The partnership gives us a direct way to invest in the next generation of sales talent, right here in the city where Reliance got its start.

A Hometown Partnership

Reliance Partners was founded in Chattanooga in 2009. Since then, we’ve grown into one of the nation’s leading insurance brokerages for the transportation and logistics industry, with offices coast to coast, a 10th appearance on the Inc. 5000 list, and a #52 ranking on Insurance Journal’s 2026 Top 100 Property/Casualty Agencies list.

We got here by listening first, showing up prepared, and going the Extra Mile for every customer we serve. Those are the same habits the Sales Institute builds in its students, which made this partnership a natural fit.

The connection to UTC is personal, too. Our CEO and Founder, Andrew Ladebauche, earned his business finance degree at UTC.

“Reliance Partners was built on a simple idea: the best salespeople aren’t just selling a product; they’re going the extra mile for the person across the table. That’s the Reliance way, and it’s what the John ‘Art’ Phillips Sales Institute is teaching its sales students. As a UTC graduate, I know the caliber of people this university produces and we believe investing in these students is one of the smartest moves we can make. They’ll drive our business and this industry forward, and we can’t wait to see what they accomplish.”

Andrew Ladebauche, CEO and Founder, Reliance Partners

What the Partnership Looks Like

As a gold-level partner, our team will work directly with UTC sales students through:

• Internships that put students to work alongside our producers and account teams
• Mentoring from Reliance sales leaders
• Job shadowing for an inside look at a day in professional sales
• Classroom engagement with our team sharing real-world experience
• Full-time recruiting after graduation

Transportation insurance is one of the fastest-growing sectors in professional selling. We’re excited to give UTC students real experience in it, and to welcome some of them onto our team down the road.

Thank You, UTC

A big thank you to the John “Art” Phillips Sales Institute and the Gary W. Rollins College of Business for the warm welcome, and to everyone who joined us for the recognition event. We’re looking forward to the road ahead together. Go Mocs!

Read UTC’s announcement: Reliance Partners signs on as Gold-Level Partner of John “Art” Phillips Sales Institute

Learn more about the Sales Institute: John “Art” Phillips Sales Institute at UTC

The post Reliance Partners Joins UTC’s John “Art” Phillips Sales Institute as a Corporate Partner appeared first on Commercial Transportation & Trucking Insurance - Reliance Partners.

One of the top underwriters in the country has recently flagged a notable rise in significant reserve increases tied to claims in these two states that exhibit characteristics consistent with suspected staged accident activity, so more claims are coming in that look less like accidents and more like setups. And the trend is serious enough that carriers are advising insureds domiciled in, or regularly operating through, New Jersey and New York to pay close attention. 

Staged Accidents Are Already Being Prosecuted 

Recent cases in both states show how these schemes target commercial vehicles, and how courts and prosecutors are responding. 

In September 2026, Queens prosecutors sentenced the ringleaders of a staged-crash operation that deliberately caused a string of highway collisions across New York City. According to Carrier Management, the scheme involved a lead vehicle directing a second car to suddenly brake or reverse into unsuspecting drivers, after which accomplices would feign injury and funnel claims through specific medical clinics. One of the collisions was engineered against a tractor-trailer driver on the Nassau Expressway. It’s a reminder that commercial vehicles are being deliberately targeted, not just caught in the crossfire. 

Earlier in 2026, a New York Supreme Court judge in Suffolk County went a step further, voiding insurance coverage entirely for eight staged collisions involving box trucks. Per Transport Topics, the court found that all eight crashes occurred roughly 45 days after policy issuance, that every claimant had obtained coverage through the same broker, and that nearly all of them funneled through the same two medical offices and the same attorney, which is a textbook fraud ring structure. The judge’s ruling was unambiguous: staged crashes do not constitute “legitimate occurrences” under a policy, and insurers have no obligation to pay out on them. 

