement weather conditions the driver should produce even further distance between his tractor and all autos.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: tahoma; font-size: 13px;"><strong>Watch Your Brakes.</strong> &nbsp;Make gradual stops. Rear-end collisions can be avoided (as well as cargo damage), by implementing this skill. Alert drivers avoid potential claims, by giving the party following behind them plenty of time to react. There are countless accounts of vehicle accidents which were caused by a sudden stop at an intersection, passenger stop, crossing or turn. Distance is key but alertness to surroundings is critical. Since tractors are not the easiest thing to turn around in a driveway, it makes sense to continually scan the surrounding area, especially when approaching an unfamiliar destination.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: tahoma; font-size: 13px;"><strong>Create a Course.</strong> Road Tests are a great prescreening tool for employment. Create a pre-established route that stimulates the driving conditions that could be encountered on the job. Testing can qualify or disqualify someone provided the criteria is met. Keeping a checklist of the maneuvers is a good written record for the employees file. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: tahoma; font-size: 13px;"><strong>Exams.</strong> Motor carriers falling under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations are required to administer a written examination designed to instruct candidates in the rules and regulations established by the Federal Highway Administration. These regulations also require physical exams of all drivers. Employers not regulated by the FMCSR that are subject to ADA regulations should consider a physical exam after offering the position but prior to the applicant starting work as an additional screening procedure, especially for long haul drivers. Drug testing is yet another risk control factor and another requirement of the FMCSR. &nbsp;Hire a qualified medical clinic or lab to run controlled substance testing for each applicant. Consult your legal council to review your screening procedure with these items to assure compliance with applicable local, state and federal laws. </span></p>urn:uuid:14ae6a82-9d87-42da-941c-0050aa926018In commercial insurance the Certificate of Insurance should be first requirement on any business&rsquo; checklist when reviewing a potential commercial tenant, subcontractor, shipper, broker or vendor. The Certificate is of great importance as it sum...Mon, 09 May 2011 11:31:21 -0500<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">In commercial insurance the Certificate of Insurance should be first requirement on any business&rsquo; checklist when reviewing a potential commercial tenant, subcontractor, shipper, broker or vendor. The Certificate is of great importance as it summarizes the limitations of coverage each prospective contractor has actively in effect. For Trucking, coverage can include: Worker&rsquo;s Compensation, Commercial Auto Liability, Motor Truck Cargo, and General Liability and are generally presented on an annual basis unless a prorated policy was issued mid-term. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">A current certificate of insurance does not transfer risk, but instead provides evidence of existing insurance. Not requesting them can result in circumstances that could have otherwise been avoided, such as potential liability in the event the contractor has only verbally confirmed coverage. Make sure to review the terms of the Certificate, to verify the coverage limits are appropriate under the circumstances of the pending contract. Resources are available online to review the standing of Motor Carriers and Insurance filings. Contracts extending more than a 30 day period should be reviewed with one of these resources, to confirm the status of Insurance, or a new Certificate of Insurance should be requested. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">The Certificate can also be issued to reflect a Physical Damage limit. Most lending institutions require a Certificate of Insurance for financed property, commercial vehicles, or contractors&rsquo; equipment. In these instances the value of the &ldquo;property&rdquo; would be described with the limitation of coverage payable to the lender in the event that the insured incurred claim a total loss. &nbsp;The Lender would also be listed as &ldquo;Loss Payee&rdquo; and &ldquo;Additional Insured&rdquo;. &nbsp;Again, the Certificate does not transfer risk, but it does provide evidence of existing insurance, and prevents the Lender from potentially charging ridiculous fees for limited insurance coverage within your loan.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Consult your Trucking Agent for more information regarding the Certificate of Insurance. Our agency offers online certificates for our customers . Policy information is available online 24 hours a day with a Login and Password. We also accept requests for Certificates from contract sources in our&nbsp;<a href="http://www.aatruckinsurance.com/trucking/certificate_request.aspx">&ldquo;Loading Zone&ldquo;&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;on our homepage.