Trucking Risk & Insurance Podcast

Calling all trucker heroes and insurance wranglers! Buckle up for another wild ride with the Trucking Risk and Insurance Podcast. Two grey-bearded safety guys take their irreverent look at the trucking pitfalls, risks, and the trouble with trucking insurance. They invite the trucking elite on the show to discuss.

This week, John Farquhar, from Gallager, and Chris Harris, the Safety Dawg with more bark than bite, are swerving past potholes of peril to deliver the straight goods on keeping your rig safe and your insurance rates lower than a limbo dancer in flip-flops. We’ll be dodging disasters, dissecting dispatches, and dishing out tips hotter than fresh asphalt. So, grab a lukewarm cup of joe, crank up the air horn of knowledge, and get ready to navigate the trucking terrain with laughter and a whole lot of “you ain’t seen nothin’ yet” stories. It’s the Trucking Risk and Insurance Podcast – spilling the beans on safety and savings, one mile at a time.

Trucking Risk and Insurance Podcast | Listen Notes

This Week’s Episode on YouTube!

In this episode of the Trucking Risk and Insurance Podcast, I sit down with industry veteran Kim Richardson, President of KRTS and TransRep, to discuss the absolute "Gold Standard" of professional accreditation. With over four decades of experience each, we dive deep into why NATMI (North American Transportation Management Institute) certification is the definitive benchmark for safety professionals across North America. Kim shares why university-backed credentials like the Certified Director of Safety (CDS) and Certified Driver Trainer (CDT) are essential for anyone looking to be recognized as an expert—whether in the boardroom or as an expert witness in court. We also discuss the groundbreaking movement toward a Truck Driver Red Seal trade designation in Canada, a move that aims to finally legitimize the incredible skill set of professional drivers on par with other skilled trades. In this interview, we cover: The Power of NATMI: Why university accreditation from the University of Denver sets these courses apart. The Red Seal Initiative: An update on the Professional Truck Training Alliance of Canada (PTTAC) and the push for national trade recognition by 2028. Heartwarming Success: A moving story from a recent course in Leamington about a new Canadian's journey to certification. Advanced Training Tools: How high-tech Vrive simulation and winter driving courses are changing the game for corporate fleets. Whether you are interested in Fleet Safety Compliance, Commercial Driver Training, or the future of the Red Seal Truck Driver, this episode is packed with insights on elevating the industry through higher education. Contact Kim Richardson: 1 905 765 3445 https://www.krway.com/ https://transrep.ca/ More information about NATMI: https://natmi.org/ More information about Professional Truck Training Alliance of Canada https://transrep.ca/ Reach out to Host Chris Harris: chris@safetydawg.com 905 973 7056 00:00 Intro and Meet Kim Richardson 01:35 What is NATMI? 02:40 University Accreditation & Global Standards 03:45 Using CDS Certification for Expert Witness Testimony 05:00 Why Canadian Carriers Need NATMI Standards 06:30 The CDSC: A Tailored Version for Canada 08:00 Delivering Training On-Site: The Windsor Story 09:05 A Heartwarming Success: "My Son Will Be Proud" 12:45 How Certification Impacts Instructor Pay & Career Paths 14:40 The Trio: CDT, CDS, and Accident Investigation 19:45 KRTS Services: Heavy Equipment & Global Training 21:00 The Power of Vrive Simulation & Winter Driving 22:30 The Road to Red Seal: Professionalizing the Trade 23:30 What is a Red Seal Trade? 24:35 Targeting 2028: The Provincial Push for Recognition 25:40 Why Trucking Skills Equal Plumbers & Electricians 28:00 Reflection: 30 Years of Friendship & Industry Growth 29:45 Conclusion & White Glove Service

In this episode of the Trucking Risk and Insurance Podcast, I sit down with industry veteran Kim Richardson, President of KRTS and TransRep, to discuss the absolute "Gold Standard" of professional accreditation. With over four decades of experience each, we dive deep into why NATMI (North American Transportation Management Institute) certification is the definitive benchmark for safety professionals across North America.


Kim shares why university-backed credentials like the Certified Director of Safety (CDS) and Certified Driver Trainer (CDT) are essential for anyone looking to be recognized as an expert—whether in the boardroom or as an expert witness in court. We also discuss the groundbreaking movement toward a Truck Driver Red Seal trade designation in Canada, a move that aims to finally legitimize the incredible skill set of professional drivers on par with other skilled trades.

In this interview, we cover:

The Power of NATMI: Why university accreditation from the University of Denver sets these courses apart.

The Red Seal Initiative: An update on the Professional Truck Training Alliance of Canada (PTTAC) and the push for national trade recognition by 2028.
Heartwarming Success: A moving story from a recent course in Leamington about a new Canadian's journey to certification.

Advanced Training Tools: How high-tech Vrive simulation and winter driving courses are changing the game for corporate fleets.

Whether you are interested in Fleet Safety Compliance, Commercial Driver Training, or the future of the Red Seal Truck Driver, this episode is packed with insights on elevating the industry through higher education.