New Jersey has its own active caseload. The state’s Office of the Attorney General has charged multiple “crash and buy” rings, where defendants purchase a policy after a vehicle is already damaged and then file a claim for the earlier incident, a scheme prosecutors call “one of the most common insurance fraud scams in the country.” These cases, along with the New York prosecutions, point to the same conclusion: organized fraud rings are treating the region’s roads, and the vehicles on them, as a business model. 

Why Trucking Companies Are a Target 

Commercial vehicles are attractive targets for staged-accident schemes for a straightforward reason: trucking companies are assumed to carry higher liability limits and are often viewed by fraud rings as a more reliable payout than a claim against an individual driver. That assumption, paired with the broader “nuclear verdict” environment already pushing commercial auto premiums higher, means a single successful staged claim can be expensive, and a pattern of them can meaningfully affect a carrier’s loss history and renewal pricing. 

The Best Defense: Forward-Facing Cameras 

The single most effective tool fleets have against staged-accident fraud is video. A properly installed, fully operational forward-facing camera captures exactly what happened in the moments before impact: a sudden, unexplained stop; a vehicle cutting in front and braking hard; a “swoop and squat” maneuver designed to force a rear-end collision. That footage is often the difference between a drawn-out, costly claim and one that gets closed quickly because the facts are indisputable. 

A few things worth checking now, especially for fleets that run in or through New Jersey and New York: 

• Confirm cameras are recording, not just mounted. A dash cam that isn’t powered correctly, has a full storage card, or has a cracked or obstructed lens provides no protection when it matters. 

• Make sure footage retention policies are long enough to cover the window between an incident and a claim being filed, since staged-accident claims aren’t always reported immediately. 

• Train drivers to recognize the warning signs of a staged setup: vehicles that brake for no visible reason, cars that cut in and immediately slow down, or multiple occupants who seem to coordinate their reactions after a minor impact. 

• Report anything that looks suspicious to your insurance carrier or broker right away, rather than waiting to see if a claim materializes. Early documentation strengthens the eventual defense. 

The Industry Is Fighting Back 

This trend hasn’t gone unnoticed at the federal level. The bipartisan Stop Auto Fraud Act of 2026, introduced in the House in September by representatives from New York, Texas, New Jersey, and California (with a companion bill in the Senate), would make deliberately staging or fabricating a motor vehicle crash a federal crime. The bill has drawn support from the American Trucking Associations, the Truckload Carriers Association, and the Truck Renting and Leasing Association, a sign of how seriously the industry is taking the problem. Coverage from The Trucker notes that the Insurance Information Institute estimates fraud schemes like these already cost consumers roughly $300 a year in higher premiums. 

What This Means for Your Fleet 

If your company is domiciled in New Jersey or New York, or regularly runs freight through either state, this is a good moment to have an internal conversation about camera coverage, driver training, and claims-reporting habits — ideally before a staged claim puts them to the test. The underwriting community is watching this trend closely, and fleets that can demonstrate strong video documentation and proactive fraud awareness are in a far better position, both in an individual claim and at renewal. 

If you want help reviewing your fleet’s camera program, driver training materials, or claims-reporting process in light of this trend, your Reliance Partners team is glad to help you take a closer look. 

Sources 

• New York Staged Crash Ringleaders Sentenced Carrier Management 
• N.Y. Judge Backs Insurer in Staged-Crash Scheme Transport Topics
• Fighting Back Against Truck Accident Fraud and Why Visibility Matters FreightWaves 
• Bipartisan Bill Would Make Staged Crashes a Federal Crime The Trucker 
• Six New Jersey Residents Charged with “Crash and Buy” Insurance Fraud NJ Office of the Attorney General 

The post Staged Accidents Are Rising in New Jersey and New York appeared first on Commercial Transportation & Trucking Insurance - Reliance Partners.

The post Reliance Partners Welcomes Wes Floyd as Chief Information Officer appeared first on Commercial Transportation & Trucking Insurance - Reliance Partners.

