Insurance BlogSunday, September 25 2022
 Orlando, Fla.—Florida expects to increase the capacity to offer CDL training from less than 1,000 to 3,500 students per year, according to officials information. These news can not come in a better time, when truck driver shortage continues to be a big challenge, we have seen some improvement in parking and rest areas planned for I-4, that will allow drivers to complete more assignments, and now potentially adding at least 1,200 students per year. And we are just weeks away from the high volume shipping season. The following describes the training initiatives planned for each institution.
The State College of Florida will be awarded more than $2 million through the Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant program, which is administered by the Department of Economic Opportunity, also known as DEO, with the objective of expanding the institution’s current CDL program. DEO, through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, is also awarding $500,00 for tuition costs associated with the programs of the local workforce development boards at Northwest Florida State College, Daytona State College, and State College of Florida. Funding will be made available through the following local workforce development boards: $200,000 to CareerSource Suncoast $200,000 to CareerSource Okaloosa Walton $100,000 to CareerSource Flagler Volusia “Florida is a critical link in our nation’s supply chain, and the demand is soaring for Commercial Driver’s License holders,” said CareerSource Florida President and CEO, Michelle Dennard. When you do business with us at Florida Transportation Insurance, you will receive top notch service tailored to your business’s needs. Including:
Call us at (407) 501-8275 to speak with one of our local licensed, experienced agents today, if you prefer using online technology, click on Florida Transportation Insurance any time of a day to receive quotes and information.
Oscar Pacheco - Licensed Agent Wednesday, August 31 2022
 FLORIDA—The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced on Saturday, August 26, 2022, that the USDOT’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is taking steps to create more flexibility for motor carriers and drivers as a response to the shutdown of the BP Whiting refinery caused by an unexpected fire. A Regional Emergency Declaration for emergency relief from certain regulations was issued to address the emergency conditions that create a need for immediate transportation of gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel and provides necessary relief. FMCSA is issuing a temporary hours of service exemption that applies to those transporting gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and other refined petroleum products to Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. The exemption does not include route deliveries or mixed loads with only a “nominal quantity” of qualifying freight. The Emergency Declaration was effective immediately and remain in effect until the end of the emergency, or until 11:59 P.M. (ET), September 10, 2022, whichever is earlier. FMCSA intends to continually review the status of this Emergency Declaration and may take action to extend, modify or terminate the Emergency Declaration if conditions warrant. FMCSA has notified, and will work closely with its state and industry partners to monitor driver work hours and conditions for the duration of the exemption. When we work during emergency protocols it is extremely important to be well informed. If your business includes hauling gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel or other refined petroleum products to Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin, we strongly recommend that you visit www.dot.gov to search for updated information about these changes. Remember that keeping your truck, or fleet, properly insured is key to the continuity of your business, especially in the midst of emergencies. Whether your business has a fleet that is small or large, consisting of buses, limos, taxis, vans and/or shuttles or you are an owner operator. Whether you are an experienced business with small or large fleet operations, or a new venture, FTI offers you specialized insurance through multiple carriers find the right solution for your commercial transportation business. As you do business with us at Florida Transportation Insurance, you will receive top notch service tailored to your business’s needs. Including:
Call us at (407) 501-8275 to speak with one of our local licensed, experienced agents today, if you prefer using online technology, click on Florida Transportation Insurance any time of a day to receive quotes and information.