Contact Kim Richardson:
1 905 765 3445
https://www.krway.com/
https://transrep.ca/

More information about NATMI:
https://natmi.org/

More information about Professional Truck Training Alliance of Canada
https://transrep.ca/

Reach out to Host Chris Harris:
chris@safetydawg.com
905 973 7056

00:00 Intro and Meet Kim Richardson
01:35 What is NATMI?
02:40 University Accreditation & Global Standards
03:45 Using CDS Certification for Expert Witness Testimony
05:00 Why Canadian Carriers Need NATMI Standards
06:30 The CDSC: A Tailored Version for Canada
08:00 Delivering Training On-Site: The Windsor Story
09:05 A Heartwarming Success: "My Son Will Be Proud"
12:45 How Certification Impacts Instructor Pay & Career Paths
14:40 The Trio: CDT, CDS, and Accident Investigation
19:45 KRTS Services: Heavy Equipment & Global Training
21:00 The Power of Vrive Simulation & Winter Driving
22:30 The Road to Red Seal: Professionalizing the Trade
23:30 What is a Red Seal Trade?
24:35 Targeting 2028: The Provincial Push for Recognition
25:40 Why Trucking Skills Equal Plumbers & Electricians
28:00 Reflection: 30 Years of Friendship & Industry Growth
29:45 Conclusion & White Glove Service

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The Gold Standard of Safety: Why NATMI Certification is a Game-Changer for Carriers

Trucking Safety & Compliance, with Safety Dawg February 13, 2026 5:33 pm

In this episode, we sit down with Dan Brink, Chief Revenue Officer at Fleet Owl, to discuss how mid-sized fleets are navigating the complex intersection of tradition and technology. As a third-generation trucker, Dan brings a unique perspective on why the "freight recession" is hitting hard and how operational AI is becoming the secret weapon for survival in 2026. We dive deep into the rising threat of cargo fraud—including the infamous "lobster heist"—and explain how modern TMS (Transportation Management Systems) are moving beyond simple data entry to become proactive security and profitability tools. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to differentiate between AI "hype" and actual operational tools. Strategies for mid-sized fleets to maintain margins during a market downturn. Why legacy systems are leaving your cargo vulnerable to sophisticated fraud. The future of port logistics and the role of Navy-grade efficiency in trucking. FleetOwl is a logistics technology company reshaping how businesses manage fleets, dispatching, shipments, and end-to-end transportation operations. The company helps optimize fleet operations through innovative software and technology. FleetOwl is an all-in-one trucking management platform built to help carriers, dispatchers, and owner-operators run more efficiently. From route planning and tracking to driver performance and settlements, every FleetOwl solution is designed to reduce manual work, cut costs, and maximize profit, powered by real-time data and AI-driven automation. FleetOwl Website: https://fleetowl.com/ FleetOwl LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fleet-owl/posts/?feedView=all Daniel Brink LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danbrink4/ TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Introduction: The State of Trucking in 2026 0:45 - Dan Brink’s Journey: From 3rd Gen Trucker to Tech Leader 03:12 - Why Mid-Sized Fleets are Feeling the Squeeze 06:40 - AI vs. The Hype: What "Operational AI" Actually Means 10:15 - The $400K Lobster Theft: How Cargo Fraud is Evolving 14:50 - Legacy TMS vs. Modern Tech: Why Your Software is a Liability 19:30 - Navigating the Freight Recession: Practical Survival Tips 24:05 - The Future of Fleet Owl and Port Logistics Efficiency 28:45 - Closing Thoughts: Keeping the Industry Human in a Digital Age Subscribe for more insights into the future of freight and logistics! #Trucking #Logistics #FleetManagement #AI #CargoFraud #TMS #FleetOwl #SupplyChain

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From Family Roots to AI Boots: Modernizing the Mid-Sized Fleet with Dan Brink

Trucking Safety & Compliance, with Safety Dawg February 3, 2026 5:01 am

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Trucking Safety & Compliance, with Safety Dawg February 2, 2026 2:26 pm

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.

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,
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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One Crash from Bankruptcy: Why Small Fleets are the Most Exposed

Trucking Safety & Compliance, with Safety Dawg January 22, 2026 10:20 pm

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Trucking Safety & Compliance, with Safety Dawg January 20, 2026 10:16 pm

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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The Chemistry of Savings: How 'Cracking' Fuel Can Cut Trucking Costs by 5%

Trucking Safety & Compliance, with Safety Dawg January 16, 2026 5:01 am

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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Telematics vs. Video: The "Three-Legged Stool"

Trucking Safety & Compliance, with Safety Dawg January 8, 2026 5:01 am

For a 30 day free trial, enter code SD22. ReadyChek: https://ReadyChek.com 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: For a 30 day free trial, enter code SD22. 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 Paper Chaos to Digital Control: ReadyChek’s Impact on Fleet Safety

Trucking Safety & Compliance, with Safety Dawg December 8, 2025 3:12 pm

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

Trucking Safety & Compliance, with Safety Dawg November 27, 2025 5:01 am

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