Chattanooga, Tennessee, August 11, 2026 – Reliance Partners today announced it has been ranked No. 4753 on the 2026 Inc. 5000 list, marking the company’s 10th appearance on the prestigious annual ranking of America’s fastest-growing private companies. The list is the most prestigious ranking of the nation’s most successful independent and entrepreneurial businesses, recognizing companies that have achieved remarkable growth while driving innovation, creating jobs, and shaping the future of the economy. Past honorees include companies such as Microsoft, Meta, Chobani, Oracle, and Patagonia.  

“Earning our 10th recognition on the Inc. 5000 is a testament to the incredible people behind Reliance Partners and the trust our clients place in us every day. Our growth has always been driven by a commitment to serving the transportation industry with expertise, innovation, and a people-first approach. As our clients continue to evolve, we’ll keep investing in the talent, technology, and partnerships that help them succeed. We’re honored to receive this recognition and excited about what’s ahead.” said Andrew Ladebauche, CEO of Reliance Partners. 

This year’s Inc. 5000 recognizes a new class of companies redefining what growth looks like. From AI and advanced manufacturing to healthcare, consumer products, and professional services, these businesses are expanding their impact, creating jobs and proving that entrepreneurial ambition continues to fuel the U.S. economy. Among the 5,000 companies on the list, the median three-year revenue growth rate was 130%, and those companies have collectively added more than 627,208 jobs to the U.S. economy over the past three years.  

For the full Inc. 5000 list, honoree company profiles, and a searchable database by industry and location, please visit: www.inc.com/inc5000.  

“Every company on the Inc. 5000 has a story of perseverance, smart decision making, and a refusal to sit still,” says Mike Hofman, editor-in-chief of Inc. “Their growth reflects more than strong financial performance–it reflects creativity, resilience, and the customer focus required to build companies that make a lasting impact. We congratulate all honorees on this significant achievement.”  

Inc. will celebrate the honorees at the 2026 Inc. 5000 Conference & Gala, taking place October 14–16 in Dallas, Texas and the top 500 will be listed in the Fall issue of Inc. Magazine. Tickets are on sale now.  

Inc. 5000 List Methodology  

Companies on the 2026 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2022 to 2025. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2022. They must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2025. (Since then, some on the list may have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2022 is $100,000; the minimum for 2025 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons.  

About Reliance Partners 

Reliance Partners is a leading commercial insurance agency specializing in transportation and logistics. Founded with a mission to provide industry-specific insurance and risk management solutions, the company combines innovative technology with deep transportation expertise to deliver customized insurance products that help businesses manage risk and achieve long-term success. Headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with multiple offices nationwide, Reliance Partners proudly serves motor carriers, freight brokers, and logistics companies across North America and is committed to being a trusted advisor to its clients while helping shape the future of the transportation industry. 

About Inc.  

Inc. is the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of its community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating the future of business. Inc. is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow leading business publication Fast Company. For more information, visit www.inc.com. 

The post Reliance Partners Earns 10th Inc. 5000 Recognition appeared first on Commercial Transportation & Trucking Insurance - Reliance Partners.

This year’s agenda expanded on everything that made past years successful, adding new panels, new voices, and a marquee session that’s never been part of Trucking Matters before: a live conversation with a federal regulator.

Key Highlights from the Seminar:

Freight, Capacity, and Economic Update

Reliance Partners’ own Thom Albrecht, Chief Revenue Officer, opened the day with his signature look at freight market conditions, capacity trends, and when supply and demand might finally find balance.

FMCSA Townhall Q&A

The standout new addition to this year’s program: a live Q&A with Jesse Elison, Deputy Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Attendees got direct access to the agency shaping the regulatory landscape for their businesses, with Elison fielding questions on enforcement priorities, rulemaking, and the road ahead for commercial motor vehicle safety policy.

The Next Frontier of Theft, Fraud and Carrier Vetting

Michael Caney of Highway and Scott Cornell of Logistiq Insurance Solutions led attendees through the evolving landscape of cargo theft, internal fraud, and carrier vetting — building on a topic that’s remained a top concern for the industry year over year.

