In trucking, the terrain of liability is not strictly confined to the open road. Operations continually intersect with myriad risks that are detached from the vehicle itself. It’s these aspects of general liability that often reveal the complexity and breadth of running a fleet.

Non-Driving Exposures: A Closer Look

The process of loading and unloading holds its own set of exposures. Whether it’s a forklift mishap or unsecured cargo leading to damaged goods, these situations underscore potential liabilities that fall outside the realm of commercial auto policies.

Premises Liability

Liability doesn’t dissipate at the terminal gates. Accidents on your premises, such as a contractor slipping on icy surfaces or improper signage leading to confusion and subsequent damage, can pose significant challenges.

Customer Facility Incidents

When drivers and staff operate at customer facilities, the web of liability obligations expands. Incidents at these sites, involving bodily injury to third parties or damage to customer property, add another layer of exposure.

Operational Risks Beyond Driving

General liability covers a breadth of non-driving incidents—ranging from workplace injuries to inadvertent damages. Protecting against these requires a tailored approach, recognizing the nuanced interactions of personnel and assets.

Evaluating these exposures allows you to integrate a broader perspective on risk management. Acknowledging non-driving liabilities doesn’t necessitate alarm; instead, it reaffirms the depth of attention that prudent operations require.

Andria Baunee is the principal broker at National Heritage Risk – a boutique insurance brokerage that caters exclusively to medium-sized fleets in the United States. For more information, email Andria@NationalHeritageRisk.com or call (716) 402-8686.