Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Ban On Handheld Phone Use For Truckers-Violation Could Effect Your Ability to Get Commercial Truck Insurance at an Affordable Price!

New news! Berrier Insurance, commercial truck insurance specialists, just heard about the latest announcement by FMCSA and we thought you should know because if you're caught violating this new law it could effect your ability to get commercial truck insurance at an affordable price!

Wednesday, Nov. 23 it was announced that effective 30 days after publication in the Federal Register, a rule prohibiting interstate commercial truck and bus drivers from using handheld cell phones while operating their vehicles will go into effect.

Drivers who violate the restriction will face federal civil penalties of up to $2,750 for each offense and disqualification from operating a commercial motor vehicle for multiple offenses. Additionally, states will suspend a driver’s commercial driver’s license after two or more serious traffic violations. Commercial truck and bus companies that allow their drivers to use handheld cell phones while driving will face a maximum penalty of $11,000.

To view the final rule, go to www.regulations.gov; the docket numbers are FMCSA–2010-0096 and PHMSA-2010-0227.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Truck Insurance Specialists Report: Tiger Truck Stop

Last year Berrier Insurance, truck insurance specialist, blogged about Tony the Truck Stop Tiger and got a lot of response, most of it negative. Animal activists made their options loud and clear so much so that we removed the post entirely. Despite never having stated whether we were in support or against the removal of Tony from his home we felt that the visceral responses, and even a few threats, were reason enough for us to remove the post. Now a little over a year later Tony has made headlines again. State officials have revoked the permit allowing to keep the Bengal-Siberian mix and are prohibited from issuing a new permit. Tony will be allowed to stay in his current home until the owner's permit expires in December, but then he must be relocated and place into the custody of either ALDF or an accredited animal sanctuary. To read more visit Free Tony the Tiger or Tiger Truck Stop.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Tow Truck Insurance To Relocate 91-Year-Old Steam Locomotive?

In Adair Park, North Lakeland Florida, on November 1st there was quite a sight to witness as two heavy rescue trucks were used to lift a train clear into the air, I bet when they were shopping for tow truck insurance they never thought they were going to be doing something like this.

A 91-year-old 111,000-pound steam locomotive was lifted into the air by two tow trucks and placed it onto a trailer so it could be delivered for restoration and then relocated to a museum in Newton, N.C. It was a bittersweet day for people who grew up with the train as a dozen residents took pictures with cameras and phones, but people were glad to hear the locomotive will undergo a $1 million restoration and placed in a museum.

Officials at the Southeastern Narrow Gauge and Short Line Museum had expressed interest in the locomotive a few years ago, after it was decided that the train had to be moved from the area because of a deal between the city and Lakeland Regional Medical Center, which has plans to expand south as part of a future major renovation. The museum was the only business to make a bid on the train when the city decided to sell it. “We were fortunate to find someone to refurbish it and not turn it into scrap metal,” said Bob ­Donahay, assistant parks and recreation.

Number 50 is a standard gauge mogul that was built by the American Locomotive Co. in 1922. It was used for many years by the Virginia-Carolina Chemical Corporation to haul phosphate rock. In 1958 it was taken out of service in and then donated to the city of Lakeland in 1961. It’s expected that the locomotive will be restored in about eight months, and in the coming years, there is hope that the museum will raise enough money so the locomotive can run again.

If you think you will be lifting a train into the air contact Berrier Insurance for a fast free quote on tow truck insurance!