FMCSA Compliance and Safety Insights

Reliance Partners’ own Mark Barlar, Director of Risk Services, and Daniel Vega, Director of Safety, shared hands-on expertise from decades combined in state patrol, CVSA inspection, and post-crash investigation work, helping attendees stay ahead of compliance and safety pitfalls.

Volatility + Data = Opportunity: Growth Through Credit Intelligence

A new breakout session this year, led by the Allianz Trade team, explored how credit risk data and intelligence can help carriers and brokers make smarter decisions and protect against customer defaults in a volatile freight market.

Motor Carrier Panel

Moderated by Thom Albrecht, this year’s motor carrier panel brought together leaders from Christenson Transportation, Apex Transit Solutions, Crossett Inc., CB Freight, and Excel Trucking — a range of fleets from multi-generational family operations to a company built from a single $5,000 investment — to discuss scaling, financial oversight, and long-term resilience.

Freight Brokerage Panel: Life After Montgomery

A brand-new panel about Montgomery this year, bringing together leaders from Backhaul Direct, FreightVana, Steam Logistics, and Axle Logistics to discuss what’s next for freight brokerages navigating a changed legal and competitive landscape.

Shipper Panel

This year’s shipper panel featured transportation and procurement leaders from Simmons Foods, KBX Logistics, Armada Supply Chain Solutions, General Mills, and Shaw Industries, offering a look at how the largest shippers in the country are approaching carrier partnerships, network strategy, and rate dynamics in today’s market.

Litigation Panel

Moderated by Thom Albrecht, attorneys from The Sloan Firm and Scopelitis, Garvin, Light, Hanson & Feary discussed trucking litigation trends, cargo liability defense, and what carriers and brokers should know about managing legal risk.

Insurance Panel

Moderated by CEO Andrew Ladebauche, this year’s insurance panel brought together experts from Scopelitis, TruckerCloud, and Nirvana Insurance to discuss fleet underwriting, telematics-driven risk assessment, and where commercial trucking insurance is headed next.

A Gathering Built for Connection

Networking remained at the heart of Trucking Matters 2026. From the welcome reception on the Grand Hyatt pool deck to the closing celebration at Urban Cowboy on Broadway, attendees had ample opportunity to connect, collaborate, and build relationships that carry well beyond the two days of programming.

What attendees are saying:

“This gets better every year. The entire series is a great value.”

“The seminar was a very welcome surprise that provided a plethora of industry-related information and networking opportunities. I will definitely make plans to return next year along with other members from within my organization.”

“The information presented was amazing and the venue is fantastic. A well-organized and well-attended event. Thank you.”

“Meeting all the motor carriers and also seeing the entire team at Reliance Partners — y’all are the best!”

“Kudos to the entire RP team for hosting yet another informative and equally fun event. See you guys next year!”

Looking Ahead

Trucking Matters continues to grow as the premier gathering for the transportation, logistics, and insurance community, and 2026 raised the bar again. Save the date for the 6th Annual Trucking Matters Seminar Series: July 14–15, 2027, at the Grand Hyatt Nashville.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our sponsors and partners for making this year’s event our most successful yet. Together, we are shaping the future of trucking and logistics.

Highway Crum & Forster AmWins Great West Casualty Company Nirvana ARI Vensure Allianz Trade Loadsure Applied Underwriters Beyond Equipment Finance Textlocate Fleetworthy First Insurance Funding Wintrust TEL Arrowhead Specialty One80 Brown & Riding CRC IAT Intact Maximum Wholesure Phoenix Capital HDVI SOMPO Hey Bubba AI Midwestern Insurance Alliance Capital Premium Financing Bradley Carrier1 First Light Great Lakes GA RPS Progressive Fleet

Want to learn more about Reliance Partners and our commitment to the industry? Click here.