Oscar Pacheco - Licensed Agent Saturday, July 23 2022
 FLORIDA—Finding the right coverage for certain types of operations involving your vehicles can sometimes be really frustrating. An experienced underwriting team that specializes in offering products that solves the more challenging placement issues faced by our clients is required for operations like:
Also, wholesale distribution and mobile businesses, such as food vendors, and mobile medical and mechanics. Crane operators often find themselves looking for General Liability, Excess Umbrella, Workers’ Compensation, Riggers Liability additional coverages and endorsements, NAICS Class Codes for their businesses which could be challenging and sometimes difficult to find solutions alone. An experienced agent can walk you through topics like self-insured retention, and deductibles to get where you need to get. Many of Florida’s 2.5 million small businesses need commercial auto insurance to protect against liabilities that arise from a variety of incidents involving their work vehicles. Personal auto policies generally don’t cover vehicles used for business because they’re typically exposed to more liability than personal vehicles. Fleet Policy is an insurance contract that applies to a number of vehicles, usually with the requirement that they be under common ownership. Florida Transportation Insurance provides Specialty Programs coverage for small and large transportation fleets operations. As Florida’s premier delivery, logistics, and courier insurance agency, we understand the your business’ demands and how to best protect it from costly risks and liabilities. FTI offers flexible commercial auto insurance that grows with your business. From one vehicle to many others, we have a policy that will meet your budget and insurance needs. In our Specialty Auto program, we can provide Coverage for high risk classes of business, while maintaining a competitive price. Among the business we insure you’ll find:
AND SO MANY MORE Florida Transportation Insurance also provides insurance for the Paratransit & Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Industry. We specialize in transportation service providers operated by public transit agencies, community groups, not-for-profit corporations, for-profit private companies and/or operators. Whether your business has a fleet that is small or large, consisting of buses, limos, taxis, vans and/or shuttles or you are an owner operator. Whether you are an experienced business or a new venture FTI offers specialized insurance through multiple carriers that lets us craft the right solution for your passenger transportation business. When you do business with us you can expect:
Call us at (407) 501-8275 to speak with one of our local licensed, experienced agents today, if you prefer using online technology, click on Florida Transportation Insurance any time of a day to receive quotes and information.
Diana Munoz, CRIS Email Diana Munoz Monday, July 04 2022
 FLORIDA—A company well known for providing technology solutions designed for women’s safety in the U.S. as well as Australia and South Asia, has now joined the very competitive end-to-end delivery management platform arena servicing businesses like retailers, shipper, and carriers taking care of the last mile delivery process. What seems even more interesting about these news revealed during the Symposium/XPO 2022 conference at Walt Disney World’s Dolphin Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, is the fact that unlike other providers, this new company does not provide the outside transportation, allowing in-house networks to work together seamlessly. This is very important because many of the other companies in the market would handle the entire operation, making it unfeasible for those businesses that do have som in-house transportation operation investments. The company, Locus, only handles surface freight, so items that must move on other modes are not included. In order to provide this new order-to-dispatch delivery management solution brings together all the components for a successful last-mile delivery into an integrated platform. Their platform utilizes optimization algorithms and workflow automation to learn from previous outcomes to improve dispatch planning, scheduling and routing. The data insights also increase visibility, capacity and carrier management under an integrated API-ready solution, according to company sources. The technology looks at what the delivery capacity is at time of order. It then handles the management and automation of that order before adding dispatch planning and allocations to the proper delivery provider (in-house versus outsourced or maybe a hybrid model). Once that is all determined, it executes on the dispatch (including a customer service dashboard), before providing a reconciliation process. Technology is making fast changes to the market and it is important to embrace those solutions that are making more positive impact in your particular business to stay ahead in the curve. Just as important, it is to keep your investment and operations well protected with proper insurance coverage. Florida Transportation Insurance provides specialty programs coverage for small and large transportation fleets operations. With some of the best coverages and services in the industry, along with our extensive experience in the transportation industry, we can make it an advantage for you. Give us a call right now to speak with one of our local licensed, experienced agents. Similar to how your clients depend on you for Package Delivery and Last Mile Services, you can depend on the advice of our local agents representing Garzor Insurance to help protect your business. As Florida’s premier delivery, logistics, and courier insurance agency, we understand the your business’ demands and how to best protect it from costly risks and liabilities. Among the business we insure you’ll find: Call us at (407) 501-8275 to speak with one of our local licensed, experienced agents today, if you prefer using online technology, click on Florida Transportation Insurance any time of a day to receive quotes and information.