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.aatruckinsurance.com/trucking/a__a_trucking_quote.aspx">Contact us</a> today for more information! </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">&nbsp;</p>urn:uuid:d4d1001c-3409-402f-aac5-e79ab3026bbeAre you a Motor Carrier looking for a dependable driver? Concerned about the applicant&rsquo;s future performance behind the wheel of your tractor trailer? Reviewing a Motor Vehicle Record should be the first piece of information that you consider an...Wed, 04 May 2011 14:25:01 -0500<p>Are you a Motor Carrier looking for a dependable driver? Concerned about the applicant&rsquo;s future performance behind the wheel of your tractor trailer? Reviewing a Motor Vehicle Record should be the first piece of information that you consider and review in the hiring process. A driver with a history of motor vehicle accidents and traffic violations is more likely to continue in that pattern. Statistical information shows that drivers with two or more vehicle accidents or traffic convictions in a three year period are at least 2 1/2 times more likely to have an accident than a driver with a clean record. Always question a clear MVR and review the years of experience behind the wheel, but understand that a bad driving record is generally an indication of poor driving habits.</p> <p><b>Typical Violations indicated on a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR):</b></p> <p>Major violations - Serious convictions which may indicate a disregard to public safety:</p> <p>&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs</p> <p>&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Reckless driving </p> <p>&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Leaving the scene of an accident<br /> <br /> &bull;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Speeding Conviction</p> <p>Moving violations that may reflect poor driving habits:</p> <p>&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Failure to yield right-of-way</p> <p>&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Driving too fast for conditions </p> <p>Statutory violations may reflect moral hazards and are generally licensing or registration offenses:</p> <p>&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Operating an unregistered vehicle</p> <p>&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Using false registration </p> <p>&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Driving under suspended license</p> <p><b>How to use MVRs</b></p> <p><b></b></p> <p>A check on an applicant&rsquo;s driving record should always be made. Hiring only drivers who have a clear</p> <p>three-year record is difficult, yet this should be the goal in any driver selection program. Contact your agent for the qualification guidelines that your insurance carrier requires. Most insurance companies require that all drivers MVR&rsquo;s be prescreened by the agent to confirm eligibility in the insurance program they provide. Careful review of the MVR controls the Motor Carriers exposure to liability, and reduces the risk in preventing potential losses to freight.</p> <p>If it is not possible to hire an employee with a clear driving record then the number and types of violations, as well as the extent and type of driving involved, must be carefully evaluated to determine which applicants present the lowest driving risk. An applicant who&rsquo;s MVR reflects a major violation such as &ldquo;Driving Under the Influence&rdquo; should be immediately disqualified. In evaluating other violations, recent history is more important than past history. The driver with two or three convictions three years ago, but with no recent convictions, is generally a better risk than the driver that has had convictions within the last twelve months.</p> <p>Consider these factors in hiring within your business. As your agent, we provide MVR&rsquo;s throughout the term of your policy to minimize your risk exposure. Consider this valuable service when selecting an agent to represent your trucking operation.</p>urn:uuid:99d1a3bb-164d-4122-825f-0e6922b0a2adThough we have all seen drivers talking on a cell phone while driving, is banning the use of cell phones while driving the answer? There are numerous benefits to cell phone use, for truckers it is a lifeline.&nbsp; Nearly half of all cell phone owner...Tue, 26 Apr 2011 14:37:26 -0500<p style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: tahoma; font-size: 13px;">Though we have all seen drivers talking on a cell phone while driving, is banning the use of cell phones while driving the answer? There are numerous benefits to cell phone use, for truckers it is a lifeline.&nbsp; Nearly half of all cell phone owners have used their cell phones to report trouble, medical emergencies, crimes and drunk or reckless drivers. Phones provide stability and conversation for the long drive ahead. If you must talk while you drive, the safest way is to have a hands-free cell phone cradle installed in your cab so you can speak while driving with two hands. Even so, remember to stay aware of what is going on around you on the road. It is easy to get so engrossed in conversation that you miss exits or fail to notice what other drivers are doing. In these instances, accidents can occur in a split second.