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In this episode, we sit down with personal injury attorney Aaron to discuss the staggering financial risks facing motor carriers today. From the rise of "nuclear verdicts" to the legal traps that can leave small fleets personally liable, we break down why the industry is currently under-insured and over-exposed.

We dive deep into the legal and insurance mechanisms that every owner-operator and fleet manager needs to understand to survive in today's litigious environment.

The "Reptile Theory" Explained: How plaintiff attorneys leverage jury emotions and anger against corporations to spark massive, "nuclear" awards.

Get in Touch with Aaron Setareh,
Instagram handle: attorney_aaron

Email: ars@bdj.com

Website: bdj.com


The $750k Insurance Trap: Why the federal minimum liability limit—set in the 1980s—is dangerously outdated compared to modern medical costs and life care plans.

MCS-90 & Underreporting Drivers: The severe consequences of misleading your insurer, including the right of the insurance company to seek reimbursement directly from you.

Joint and Several Liability: A terrifying reality where you can be held responsible for 100% of the damages even if you were only minimally at fault.

The "Get Your Own Lawyer" Warning: What it means when your insurance company tells you to hire independent counsel
00:00 – Meet Attorney Aaron: An introduction to Aaron and his personal injury practice in California and Nevada.


01:00 – What are Nuclear Verdicts?: Discussing the massive jury awards and how "Reptile Theory" is used to spark them.



02:53 – Why Trucking Premiums are Skyrocketing: The impact of rising medical costs and underreporting drivers.


04:00 – The Outdated $750k Minimum: Why federal insurance limits haven't kept pace with modern expenses.



06:45 – The Reality of a Pile-up: How a single multi-vehicle accident can instantly swallow a $750,000 policy.



09:20 – The "Mom and Pop" Risk: Why small fleets are particularly vulnerable to total bankruptcy.


10:30 – Denied Coverage & Bad Faith: What happens when an insurance carrier denies a claim due to unreported drivers.


14:40 – Insurance Companies on the Attack: Why insurers fight claims aggressively to protect their own policy limits.



15:30 – "Get Your Own Lawyer": What it means for your exposure when your insurer tells you to hire independent counsel.




19:40 – The MCS-90 Endorsement: Explaining how this federal requirement can lead to the insurer suing the trucking company for reimbursement.


25:35 – Joint and Several Liability: The "legal trap" where you pay for damages even if the accident wasn't your fault.




28:30 – Case Study: A real-world example of how low liability limits and joint liability devastated a claim in 2002.

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The Chemistry of Savings
In this episode of the Trucking Risk and Insurance Podcast, we sit down with Brian Livingston, a chemical engineer and veteran of Caterpillar's diesel engine division. Brian breaks down a unique catalytic technology that is helping trucking companies save 3% to 5% in fuel costs while significantly reducing their environmental footprint.

Brian explains the "cracking" process—how a simple-looking copper tube filled with rare earth catalysts can break down long-chain hydrocarbons into shorter, more efficient burning chains. The result? More energy pushing the piston and less soot clogging your engine.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
The Science of "Cracking": How catalytic reactions break down diesel fuel molecules for a more efficient burn.

Massive Maintenance Gains: Why reducing soot by up to 50% leads to fewer DPF regenerations and longer engine life.

The 12-Month Payback: How the 100% ROI on this technology makes it an easy "yes" for any CFO or fleet manager.

Sustainability That Pays: Why you don't have to wait for electric or hydrogen trucks to start reducing your carbon footprint today.

Simple Retrofitting: How this device can be installed in under an hour without any engine recalibration.

Whether you are looking to survive rising fuel prices or meet new sustainability goals, Brian’s "common sense" approach to chemical engineering offers a practical solution for the modern fleet.


Connect with Brian Livingston:


Company Website: Zelcam.com


Savings Calculator: Decarbonize5.com


Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and leave a comment below!


Your Hosts:
John Farquhar
National Risk Services Specialist, Transportation, Gallager GGB
https://www.ajg.com/ca/
M: 437-341-0932
John_Farquhar@ajg.com

Chris Harris
CEO, Safety Dawg Inc.
905 973 7056
Chris@SafetyDawg.com
https://safetydawg.com/
"The Chemistry of Savings: How 'Cracking' Fuel Can Cut Trucking Costs by 5%"

**00:00** – Introduction: Meeting Brian Livingston, the Chemical Engineer

**01:07** – Brian’s Background: 20 Years at Caterpillar and the move to Zelcam

**03:47** – The Tech Explained: How a copper tube and rare earth catalysts save fuel

**04:50** – Breaking the Molecules: The "Cracking" process of diesel fuel

**06:46** – Emissions Impact: Reducing soot by 50% and fewer DPF regenerations

**08:54** – Beyond the Highway: Applications in mining, rail, and shipping

**10:22** – Maintenance and Longevity: Keeping oil clean and extending engine life

**13:13** – Why wait for EV? Implementing sustainability solutions right now

**16:24** – Installation and Retrofitting: A 60-minute setup for the fleet

**17:33** – The Financials: Understanding the 12-month ROI

**18:30** – How long does it last? The "forever" catalyst

**19:57** – Moving the device to new vehicles during fleet cycles

**22:43** – The OEM Question: Why isn't this standard on every truck?

**24:46** – Warranty, Guarantees, and Closing Thoughts

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Special Offer for Podcast Listeners
For listeners who want to explore how video telematics can move the needle on risk, driver engagement, and operational savings, SureCam has created a dedicated page with an exclusive offer.