Oscar Pacheco - Licensed Agent Sunday, May 22 2022
 Photo as published by REUTERS. FLORIDA— Little by little, this process is becoming a reality as each day goes by. According to REUTERS, last May 17, Argo AI had driverless vehicles carrying employees around Miami, FL and Austin, TX. Argo, which is a company backed by Ford Motor Co. and Volkswagen AG, tested their robot taxis’ in both cities for several years, on public roads. Drivers behind the wheel were part of that stage. The task now, although time remains unspecified, is to run driverless operations safely through busy neighborhoods with pedestrians, bicyclists and heavy traffic. Lyft, and Walmart were both already running pilot programs integrating this technology for their delivery and logistics operations. In fact, Lyft sold its own self-driving technology unit a year ago, to partner with Argo AI and Ford, focusing on generating maximum revenue out of the robotaxis by providing routing, customer interface and fleet management services. Walmart partnered with Argo AI and Ford to launch an autonomous vehicle delivery service in Miami, Austin, and Washington, D.C. It is important to note that self-driving companies have pushed out these timelines multiple times, on which they would start to provide the service at full scale, but there are only a few limited fully autonomous programs available across the U.S. If you are considering a business that may include this option in the future, you must know the importance of having a good insurance advisor by your side. Being aware of your current coverage needs, and the capability and due processes to make the necessary changes to your policy when the time comes. We all love the future and technological advancement, and are also aware of the challenges that may present when we look at changes that may revolutionize a whole industry and our way of life. At Florida Transportation Insurance we are happy to help your business thrive when it involves any of the following operations and you want to keep them well insured and secured. Long Haul and Commercial Trucking, Waste & Garbage Hauler, Petroleum, Gasoline and Oil Hauling, Dumping Operations, Armored cars, Crane Operators, HAZMAT Products Hauling, Food Grade Commodities Transport, wholesale distribution and mobile businesses, such as food vendors and mobile medical and mechanics. Additional Coverage options that we can assist you with include:
Insurance wise, whether a big or small operation, we know what it takes to keep your business on the road safely and profitably. Florida Transportation Insurance provides specialty programs coverage for small and large transportation fleets operations. With some of the best coverages and services in the industry, along with our extensive experience in the transportation industry, we can make it an advantage for you. Give us a call right now to speak with one of our local licensed, experienced agents. Call us at (407) 501-8275 to speak with one of our local licensed, experienced agents today, if you prefer using online technology, click on Florida Transportation Insurance any time of a day to receive quotes and information.
Diana Munoz, CRIS Email Diana Munoz Wednesday, April 20 2022
 FLORIDA— Truck driving is among the three most common routes to a middle-income lifestyle without a bachelor’s degree. According to the American Trucking Associations truckers’ earnings are currently increasing at five times their historical rate. In recent times after the pandemic supply challenges the has been a lot of talk about truck driver shortage. If you are following our recent stories you may recall a discussion about hiring younger drivers as the potential solution to the truck driver shortage in the U.S. The Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot (SDAP) program is an under-21 pilot program for truck drivers mandated in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, creating apprenticeships for 3,000 young drivers. Other initiatives created by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in order to improve the working conditions of truck drivers also include the Women of Trucking Advisory Board, The Truck Leasing Task Force, Detention Time Study, Compensation Study, and Funding to State for CDL Licensing. While it is good to know that no stone is being left unturned, it is also important to pay attention to all facts. Pay close attention to the news when they refer to an extremely high percentage of turnover in trucking, implying that they’re leaving the industry. If that were the case, within a year our economy would have collapsed. We know trucks are the backbone of the American economy and central to our way of life. Anytime the trucking industry is affected, the impact is felt by everyday consumers and the millions of businesses that could not exist without trucks. Turnover more accurately measures drivers moving between carriers, according to the ATA which is the organization who created the metric. In other words, turnover is not an indicator of people exiting the industry. Two important factors that affect the truck driver industry turnover include:
The fact is truck driving remains one of the steadiest paths to the middle class without requiring a costly, four-year college degree. It cannot be off-shored, and its essentiality to our way of life and standard of living continue to grow over time. #TruckLife equals the American Dream for those who have chosen driving a truck as a way to provide for their families without the burden of a student loan. Insurance wise, whether a big or small operation, we know what it takes to keep your business on the road safely and profitably. With some of the best coverages and services in the industry, along with our extensive experience in the transportation industry, we can make it an advantage for you. Give us a call right now to speak with one of our local licensed, experienced agents. Call us at (407) 501-8275 to speak with one of our local licensed, experienced agents today, if you prefer using online technology, click on Florida Transportation Insurance any time of a day to receive quotes and information.