The post Fifth Annual Trucking Matters Seminar Series 2026 Recap appeared first on Commercial Transportation & Trucking Insurance - Reliance Partners.

These promotions reflect Reliance Partners’ continued investment in developing exceptional leaders from within while strengthening the company’s ability to serve clients and support its continued growth.

“Reliance has always believed our greatest competitive advantage is our people,” said Andrew Ladebauche, Chief Executive Officer of Reliance Partners. “Emily, Stephen, and Jamie have each made tremendous contributions to our organization over many years. Their leadership, expertise, and commitment to our clients and teammates have helped shape who we are today. These promotions recognize the impact they’ve already made and position us well for the future.”

Emily Baker Named Executive Vice President of Finance

Emily Baker has been promoted to Executive Vice President of Finance, recognizing her outstanding leadership and strategic contributions to the organization’s financial operations. Emily has played an instrumental role in strengthening Reliance Partners’ financial foundation while helping guide the company through a period of significant growth over the past decade. Her analytical expertise, operational mindset, and collaborative leadership continue to make her a trusted partner across the organization.

Stephen Copeland Named Executive Vice President of Compliance

Stephen Copeland has been promoted to Executive Vice President of Compliance and Claims. Stephen has been instrumental in building the agency’s compliance and claims organization that has become foundational to Reliance Partners’ long-term success. His strategic leadership has strengthened the company’s risk management framework, reinforced a culture of accountability and integrity, and elevated the level of service and advocacy provided to clients. Through his expertise, thoughtful leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence, Stephen continues to play a critical role in advancing Reliance Partners’ vision and positioning the organization for continued growth.

Jamie Cannon Named Executive Vice President of Logistics Service

Jamie Cannon has been promoted to Executive Vice President of Logistics Service. As an integral leader within Reliance Partners’ Logistics Insurance Division, Jamie has consistently demonstrated exceptional expertise in logistics risk, operational excellence, and client service. Her collaborative leadership and commitment to delivering outstanding client experiences have helped strengthen Reliance’s logistics practice while supporting the company’s long-term growth.

“As we continue to grow, building a best-in-class leadership team remains one of our highest priorities,” said Chad Eichelberger, President of the agency. “Emily, Stephen, and Jamie each exemplify the values that define Reliance Partners, and we’re excited to see the continued impact they’ll make as members of our executive leadership team.”

About Reliance Partners

Reliance Partners is a leading commercial insurance agency specializing in transportation and logistics. Founded with a mission to provide industry-specific insurance and risk management solutions, the company combines innovative technology with deep transportation expertise to deliver customized insurance products that help businesses manage risk and achieve long-term success. Headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with multiple offices nationwide, Reliance Partners proudly serves motor carriers, freight brokers, and logistics companies across North America and is committed to being a trusted advisor to its clients while helping shape the future of the transportation industry.

The post Reliance Partners Expands Executive Leadership Team with Three Key Promotions appeared first on Commercial Transportation & Trucking Insurance - Reliance Partners.

What started as a small dinner in Laredo, Texas, has become the premier event for professionals navigating cross-border logistics.

The 9th Annual Modernization of Cross-Border Trade (MCBT) welcomed representatives from more than 500 logistics companies this year, bringing together carriers, brokers, shippers, customs professionals, and technology providers for a day of education, networking, and collaboration centered on the future of U.S.-Mexico trade.

Hosted by Reliance Partners and Borderless Coverage, MCBT has grown alongside the rapidly evolving cross-border transportation industry. As nearshoring accelerates, regulations continue to evolve, and supply chains become more interconnected, the conversations taking place in Laredo have never been more important.

Built to Connect an Industry

Nine years ago, MCBT was created to bring together professionals working in cross-border transportation. Today, it has become the largest U.S.-to-Mexico logistics event in the country.

“Our goal has always been to create a place where the industry can come together, share ideas, and build relationships,” said Mark Vickers, Executive Vice President and Head of International Logistics at Reliance Partners.