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: tahoma; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: tahoma; font-size: 13px;">Some motor carriers prohibit drivers from using cell phones while driving on company time.&nbsp; In contrast,</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: tahoma; font-size: 13px;">other companies adopt cell phone safety guidelines. To protect themselves, companies should consider adding a section to their fleet safety guidelines. These guidelines should be read and signed by each employee who has driving responsibilities. The restrictions should include the use of hands free headsets and prohibit any form of texting while behind the wheel. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: tahoma; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: tahoma; font-size: 13px;">Cell phone use policies may include:<br /> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: tahoma; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: tahoma; font-size: 13px;">1. Banning cell phone use while driving</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: tahoma; font-size: 13px;"></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: tahoma; font-size: 13px;">2. Prohibiting cell phone use while driving in adverse weather or difficult traffic conditions<br /> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: tahoma; font-size: 13px;">3. Instructing employees to avoid calls involving stressful or emotional conversation</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: tahoma; font-size: 13px;"></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: tahoma; font-size: 13px;">4. Allowing voice mail to handle all calls<br /> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: tahoma; font-size: 13px;">5. Making pre-planned times to contact family or make calls during rest&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: tahoma; font-size: 13px;"></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: tahoma; font-size: 13px;">6.&nbsp;Allowing a passenger to make calls<br /> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">7.&nbsp;Understand your phones features i.e. handfree use and speedial</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">8. Prohibiting taking notes while driving<br /> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">9. Prohibiting use of any texing device<br /> <br /> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">Obviously any state laws will supersede theses guidlelines, and there is no guarantee in defending liability with this policy, however training and enforcement can minimize your liability exposure. Remember, being proactive and&nbsp;alert contributes to the safety of our roads. </span></p>urn:uuid:7c66e219-cba2-403f-bb55-6e454fdf0c3eNew from Alexander &amp; Alexander, Inc: A&amp;A now offers a complete package of employee benefits for your Trucking Operation&nbsp;including group and individual health insurance, life and accidental death coverage and disability income. Our new&nb...Tue, 05 Apr 2011 16:19:54 -0500New from Alexander &amp; Alexander, Inc: A&amp;A now offers a complete package of employee benefits for your Trucking Operation&nbsp;including group and individual health insurance, life and accidental death coverage and disability income. Our new&nbsp;market is competative and provides&nbsp;coverage with the nations top physicians and providers in your area. If you are a Motor Carrier or Owner Operator and are&nbsp;tired of the continual increase in cost every year for your company's benefits, give us a call and let us take a look at your plan. <br /> <br /> Contact one of our agents today. Call 1-800-325-9059urn:uuid:acb0e281-5e1e-4e2c-b000-2f9bd5bd9a30<img src='http://www.AATRUCKINSURANCE.com/img/~www.AATRUCKINSURANCE.com/skywalker.jpg' align='left' />The&nbsp;2011 Mid-America Trucking Show is just a few weeks away. The event, scheduled March 31st, through April 2nd, 2011&nbsp;is being held at the Kentucky Expo Center in Louisville, KY. Alexander &amp; Alexander, Inc. will be hosting a booth this ...Wed, 02 Mar 2011 14:46:31 -0600<p style="text-align: center;">The&nbsp;2011 Mid-America Trucking Show is just a few weeks away. The event, scheduled March 31st, through April 2nd, 2011&nbsp;is being held at the Kentucky Expo Center in Louisville, KY. Alexander &amp; Alexander, Inc. will be hosting a booth this year for the duration of the show. Come out and visit us to meet our agency staff and learn more about our valuable insurance including our Owner Operator program for Physical Damage &amp; Non-Trucking. <br /> <br /> <br /> <strong><span style="font-size: 24px;">BOOTH # 65122 - WEST WING<br /> <br /> </span></strong>We will also be hosting a celebrity meet and greet at our booth with former <br /> <strong>University of Kentucky and New York Knicks NBA Star Forward:</strong><br /> <span style="font-size: 18px;"><br /> <strong>Kenny Walker <br /> </strong>"Skywalker"&nbsp;</span></p> <div style="text-align: center;"> <table align="center"> <tbody> <tr> <td>&nbsp;<img