Visit: https://join.surecam.com/gyeid4
to schedule a demo and lock in your special offer.
__________________________________________________

Is your safety department stuck in the past? 🚛 🛡️

In this episode of the Trucking Risk and Insurance Podcast, we kick off 2026 by diving deep into the evolution of in-cab camera technology. We are joined by John Weldon, President of SureCam, to discuss how video telematics is moving beyond simple "big brother" monitoring to become a tool for driver retention, real-time coaching, and massive risk reduction.

John breaks down why traditional telematics is only one leg of a "three-legged stool" and explains how SureCam's AI-powered "nudging" technology helps drivers correct unsafe behaviors in real-time—before an alert ever reaches the manager's desk.

In this episode, we cover: ✅ Context vs. Data: Why you need more than just a speeding alert to understand a crash. ✅ The Power of 360°: Using mirror, backup, and cargo mounts to eliminate blind spots. ✅ Reducing Alert Fatigue: How to filter the "noise" so safety managers can focus on what actually matters. ✅ Culture over Coaching: Implementing a "Driver Bill of Rights" and using gamification to reward your top performers. ✅ Privacy by Design: Using geofencing and face-blurring to respect driver boundaries.

If you’re looking to manage your safety department like an expert without the 30-year learning curve, this is a must-watch!
Guest Bio
John Weldon is President of SureCam and a leading voice in video telematics, fleet risk reduction, and the practical use of AI for field operations. Drawing on years of experience helping fleets lower incident rates, improve driver retention, and achieve operational ROI, John brings a grounded, data-driven perspective on where fleet safety is headed and what technology alone cannot solve.

Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-weldon-b27ab611/

About SureCam
SureCam is a fleet safety and video telematics platform designed for companies that want better results with less effort. The technology combines AI-powered dash cameras, automated safety workflows, and coaching tools that help organizations reduce risk, protect drivers, and streamline operations. Fleet leaders choose SureCam because it delivers the visibility they need without adding administrative burden, and it scales easily from single vehicles to large, distributed fleets.

Learn more at https://join.surecam.com/r4fgoj7s49pk.

Special Offer for Podcast Listeners
For listeners who want to explore how video telematics can move the needle on risk, driver engagement, and operational savings, SureCam has created a dedicated page with an exclusive offer.

Visit https://join.surecam.com/gyeid4
to schedule a demo and lock in your special offer.

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In this episode, I sit down with Michelle Graham, founder of ReadyChek, to talk about how digital inspections are helping fleets clean up their compliance, boost safety scores, and finally escape the mess of paper logs.

What You’ll Learn:

Why paper inspections quietly hurt safety scores

How ReadyChek gives safety teams real-time visibility

The link between digital inspections and better insurance outcomes

How small and midsize fleets can use tech to reduce risk

About ReadyChek:

A simple, driver-friendly app built to make inspections accurate, fast, and compliant with Ontario and NSC standards.

Links:

ReadyChek: https://ReadyChek.com

Safety Dawg: https://SafetyDawg.com

Like the episode? Hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and drop your questions below!

INFOMATION ABOUT THE SAFETY DAWG SUCCESS NETWORK
go to trucksafetymanager.com


#trucksafety #truckinsurance #truckpodcast

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From Flat Tires to Fast Fixes: How FleetRevive is Transforming Fleet Services

Welcome to the Trucking Risk and Insurance Podcast! In this episode, host Chris Harris sits down with Dandre Urquhart, founder of FleetRevive, to discuss how technology is revolutionizing roadside assistance and fleet management for the trucking industry. Learn how FleetRevive streamlines emergency repairs, improves communication, and helps both trucking companies and service providers save time, money, and stress.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro
00:39 – What to Expect in This Episode
01:04 – Sponsor Message
01:44 – Official Podcast Welcome
01:53 – Meet Dandre Urquhart & FleetRevive
01:59 – What is FleetRevive?
02:04 – The App’s Origin Story
02:20 – The Problem with Traditional Answering Services
03:14 – Real-World Example: Getting the Wrong Info
03:39 – How FleetRevive Works (Photo Requirement)
05:09 – Saving Time and Money for Drivers and Shops
07:12 – Real-Time Communication and Tracking
08:43 – Preventing Scams and Disputes
10:11 – 24/7 Service and Coverage
11:42 – Benefits for Drivers, Shops, and Service Providers
14:01 – Who Can Join FleetRevive?
15:01 – Vetting Service Providers and Trucking Companies
16:25 – Final Thoughts & How to Get in Touch
16:45 – Thank You & Outro

Guest Info:
Dandre Urquhart, Founder of FleetRevive
Learn more: https://www.fleetrevive.ca/
hello@fleetrevive.com

Connect with the Host:
Chris Harris, Safety Dawg
905 973 7056

Subscribe for more episodes on trucking safety, risk, and innovation!
👍 Like, comment, and share if you enjoyed this episode.

