If your business involves the use of commercial vehicles, there are several steps you can take to prevent damages, injuries, or other losses.
Having a commercial vehicle provides your business with many benefits such as advertising, marketing, equipment storage and transporting employees efficiently. We all understand that accidents happen, however there are ways we can potentially prevent losses. Here are 5 tips to consider.
1 | Maintenance
Having a regular maintenance schedule will keep commercial vehicles running efficiently. In addition, it helps reduce the risk of any mechanical issues or failures. It’s important to utilize an inspection checklist that gets completed daily; having this documentation can help you avoid potential issues.
2 | Properly Equipped
Ensure your commercial vehicle is properly equipped with the necessary tools, such as a flashlight, spare tire, tire jack, and flares. If you have these items and something goes wrong, you’ll be prepared.
3 | Driver & Passenger Authorization
As a business owner, you need to advise your Insurance Broker of ALL employees that have access to and drive a commercial vehicle (even those who drive periodically). A good risk management tool is to ask all potential employees (again those who may have to drive) to provide an updated MVR – it will give the employer a snapshot of their driving habits and experience. When it comes to employee driving authorization, depending on the weight and type of vehicle, special licensing and experience may be required.
4 | Vehicle Protection
When it comes to protecting your business investment, ensure your commercial vehicle is stored in a secure location when it’s not being used. Install an anti-theft device on your commercial vehicle that will help protect your businesses’ particular vehicle and cargo. Likewise, ensure your commercial vehicle key is on a separate ring from your commercial property key and don’t include identification tags with any keys.
5 | Transportation Load
Safe and secure loads will help prevent accidents, such as a spillover on the road or other damage. Make sure you know the maximum load capabilities of your commercial vehicle to avoid any fines for overloading or improper handling.
When it comes to securing your commercial vehicle and avoiding potential losses, it’s imperative you do whatever you can.
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