While the event has grown significantly, its purpose remains the same: helping companies better understand the opportunities and risks involved in moving freight across the border.

Cross-Border Risk Management Takes Center Stage

One of the biggest themes throughout this year’s event was carrier vetting and risk management.

With recent legal developments increasing expectations around carrier selection and compliance, brokers and shippers are placing greater emphasis on working with trusted partners throughout Mexico.

Discussions focused on best practices for carrier vetting, cargo insurance, compliance, and protecting shipments moving across international borders. As cross-border freight volumes continue to increase, these topics are becoming essential for companies looking to reduce risk while maintaining efficient operations.

Looking Ahead to USMCA 2.0

Attendees also heard from industry leaders about the future of North American trade as discussions around USMCA 2.0 continue.

Panels explored how upcoming changes could impact cross-border operations and what companies can do now to prepare. Conversations also highlighted emerging infrastructure initiatives designed to improve freight movement between the United States and Mexico, reinforcing the importance of long-term planning and collaboration across the supply chain.

Relationships Continue to Drive Success

While educational sessions remain a cornerstone of MCBT, some of the event’s biggest value comes from the conversations happening outside the meeting room.

Throughout the day, attendees had opportunities to connect with carriers, brokers, shippers, and service providers from both sides of the border, building relationships that strengthen the cross-border supply chain long after the event ends.

As Mark Vickers shared during the event:

“This is where everyone learns what world-class risk management looks like between the U.S. and Mexico.”

Those connections—and the willingness to share knowledge across borders—continue to be what sets MCBT apart.

Learn More

At Reliance Partners and Borderless Coverage, we’re proud to host an event that helps transportation professionals stay ahead of industry changes while building stronger partnerships across North America.

For the complete event recap and additional insights, Visit FreightWaves.

The post Inside the 9th Annual Modernization of Cross-Border Trade appeared first on Commercial Transportation & Trucking Insurance - Reliance Partners.

Cargo theft incidents continue to rise, but the bigger story is how fraud itself has evolved. What was once largely opportunistic theft has transformed into sophisticated, organized schemes designed to exploit gaps in carrier verification, insurance coverage, and operational processes.

At Reliance Partners, we’re seeing firsthand how these risks are impacting brokers, carriers, and shippers alike.

Fraud Has Evolved Beyond Traditional Cargo Theft

Years ago, freight theft might have looked like a trailer disappearing from a truck stop or a bad actor making off with a load. Today, fraud is far more calculated.

Modern freight fraud often involves identity impersonation, spoofed communications, falsified documentation, and payment diversion tactics that can appear legitimate at first glance.

Common schemes impacting the market include:

• Fraudulent carrier identity impersonation
• Double brokering
• Fictitious pickups
• Spoofed emails and fake dispatch instructions
• Altered certificates of insurance
• Payment diversion scams

The challenge is that many of these fraudulent activities are intentionally designed to pass initial review.

A valid MC number, a polished email signature, or what appears to be legitimate insurance documentation doesn’t always tell the full story.

Why Insurance Coverage Gaps Matter

One of the most overlooked risks in freight fraud is the assumption that insurance will automatically respond after a loss.

Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.

When freight is tendered to a fraudulent party operating under stolen or impersonated credentials, claims can quickly become complicated. Traditional cargo, contingent cargo, or broker liability policies may contain exclusions, sublimits, restrictive warranties, or fraud-related limitations that only come to light after a claim occurs.

Certificates of insurance can also create a false sense of confidence.

A COI only reflects that a policy may have existed at a certain point in time – it does not guarantee active coverage, adequate limits, or protection for a specific loss scenario.

That’s why brokers should evaluate their own insurance strategy with the same rigor they apply to carrier selection.

AI Is Accelerating the Threat

Artificial intelligence has added another layer of complexity.

Fraudsters now have access to tools that make scams faster, more convincing, and harder to detect. Professional-looking emails, cloned voices, fake documentation, and realistic phishing attempts are becoming increasingly common.