Contact & Resources:

For guest inquiries or sponsorship: Chris Harris

#FleetManagement #RoadsideAssistance #Podcast #FleetRevive #TruckingPodcast

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The Future of Autonomous Trucking with BOT Auto's Bart Teeter

In this episode of the Trucking Risk and Insurance Podcast, host Chris dives deep into the world of autonomous trucking with guest Bart Teeter, Director of Fleet and Operational Safety at BOT Auto. They discuss the development and implications of driverless trucks, including safety, industry disruption, and societal benefits. Bart explains BOT Auto's focus on Level 4 automation, their operational strategies, safety validation processes, and competitive advantages. The podcast also touches on the potential impact on truck drivers, insurance, and future advancements in autonomous vehicle technology.

BOT Auto
https://bot.auto/
1 952 463 7300
https://bot.auto/contact
Bart Teeter

HOST
Chris Harris, Safety Dawg
chris@safetydawg.com

00:00 Introduction to Autonomous Trucking
01:17 Meet Bart Teeter from Bot Auto
03:31 Understanding Autonomous Vehicle Levels
06:32 Safety and Efficiency of Autonomous Trucks
08:26 Current State and Future of Autonomous Trucking
11:45 Validation and Testing of Autonomous Systems
16:13 Funding and Competition in Autonomous Trucking
24:53 Impact on Jobs and Industry
28:14 Final Thoughts and Future Outlook
30:50 Conclusion and Call to Action

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Welcome to the Trucking Risk and Insurance Podcast! In this episode, host Chris Harris (Safety Dawg) sits down with Dr. Mark Minera, President and Chief Health Officer for Project 61, to discuss the critical issues facing the trucking industry today. Discover how Project 61 is transforming driver health and wellness, and learn practical strategies for improving safety, reducing risk, and supporting the wellbeing of trucking professionals.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
00:30 – Meet Dr. Mark Manera & Project 61
03:15 – The State of Health in Trucking
10:45 – Innovative Wellness Programs
18:20 – Reducing Risk & Improving Safety
25:00 – Real Stories from the Road
35:00 – Actionable Tips for Fleets & Drivers
40:00 – Final Thoughts & Resources

Key Topics Covered:

• The mission and impact of Project 61
• Common health challenges for truck drivers
• How wellness programs can reduce insurance costs
• Practical steps for fleets to support driver health
• Real-world success stories and lessons learned

Connect with Our Guest:
Dr. Mark Minera, Project 61
Website: https://project-61.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/truckingcompanywellnessprogram-truck-driver-trucking-healthandwellness/

Connect with the Host:
Chris Harris (Safety Dawg)
Website: [Insert Host Website]
LinkedIn: [Insert LinkedIn Profile]

Subscribe for more insights on trucking safety, risk management, and industry best practices!

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Breaking Barriers: Mastering US Bonds and Cross-Border Freight | Trucking Risk and Insurance Podcast

In this episode, host Chris Harris (Safety Dawg) sits down with Vania Ariosa, Transport Specialist, to demystify the complex world of US bonds and cross-border freight. Whether you’re a seasoned carrier or new to international trucking, this conversation covers everything you need to know about permits, bonds, tariffs, and the latest changes affecting Canada, the US, and Mexico.

Topics covered include:

What is a bond, and why do carriers need one?
The difference between Canadian and US bonds
How tariffs and current events are impacting cross-border freight
Types of bonds and when you need them
Penalties, liquidations, and how to avoid costly mistakes
How Transport Specialists can help with permits, compliance, and more

If you’re looking to expand your business across borders or just want to stay compliant, this episode is packed with practical advice and real-world examples.

🔗 Guest Contact Info:
Vania Ariosa, Transport Specialist
Email: info@transsp.com
Website: https://transsp.com
Phone: (866) 600 8960

For more resources and to connect with other trucking professionals, check out the Safety Dawg Success Network.

👍 If you found this episode helpful, please like, subscribe, and leave a review!
📢 Have questions or want to suggest a topic? Drop a comment below.

Trucking #Freight #CrossBorder #Bonds #Logistics #SafetyDawg #TransportSpecialists

00:00 - Introduction & Guest Welcome
00:11 - Sponsor Message: Safety Dawg Success Network
00:49 - Show Introduction
00:54 - Vania's Background in Trucking
01:59 - What is a Bond?
03:18 - Canadian vs. US Bonds Explained
05:40 - Do Carriers Need a Bond at the Border?
07:13 - Types of Bonds and Their Uses
10:55 - When Does a Bond Pay Out?
12:15 - Penalties and Liquidations
14:00 - How Transport Specialists Can Help
16:41 - Permits, Oversize, and Heavy Vehicle Use Tax
19:59 - Final Thoughts on US Bonds for Canadian Carriers
20:54 - Contact Info & Outro
21:40 - End

Keeping it Safety Dawg Simple!
#trucksafety #truckinsurance #truckpodcast

Do you need a "Truck Driver Safety Policy?" Get it today! https://safetydawg.com/policy

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