alt="" width="348" height="512" style="width: 247px; height: 298px;" src="/img/~www.AATRUCKINSURANCE.com/skywalker.jpg" /></td> <td> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><strong>AUTOGRAPH&nbsp;SESSIONS<br /> FRIDAY &amp; SATURDAY<br /> <br /> TIMES:<br /> FRIDAY APRIL 1ST: 10:00 ET<br /> SATURDAY&nbsp;APRIL 2ND: 10:00 ET<br /> <br /> HAVE YOUR PHOTO TAKEN&nbsp;<br /> AND REGISTER TO WIN AN<br /> AUTOGRAPHED <br /> BASKETBALL&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 24px;"><strong>ABOUT&nbsp;MATS 2011:</strong></span></p> <h1 class="pane-content" style="text-align: center;" jQuery1299096582583="99"><span style="font-size: 18px;">40 Years of The Largest Heavy-Duty Trucking Event In The World</span></h1> <p class="pane-content" style="text-align: center;" jQuery1299096582583="99">The Mid-America Trucking Show is more than a tradeshow. It is the annual forum for the heavy-duty trucking industry, providing face-to-face interaction between industry representatives and trucking professionals. Attendees are driven to MATS because they can efficiently research the latest products and services to provide their business with a competitive edge. Exhibitors participate in MATS to effectively introduce new offerings, increase brand awareness, promote products and connect with suppliers, customers, and prospects.<br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.truckingshow.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="" style="width: 293px; height: 266px;border: 0px solid;" src="/img/~www.AATRUCKINSURANCE.com/MATScorporate(RGB).gif" /></a></p>urn:uuid:735f1781-668a-40e6-a45d-8b332890808a&nbsp;Alexander &amp; Alexander has recently contracted with 3 NEW &ldquo;A&rdquo; Rated Auto Liability Insurance Carriers available NATIONWIDE for Long Haul and Local &amp; Intermediate Truck / Fleet Operations.&nbsp; Whether you have one truck or a...Fri, 18 Feb 2011 14:47:06 -0600<p>&nbsp;Alexander &amp; Alexander has recently contracted with 3 NEW &ldquo;A&rdquo; Rated Auto Liability Insurance Carriers available NATIONWIDE for Long Haul and Local &amp; Intermediate Truck / Fleet Operations.&nbsp; Whether you have one truck or a fleet, our new insurance carriers offer the insurance coverage you need with the competitive rates you deserve.<br /> <br /> Does your operation travel more than 500 miles?&nbsp; Our A+ carrier &nbsp;is interested in Long Haul Motor Carriers of any size and in this market is offering very competitive rates. Fleets over 10+ units are eligible for a Mileage or Revenue based policy which allows the Motor Carrier the freedom of reporting changes once a month, or even once a year. Never get turned down again by a broker because of an A.M. Best score.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Do you drive your tractor local, or within a 500 mile radius? Operations including: Semi Tractors, Tow Trucks, Dump Trucks, Limos, Taxis, School Buses, Driver Training Facilities (Personal and Commercial), all qualify. <br /> <br /> Package quotes are available. In addition to Auto Liability; Physical Damage, Motor Truck Cargo, General Liability, and Garage Liability can be combined into one policy that will provide the coverage you need for your operation. Coverage available in all 50 States including: KY, GA, TN, AL, FL, AR, and TX.&nbsp;</p> <p>A&amp;A also offers flexible payment terms that you can tailor to fit your budget. Make monthly or quarterly payments, easy and online. Ask us how.&nbsp;</p> <p>Contact us today to find out more about these new companies and our valuable business services!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>urn:uuid:a19e9612-00da-4925-9193-010d622dfee5Alexander &amp; Alexander, Inc. is excited to announce a new specialty market for Motor Truck Cargo Insurance! Aspen American Insurance Company , an "A XV" Excellent Rated admitted company, is now offering Motor Truck Cargo Insurance in the following...Fri, 11 Feb 2011 13:04:59 -0600Alexander &amp; Alexander, Inc. is excited to announce a new specialty market for Motor Truck Cargo Insurance! Aspen American Insurance Company , an "A XV" Excellent Rated admitted company, is now offering Motor Truck Cargo Insurance in the following states: Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Iowa, Missouri, and Arkansas. Limits are available as low as $25,000 per Unit, as high as $1,000,000 per Unit or $5,000,000 per catastrophe. Covered Commodities include: Construction Materials, General Commodties, Communication Equipment, General Retail, Paper Goods, and Non Retail Electronics. If you are a motor carrier and you are looking for Motor Truck Cargo Insurance with higher limits, please give us a call today!urn:uuid:96471b05-827c-4132-8573-f8435d6c300b UNDERSTANDING&nbsp;PHYSICAL DAMAGE&nbsp;INSURANCE Physical Damage Insurance is defined as insurance&nbsp;that provides physical&nbsp;coverage for your truck and or trailer in the event it is damaged in a motor vehicle&nbsp;accident. Your premium is...Wed, 26 Jan 2011 16:26:40 -0600<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><strong><span style="font-size: 16px;"><br /> UNDERSTANDING&nbsp;PHYSICAL DAMAGE&nbsp;INSURANCE<br /> <br /> </span></strong>Physical Damage Insurance is defined as insurance&nbsp;that provides physical&nbsp;coverage for your truck and or trailer in the event it is damaged in a motor vehicle&nbsp;accident. Your premium is based on the value of your equipment; usually a percentage of the value. This coverage is not required by law but if you finance your vehicle the lienholder will most likely require it. It is important to insure your vehicle for the real value or a Stated Amount. Not over or under value the vehicle as the insurance company will only pay market value (ACV) at the time of the loss.