Key Takeaways:

• Operational Costs Are Up: Insurance premiums, truck payments, and repair costs are all climbing, putting pressure on trucking budgets.
• Liability Risks Are Growing: High jury awards (“nuclear verdicts”) and social inflation are increasing insurance liability.
• Cargo & Cyber Theft Are New Threats: Theft and cyber risks are increasingly targeted at the trucking sector, leading to higher losses and insurance premiums.
• Technology Can Help Reduce Costs: Implementing safety tech and sharing data can lead to premium discounts.
• Speak with an Insurance Advisor: Connect with Jacob Pope at BDI to discuss strategies to reduce insurance costs and manage risks effectively.

In 2024, trucking companies are facing rising insurance rates due to a mix of increasing costs, growing liability risks, and evolving challenges like cargo and cyber theft. If you’re wondering why trucking insurance rates are climbing and what you can do to control costs, you’re not alone.

The 2024 US Transportation Market Outlook report by RPS provides insights into these changes and actionable steps that trucking businesses can take to adapt. Below, we’ll break down the main reasons for rising trucking insurance rates and what you can do to protect your bottom line.

Rising Operational Costs

According to RPS’s 2024 Transportation Market Outlook, trucking companies are seeing steady increases in operational costs. On average, operational costs have risen by 6% from 2023 to 2024, with insurance premiums alone up by 12.5%. Additional cost drivers include:

• Truck and Trailer Payments: Up 8.8% due to limited equipment supply and higher interest rates.
• Driver Wages: Increased 7.6%, as demand for skilled drivers remains high.
• Repair & Maintenance: Up by 3.1%, driven by inflation in parts and service fees.

While diesel prices dropped slightly, other costs are rising faster than revenues, putting trucking companies in a financial bind. These rising costs are making insurance even more vital, as risks increase across the board.

Increasing Liability Risks: Nuclear Verdicts

One of the most pressing issues for the industry is the rise in high jury awards, also known as “nuclear verdicts.” The 2023 RPS Transportation Market Outlook highlighted how these awards have driven up insurance rates for trucking companies, and 2024 sees this trend continuing. Nuclear verdicts increase risks for trucking companies, as juries award record amounts in damages in accidents involving commercial trucks.

Several states, such as New Jersey and Florida, have introduced legislation aimed at limiting excessive liability. However, legal battles and high awards are likely to keep liability costs high for trucking operators.

New Threats: Cargo & Cyber Theft

RPS reports show cargo theft increased 57% in 2023 and continues to rise. High-value and easily resold items like food and electronics are especially targeted, leading to significant financial losses. Additionally, cyber theft has surged in the transportation industry, with cases up 181% year-over-year. Thieves target payment systems, invoices, and other digital assets, creating a new layer of financial and reputational risk.

How Technology Can Help Lower Insurance Costs

Despite these challenges, technology offers a way to mitigate some of the costs associated with rising insurance rates. The 2024 RPS report recommends the use of telematics and electronic logging devices (ELDs) to monitor driver behavior and reduce risks. Many insurers offer premium discounts to companies that share ELD data and use safety equipment.

By sharing data and using technology to monitor routes, safety metrics, and cargo conditions, companies can access discounts and show insurers that they are a lower-risk operation.

Connect with Jacob Pope at BDI

Navigating rising insurance rates in the trucking industry requires a strategic approach. Jacob Pope, an insurance advisor at BDI, can provide tailored advice on how to reduce costs while protecting your fleet and business. Whether you need guidance on implementing safety tech or advice on managing liability, Jacob can help create an insurance strategy that meets your needs.

To learn more, you can reach out to Jacob Pope at BDI for a consultation and explore ways to manage rising insurance rates effectively.