Brian Runnels

Growth vs. stability: Is it time to rethink your approach?

Growth is often associated with progress, but is sudden and rapid growth for motor carriers always the ticket to success?

Brian Runnels, VP of safety at Reliance Partners, a freight insurance agency, doesn’t think so.

Because of the slim margins carriers face, they must keep trucks constantly moving in order to turn profits. Operating costs, however, reached $2.25 per mile last year, the highest the American Transportation Research Institute ever recorded. So while the desire for growth is...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/growth-vs-stability-is-it-time-to-rethink-your-approach

Extra communication efforts go miles to make drivers feel part of a team

It’s always a good time for carriers to implement positive changes to the driver experience. But as National Truck Driver Appreciation Week kicked off on Sunday, now is prime time to make those lasting improvements to show the trucking industry’s most crucial people — drivers — just how much they are valued.

One of the most basic but important ways that a carrier of any size can show how much they value their drivers is actually an effort that doesn’t cost anything: Make drivers feel like...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/extra-communication-efforts-go-miles-to-make-drivers-feel-part-of-a-team

5 ways to increase driver loyalty with rewards programs

While hiring drivers is a continuous pain point for the trucking industry, keeping those drivers is arguably more important and even more difficult to accomplish.

As carriers seek ways to reduce turnover, rewards programs have become a popular way to incentivize drivers to stay. Internal rewards programs are a common way for carriers to recognize employees for hitting certain targets. As in any profession, when drivers are recognized for their hard work, they’re more likely to feel satisfaction...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/5-ways-to-increase-driver-loyalty-with-rewards-programs

Why are truck crash fatalities elevated?

Traffic fatalities appear to be on the rise among large trucks — at least compared to pre-pandemic numbers.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Crash Statistics Summary, which reflects data from the Motor Carrier Management Information System, during calendar year 2019, the last year pre-pandemic, there were 5,082 fatalities as a result of crashes across the country involving large trucks. That number dropped slightly in 2020 to 4,988 then concerningly spiked in 2021...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/why-are-truck-crash-fatalities-elevated

How you can prepare to ace a weigh station inspection

Weigh station inspections can take as little as thirty minutes or, if a driver is having a bad day, it can end up costing them 10 hours. 

Of course, 10 hours is only if a driver receives a violation severe enough to put them out of service.

These violations cost drivers not just their time but could require them to pay fines and impact the Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) report, which might make it more difficult to get hired by another carrier in the future.

But passing an inspection isn’t...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/how-you-can-prepare-to-ace-a-weigh-station-inspection

Remember, bridges first things on road to freeze

One can never be too sure the road ahead is without ice, especially considering the freeze-first nature of bridges. The question is: Are you willing to take your chances?

Reliance Partners Vice President of Safety Brian Runnels explains why bridges are the last place a driver would want to hit an ice patch and how to avoid such a scenario when things get icy.

“Ground warmth insulates the roads, keeping [them] from freezing as fast — bridges don’t have that,” Runnels said. 

That’s because bridges...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/remember-bridges-first-things-on-road-to-freeze

It’s time to clean out the permit book

Out with the old and in with the new. It’s time to update — and clean out — your permit book.

Jan. 1 is when the majority of permits expire, so be sure to get yours updated immediately. But sack those old permits while you’re at it.

Reliance Partners Vice President of Safety Brian Runnels urges drivers to start the year with a clean slate, starting with the permit book.

“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen permit books inside of trucks that are just a total disaster,” Runnels said. “Many...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/its-time-to-clean-out-the-permit-book

Set New Year’s resolutions with safety in mind

Happy New Year! Now that the holidays are over, it’s time to make those resolutions.

Whether it’s to improve your vehicle maintenance record, boost retention rates, mitigate driver violations or revamp your safety training program — or all of the above — January is the time to put a plan into motion.   

But just like having a personal trainer at the gym, you don’t have to go about tackling your goals alone. 

Brian Runnels, Reliance Partners’ vice president of safety, encourages motor carriers to...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/set-new-years-resolutions-with-safety-in-mind

How to winter-proof your pre-trips

It may be cold outside, perhaps bone-chilling in your neck of the woods, but that’s no excuse to skimp on your pre-trip inspections.

Reliance Partners Vice President of Safety Brian Runnels encourages truckers to brave the elements and go above what’s required of your pre-trips this winter to check for ice-related issues that could freeze you in your tracks if not addressed.

“I know it’s cold and it’s not fun to be out there in those conditions, but get out there and do your pre-trip,” Runnels...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/how-to-winter-proof-your-pre-trips

Planning early the only way to ensure a parking spot

It’s late and you’ve had a long day — time to call it a night. Thankfully, a couple of truck stops are just ahead.

Much like a sailor spotting land, the first sight of tall, illuminated signs down a highway is a welcoming beacon for weary drivers. You know that just below the cluster of lights wait a warm shower, hearty meal and good night’s rest.

But upon arrival, relief quickly turns to dread as the lot is full. You try the truck stop next door, but it’s crowded as well. What was to be an...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/planning-early-the-only-way-to-ensure-a-parking-spot

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