<br /> <br /> A stated amount allows you to customize your policy to reflect your vehicles true worth. &nbsp;By incorporating the condition of the vehicle and comparing the retail market, you can save premium dollars.<br /> <br /> DETERMINE STATED AMOUNT:<br /> The best way to begin determining a stated amount is to consult a publication that specializes in valuing vehicles or retailers that specialize in tractor trailer sales:</p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Truck Blue Book</li> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Dealerships</li> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Manufacturers</li> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Lending or financial institutions</li> </ul> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">ALSO, CONSIDER THESE FACTORS:</p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Vehicle condition and mileage</li> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Special equipment you've added</li> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Any vehicle upgrades</li> <li style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Engine or major component rebuilds</li> </ul> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">When you make an insurance claim, insurers&rsquo; look at your stated amount and the actual cash value (ACV) of your vehicle and pays whichever is less. So it's important to be as accurate as possible when estimating the value of your vehicle. Overvaluing your vehicle has no benefits as regardless of the premium paid, the valuation at the time of loss will be the actual cash value (ACV), minus your policy deductible.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">On the other hand, if you've undervalued your vehicle, this can create a problem in the event of a total loss as the insurance company will not cover the full value for replacement of the vehicle. If your vehicle is damaged and needs repair, your insurance will only pay repair costs up to the stated amount or actual cash value (ACV), whichever is less.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">To ensure you get the coverage you need, we recommend being as accurate as possible when estimating your vehicle's stated amount. If you already own a policy but feel the value of your vehicle has changed significantly, contact us to let us know. That way your insurance always reflects your actual needs. <br /> <br /> Sincerely,<br /> <br /> <br /> Cary Alexander<br /> Alexander &amp; Alexander, Inc.<br /> <br /> </p>urn:uuid:e5d8c722-a527-47fc-a269-6c374c63f7f6Another year is coming to a close soon and we want to start by saying Thank You to all our clients.&nbsp;&nbsp; Fortunately, insurance pricing, while still expensive, continues to stay close to the lower end of the spectrum.&nbsp; We hope all of our ...Wed, 17 Nov 2010 17:04:40 -0600<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">Another year is coming to a close soon and we want to start by saying Thank You to all our clients.&nbsp;&nbsp; Fortunately, insurance pricing, while still expensive, continues to stay close to the lower end of the spectrum.&nbsp; We hope all of our clients have seen some help on their bottom line as a result.&nbsp; As always, we will continue to search the marketplace for the best coverage and pricing available on your behalf. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri;">We regularly receive calls from truckers, especially owner operators that want to know what insurance they are required to have, and what other coverage they should get to protect their business.&nbsp; The following is a basic explanation that we hope will be helpful to both the owner operator and the motor carrier:</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif;">INSURANCE &ndash; It&rsquo;s the law. According to FMCSA requirements, motor carriers have to be covered with the proper amounts of auto liability insurance and relevant cargo insurance to be in compliance with federal and or state regulations. </span></p> <p><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif;">There are lots of different employment situations for commercial truck drivers: those that work independently and contract themselves out vs. those that work for motor carriers. In different instances, the burden of financial responsibility falls on either the operator or motor carrier.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif;">By definition, a motor carrier is a transporter of some sort licensed by the FMCSA. They transport goods or even passengers on a for-hire basis of some kind. Some motor carriers own their own commercial trucks, but in some cases they will contract out independents that own and operate their own commercial trucks.