As a result, underwriters are shifting how they assess risk.

Strong financials and clean loss history still matter, but today’s underwriting environment also heavily evaluates operational discipline.

Questions underwriters are asking include:

• How is carrier identity verified?
• Are multiple verification layers in place?
• Are contact details independently confirmed?
• Are tracking and monitoring tools actively used?
• Are internal fraud response procedures documented?

Technology alone isn’t enough. The real differentiator is having disciplined processes behind the tools.

Internal Controls Are Your First Line of Defense

While regulatory improvements may eventually help address freight fraud at a broader level, businesses can’t afford to wait.

Practical risk mitigation steps include:

• Establishing written carrier vetting procedures
• Independently verifying contact information
• Training employees to identify fraud red flags
• Requiring tracking protocols for sensitive or high-value freight
• Reviewing contracts for liability exposure
• Structuring insurance programs to address fraud-related gaps

Freight fraud is no longer simply an administrative nuisance.

It’s an operational risk, a financial risk, a reputational risk, and a coverage risk.

Organizations that proactively address these exposures will be in a stronger position to protect both their customers and their bottom line.

This topic was recently featured in FreightWaves with insights from Jamie Cannon, Senior Vice President of Logistics Services at Reliance Partners.

To read the full article, Freight Fraud Has Gone Corporate, visit the FreightWaves story here.

The post The Hidden Risks Behind Modern Freight Fraud appeared first on Commercial Transportation & Trucking Insurance - Reliance Partners.

This year’s focus areas are especially important for carriers to get ahead of:

• ELD tampering and record accuracy
• Cargo securement

At Reliance Partners, we’re working closely with our clients to ensure they’re prepared—not just for Roadcheck, but for long-term compliance.

ELD Compliance: Expect a Deeper Review

Electronic Logging Devices were introduced to simplify hours-of-service compliance, but enforcement has evolved. Inspectors are no longer relying solely on what’s shown in the device.

Instead, they’re verifying records against multiple data sources, including fuel receipts, toll activity, and shipping documents. Any inconsistencies can quickly escalate into a full review.

Inspectors will also be reviewing up to eight days of logs, meaning issues from earlier in the week can still impact a driver during Roadcheck.

What carriers should be doing now:

• Review and audit driver logs across your fleet
• Confirm all ELDs are compliant and properly functioning
• Reinforce correct usage with drivers (especially personal conveyance)
• Address any discrepancies before inspections begin

In today’s enforcement environment, even small inconsistencies can lead to violations—and in some cases, drivers being placed out of service.

Cargo Securement: A Focus Across All Equipment Types

Cargo securement continues to be one of the most common inspection violations, and it’s a key focus for 2026.

While flatbeds often receive the most attention, enforcement applies to all types of equipment. Inspectors will be evaluating anything that could shift or come loose, including:

• Freight and load stability
• Chains, straps, and binders
• Tarps, load bars, and spare equipment

Key reminders for carriers:

• Ensure cargo is fully secured to prevent shifting or loss
• Understand and verify working load limits
• Remember that inspectors evaluate the entire system based on its weakest point

A simple rule to keep in mind: your securement system must meet at least half the weight of the load in total working load limit.

Best practices to reinforce with drivers:

• Take extra time to properly secure loads before departure
• Recheck securement throughout the trip
• Carry additional securement equipment when possible
• Use edge protection to prevent strap wear
• When unsure, add another point of securement

After the Inspection: Protecting Your CSA Score

Even with strong preparation, violations can happen. When they do, they can impact your CSA scores, insurance costs, and overall operational performance.

Carriers have the ability to challenge inaccurate inspection data through FMCSA’s DataQs system, which allows for review and potential correction of violations.

Our Safety Impact Team works directly with clients to navigate this process and improve outcomes, because managing risk doesn’t stop at the roadside.

