[GMAN]

Apparently the FMCSA wants to introduce a major increase in insurance for carriers. Originally, it was proposed to increase the minimum from $750,000 to over $4 million for their liability coverage. If it passes, it will force thousands of independents and smaller carriers out of business. This was originally put forward by a new congressman who's family business is suing trucking companies. He has been a personal injury lawyer for some years. According to some figures, fewer than 1% of all claims against trucking companies ever exceeds the minimum. That doesn't seem like it warrants punishing 99% of the industry. Apparently, the ATA and some of their larger members are in favor of this, as well. Many of the larger carriers self insure, so it will not likely affect them. It will greatly reduce competition. It will cause great harm to the 90% that haul most of the freight in this country. I don't have the article, but OOIDA has put something on their website and in LandLine. Anyone who owns trucks should get in touch with their congressional representatives and tell them how this will harm your business and to encourage them to stop this in it's tracks. Premiums are already high enough. Imagine if we had to increase our insurance to over $4 million?