Oscar Pacheco - Licensed Agent Saturday, March 12 2022
 FLORIDA—As a public transportation provider your service is essential for all kinds of people. From larger charter operations to municipal transit authorities to limousine services, your customers rely on you to get them around, whether it’s to attend to a special event, get to their job, explore and do some tourism, or a night in town. As a transportation provider, you will be subject to a specific set of liabilities that should be taken seriously. In Florida, any vehicle with a valid registration must: Be insured with PIP and PDL insurance. Have a minimum of $10,000 in PIP AND a minimum of $10,000 in PDL. Vehicles registered as taxis must carry bodily injury liability (BIL) coverage of $125,000 per person, $250,000 per occurrence and $50,000 for (PDL) coverage. Have continuous coverage even if the vehicle is not being driven or is inoperable. Surrender the license plate/tag BEFORE cancelling your insurance. Purchase the policy from an insurance carrier licensed to do business in Florida. Maintain Florida insurance coverage continuously throughout the registration period regardless of the vehicle’s location. When you own and operate a business in public transportation, there are basic coverages you must consider. These include, but are not limited to: Liability Insurance—It covers your company in the event one of your vehicles gets into an auto accident where you or one of your drivers is at fault. Liability insurance coverage covers bodily injury and property damage. Collision Coverage —helps to protect your business when one of your vehicles gets involved in an accident. This coverage will provide protection with property damage and bodily injury. It can also include medical fees and any damage costs that come from the accident. Medical Payments Coverage— This coverage provides payment for any medical expenses that may arise due to an employee or a passenger traveling in your vehicle, regardless of who is at fault in an accident. Comprehensive Coverage — This type of coverage can be valuable when you must pay for repairs or replacement costs associated with an accident. If your business is transporting people from one point to another, FTI can lend a hand. Whether you need coverage for a charter bus, limousine or a wilderness expedition, we’ve got you covered. We are the go-to Local Insurance agency for your Transportation Insurance needs. Some of the Public Auto classes that we offer: Church Buses Mini Buses Charter Buses Day Care Centers Limousines Social Service/Non-Profits Group Home Autos Wilderness Expeditions Airport Shuttle Vans And more … For-hire livery insurance, also known as livery insurance, is a type of commercial auto coverage for vehicles that are used by businesses that generate revenue from transporting people. Types of for-hire livery insurance include: Taxi, black car and limousine services, non-emergency medical transportation, and rideshare insurance. Insurance wise, whether a big or small operation, we know what it takes to keep your business on the road safely and profitably. With some of the best coverages and services in the industry, along with our extensive experience in the transportation industry, we can make it an advantage for you. Give us a call right now to speak with one of our local licensed, experienced agents. Call us at (407) 501-8275 to speak with one of our local licensed, experienced agents today, if you prefer using online technology, click on Florida Transportation Insurance any time of a day to receive quotes and information.
Oscar Pacheco - Licensed Agent Monday, February 21 2022
 FLORIDA—A nationwide shortage of truck parking is an issue that has been well documented for decades, according to groups from the American Trucking Associations and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association. This problem brings a wide range of consequences for highway safety, driver health and well-being, supply-chain efficiency, and the environment. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) hours-of-service (HOS) regulations require drivers to take a 30-minute break when they have driven for a period of eight cumulative hours without at least a 30-minute interruption, and a 10-hour break after 14 hours of driving. When drivers are unable to find safe, authorized parking, they are forced to either park in unsafe or illegal locations, or violate federal HOS regulations by continuing to search for safer, legal alternatives. According to the American Trucking Associations— a staggering 70% of truck drivers have been forced to violate federal HOS rules as a result of this situation. Unsafe locations can include but are not limited to highway shoulders, interstate entry and exit ramps, and abandoned properties—creating heightened safety risks for all motorists. Truck drivers may find themselves making a decision (or being directed by authorities) between relocating, taking a risk for drivers who are not too fatigued to drive but not in compliance with HOS rules, or being allowed to remain parked illegally. The bottom line is that safety is compromised when truck parking is not readily available. Both groups stated that not only does this add severe strain to the supply chain, but it also presents a growing safety hazard for the entire motoring public, and they are demanding the issue to be managed with a sense of urgency by the Department of Transportation. A web conference from the National Coalition on Truck Parking organized by the DOT and the Federal Highway Administration— which took place on December 2020 reiterated that truck parking shortages are still a major problem in every state and region. Major freight corridors and large metro areas have the most acute shortages. These shortages exist at all times of day, week, and year, but mostly overnight and weekdays. A truck parking information management system is emerging as means to inform drivers about parking availability; many drivers use smartphones to access information. There are still challenges in funding and maintaining truck parking for the public and private sector. Truck stop operators need business models that incorporate parking profitably. There is a need for public/private partnerships between truck stop operators and government agencies. Working together is essential to solve the parking shortage problem. Local government involvement and citizen awareness are necessary for effective discussions and realistic plans for truck parking. Insurance wise, whether a big or small operation, we know what it takes to keep your business on the road safely and profitably. With some of the best coverages and services in the industry, along with our extensive experience in the transportation industry, we can make it an advantage for you. Give us a call right now to speak with one of our local licensed, experienced agents. Call us at (407) 501-8275 to speak with one of our local licensed, experienced agents today, if you prefer using online technology, clic on Florida Transportation Insurance any time of a day to receive quotes and information.