Taking a Proactive Approach

International Roadcheck may last just three days, but the standards it enforces apply year-round.

The carriers who see the most success are those who treat this as an opportunity to:

• Strengthen internal processes
• Educate and support drivers
• Identify and correct issues before they become violations

A proactive approach today can help avoid disruptions tomorrow.

For a more in-depth look at what to expect during this year’s Roadcheck, we encourage you to read the full article from our friends at FreightWaves.

The post How Carriers Can Prepare for CVSA’s International Roadcheck 2026 appeared first on Commercial Transportation & Trucking Insurance - Reliance Partners.

At Reliance Partners, we work alongside motor carriers every day to help them navigate these realities. Recently, our Executive Vice President of Sales, Jackson Alexander, shared insight with FreightWaves on the forces shaping today’s insurance landscape – and what carriers must do to stay competitive and insurable.

Nuclear Verdicts Are Driving the Market

Nuclear verdicts have become one of the most significant drivers of insurance cost and availability. Since 2012, verdicts exceeding $1 million have increased by more than 235%, dramatically shifting how insurers evaluate risk.

For fleets, this has elevated the importance of proactive safety management. Preparation, documentation, and prevention are no longer best practices—they are underwriting requirements.

Reliance Partners’ in-house Safety Impact Team, made up of former state patrol officers, DOT inspectors, and insurance loss control professionals, works directly with clients to strengthen safety programs, improve CSA scores, and implement defensible risk management practices that stand up to scrutiny.

Carriers that demonstrate a proactive approach to safety are consistently better positioned when incidents occur and when underwriters evaluate risk.

Technology Is Now a Requirement, Not an Option

The underwriting process has evolved rapidly. What were once optional incentives—such as telematics sharing or in-cab cameras—are now increasingly required just to receive a quote.

Many insurance providers now mandate:

• Telematics data sharing

• In-cab camera systems

• Collision avoidance and monitoring technology

Fleets that choose not to adopt these tools are finding themselves excluded from preferred markets altogether. Technology-backed data has become a critical component of how insurers assess safety performance and long-term viability.

Capacity Remains Limited

Auto liability capacity remains constrained, forcing insurers to be highly selective. To access competitive programs, fleets must meet a narrow set of underwriting criteria, including:

• Favorable loss history

• Strong CSA scores

• A qualified and stable driver pool

• Documented safety procedures

• Consistent use of safety technology

Missing any one of these benchmarks can significantly limit options in today’s market.

Why More Fleets Are Exploring Captives and Higher Retentions

Commercial auto liability has been unprofitable for insurers for 14 consecutive years, creating sustained upward pressure on rates across the industry.

As a result, many well-managed fleets are exploring alternative strategies, including:

• Group captive insurance programs, which allow rates to be driven by member performance rather than market volatility

• Higher deductibles or retentions, enabling safety-focused carriers to assume more risk in exchange for greater long-term control

These approaches reward disciplined risk management and allow fleets to better align insurance costs with their actual safety performance.

A Mixed Outlook Across Other Coverage Lines

While auto liability remains the most challenged line, other coverages present a more balanced picture:

• Excess liability continues to experience pressure due to nuclear verdict exposure

• Auto physical damage has remained relatively stable

• Cargo insurance is seeing increases driven by theft and fraud trends

• Workers’ compensation and occupational accident coverage remains one of the few consistently profitable lines, often resulting in flat or reduced pricing

What This Means for Motor Carriers

Today’s insurance environment demands excellence across every dimension insurers evaluate. Fleets must invest in safety, embrace technology, maintain compliance, and actively manage loss history to remain competitive.

At Reliance Partners, we help carriers take a comprehensive, strategic approach to insurability—aligning safety, data, and coverage strategy to support long-term success in a difficult market.

Read the full article from our friends at FreightWaves.

The post Nuclear Verdicts, Rising Costs, and the New Reality of Motor Carrier Insurance appeared first on Commercial Transportation & Trucking Insurance - Reliance Partners.