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif;">For the <i><span style="text-decoration: underline;">OWNER OPERATOR</span></i>, we have some simple tips to make sure that your rig is covered:</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif;">Non-Trucking Liability or &ldquo;Bob Tail&rdquo; Insurance:</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif;">In general, an independent owner/operator will not need their own primary liability coverage. In most cases, the motor carrier will provide this within the lease contract. From dispatch to delivery, the motor carriers&rsquo; fleet liability will be extended to the owner operator&rsquo;s tractor. </span></p> <p><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif;">When the owner is not under dispatch, it is important to carry Non-Trucking Liability, also called Bobtail insurance. &nbsp;Examples of this may include washing or performing maintenance on the truck, or while driving recreationally. <i>***** Most motor carriers require proof of Non Trucking Insurance to complete the lease contract.</i></span></p> <p><b><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif;">Physical Damage:</span></b></p> <p><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif;">Most motor carriers will not provide Physical Damage (also known as collision coverage) for the leased driver. Physical Damage can be purchased by the owner operator independently. While it is not a requirement by the motor carrier, it is beneficial to any driver that could be at a financial loss from the event of an unexpected accident to protect their investment. </span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif;">Motor Truck Cargo</span></strong> </p> <p><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif;">Oftentimes the independent owner/operator is covered under their employer&rsquo;s cargo insurance, again this would be underwritten within the lease contract. In the event this is not available, an owner, within his authority with the FMCSA can apply for Motor Truck Cargo coverage. These policies are generally customized and written to cover goods they are hauling for contract employers in the event of spoilage or accidents.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif;">We hope this blog will help provide a better understanding for those searching the web for an explanation of the requirements or coverages that are available for Owner Operators. </span></p> <p><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif;">Again, we thank you for your patronage, and wish you and yours a very Happy Holiday season!</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif;">Regards,</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif;">Carrie Beth Kessinger<br /> </span><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif;">Client Relations <br /> </span><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif;">Alexander &amp; Alexander, Inc.</span></p>urn:uuid:a6660cdc-2fd3-4481-81e8-70b4400de556Welcome to the brand new A &amp; A website!! We are still under construction, but you will find that we are already more advanced in providing our clients with easy 24 hour access to processing forms that can be completed Online!  As a valuable serv...Wed, 20 Jan 2010 11:50:42 -0600<p style="text-align: left;"><em><span style="font-size: 13px;">Welcome to the brand new A &amp; A website!! We are still under construction, but you will find that we are already more advanced in providing our clients with easy 24 hour access to processing forms that can be completed Online! <br /> <br /> <em>As a valuable service to our clients, our new site allows you to submit changes (i.e driver or equipment), make a payment, file a claim, or contact us with ease and security. Once submitted, the forms are immediately forwarded to the appropriate department for processing.  Please give these forms a try, they are located on the left margin of our site. Contact our </em></span><a href="mailto:carriek@aaandaky.com" class="ApplyClass"><em><span style="font-size: 13px;">webmaster </span></em></a><span style="font-size: 13px;"><em>if you notice any errors or have suggestions. </em><br /> <br /> Our certificate program is still the same, so your login &amp; password information have not changed. Simply click the orange </span><a href="http://www.aatruckinsurance.com/category.aspx?id=MISC3"><span style="font-size: 13px;">CERTIFICATE LOGIN </span></a><span style="font-size: 13px;">button on our home page and enter your info to create your own online certificate.<br /> <br /> It is certainly exciting for us to be starting the new year with new programs and companies available to market your coverage. We look forward to servicing your business!<br /> <br /> <strong>Contact us today to learn about our new Fleet program with Valvoline/Tiwi!<br /> 1-800-325-9059<br /> </strong><br /> Regards,<br /> <br /> Carrie Beth Kessinger<br /> Agency Manager<br /> </span><span style="font-size: 18px;"> <p> </p> </span></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p> </p>