Oscar Pacheco - Licensed Agent
Monday, January 17 2022
 Florida—Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) is a required Medicaid benefit as a core solution to patient care access among populations facing transportation barriers. NEMT services are usually intended for medical appointments or other forms of non-emergent care. In Florida, the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) is responsible for the provision of all Medicaid services. NEMT providers are required to offer transportation both to and from the appointment, utilize the most appropriate form of transportation, and include coverage for all expenses associated with transportation. In order to become an NEMT provider in Florida you will need to:
The Commission contracts directly with the Community Transportation Coordinator (CTC) in each county/service area for the coordination of transportation services, and will provide you with the contracting requirements for becoming a local provider. Insurance wise, non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) insurance is a type of for-hire livery coverage designed to protect business vehicles used to transport patients to medical appointments on a pre-arranged basis. These vehicles usually don’t have light bars and sirens that are commonly found in ambulances and other emergency vehicles. Minivans, passenger vans, and SUVs are among the most common commercial autos used for non-emergency medical transportation. In terms of what is needed to qualify for this type of coverage are the following factors:
Whether a big or small operation, we know what it takes to keep your business on the road safely and profitably. With some of the best coverages and services in the industry, along with our extensive experience in the transportation industry, we can make it an advantage for you. Give us a call right now to speak with one of our local licensed, experienced agents. Call us at (407) 501-8275 to speak with one of our local licensed, experienced agents today, if you prefer using online technology, clic on Florida Transportation Insurance any time of a day to receive quotes and information.
Diana Munoz, CRISEmail Diana Munoz
Monday, December 27 2021
 Florida— We all know how critical truck drivers are as a component of our country’s supply chains, who were in short supply in 2021 as the U.S. experienced labor shortages across several industries. As we remember the stories of 2021, the one that made headlines for months, in preparation for the holiday season and beyond were for example the amount of ships backed up on the west coast. It was a clear and present representation of the supply chain crisis, where dozens of ships were eagerly waiting to unload their goods, while consumers expected their holiday shopping items to arrive and be ready for the celebrations. Obviously, the supply shortage was not limited to popular toys and clothing, but it included the holiday early decorations and food for the celebrations, which added a whole lot of tension in households as well as the retailers who were wondering what to do with all the merchandise, if after all, items didn’t arrive on time. Outbreaks from the Delta variant worsened supply chain turmoil earlier this year, causing computer chip and other factories to shut down. Interesting Fact The economy also suffers from a global semiconductor chip shortage.The chip shortage produced an explosion in the price of used cars, as new vehicles were in short supply. Rental car companies also sold off some of their fleets during the pandemic, and the shortage of available cars led to higher prices for people trying to rent a vehicle. Later, as we approached the season, the lack of port workers and truckers to take the goods and move them out of the port, and the surging demand in 2021 as people emerged from their virus-induced isolation and returned to normal purchasing habits, produced what some may call a perfect storm. To give you an idea, imports to the Port of Los Angeles were up 30% in 2021 compared to the preceding year. Where are the truck drivers? The American Trucking Associations has steadily sounded the alarm about a truck driver shortage. Chris Spear, the president and CEO of the ATA, estimated earlier this year that the industry is now down about 80,000 drivers amid the supply chain crunch — a record high. Now, dealing with the Omicron variant, the U.S. Department of Commerce, according to CNN, has expressed a concern that it could exacerbate pressure on the already stressed-out global supply chain, although it is too early to predict. Whether a big or small operation, we know what it takes to keep your business on the road safely and profitably. With some of the best coverages and services in the industry, along with our extensive experience in the transportation industry, we can make it an advantage for you. Give us a call right now to speak with one of our local licensed, experienced agents. Call us at (407) 501-8275 to speak with one of our local licensed, experienced agents today, if you prefer using online technology, clic on Florida Transportation Insurance any time of a day to receive quotes and information.
Oscar Pacheco - Licensed Agent
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