Trucking Risk and Insurance Podcast

John Farquhar & Chris Harris
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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 trouble with trucking insurance. They invite the trucking elite on the show to discuss. This week, John and Chris, 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. You can contact us at John Farquhar, John@summitrisksolutions.ca 1 226 802 2762; Chris Harris, Chris@safetydawg.com 905 973 7056

  1. 2D AGO

    The Cargo Theft Epidemic: Why 2026 Will Be the Most Dangerous Year Yet

    Send a text Cargo theft is no longer just "missing boxes"—it has evolved into a sophisticated, multi-billion dollar criminal enterprise. In this episode, Chris and John sit down with Danny Ramon, Director of Intelligence and Response at Overhaul, to break down a chilling new report on supply chain disruptions. Danny reveals that cargo theft increased by 16% year-over-year in 2025, following five consecutive years of record-breaking growth. Even more alarming, he explains why official reports represent only about 1/10th of what is actually happening on the ground.  We dive into the hotspots like the GTA and LA Basin and discuss the dangerous links between cargo thieves and transnational criminal groups involved in drugs and weapons.In this episode, you’ll learn:The true scale of the 2025 cargo theft report.Why many carriers are reluctant to report theft and how that helps the criminals.The "Venn diagram" overlap between auto theft and cargo crime.Strategies to protect your fleet from increasingly agile criminal organizations. Contact Danny: Danny Ramon | Director of Intelligence and Response, Overhaul 512.699.7373 | daniel.ramon@over-haul.com over-haul.com   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/ 00:00 - Intro: Meet Danny Ramon of Overhaul 02:52 - The 16% Surge: Breakdown of the 2025 Cargo Theft Report 04:08 - The "Tip of the Iceberg": Why only 10% of thefts are reported 05:03 - Hotspots: Comparing the GTA and Los Angeles Basin 05:53 - Evolution of Crime: How auto theft evolved into organized cargo crime 06:14 - The Dangerous Reality: Connections to drugs, cash, and weapons 07:31 - Funding the Underworld: How cargo theft fuels criminal groups 09:45 - The "Agility" Factor: Why criminals change targets overnight 12:15 - High-Value vs. High-Volume: What’s being targeted right now 15:30 - Protecting Your Fleet: Practical steps for safety managers 19:10 - The Importance of Intelligence: Why sharing data is your best defense 23:45 - Recovery Success Stories: What happens when the system works 27:12 - Closing Thoughts: The 2026 outlook and final advice Support the show

    28 min

  2. MAR 9

    Beyond the Rules: How AI and Proactive Coaching Are Transforming Trucking Safety

    Send a text In today’s episode, we sit down with Anthony Triggs, the Director of Safety and Compliance at Interstate Van Lines. With over 25 years of hands-on safety experience and a current CDL, Anthony shares his unique "servant leader" approach to fleet management.We dive deep into the implementation of dash cam technology and event recorders within the moving industry.  Anthony explains why the primary focus should always be on driver exoneration rather than just rule enforcement. We also explore the 15-year technology gap between freight and moving, the power of "operational huddles" for driver buy-in, and how AI-driven "nudges" are proactively keeping drivers safe.Whether you are a safety director or a fleet owner, this conversation is packed with actionable insights on protecting your drivers and your business. 00:00 — Introduction to Anthony Triggs and the "Servant Leader" philosophy. 01:10 — Why Anthony maintains his CDL after 25 years in safety. 03:02 — The 15-year technology gap: Freight vs. The Moving Industry. 04:42 — How to achieve a "flawless" dash cam implementation. 05:16 — Using "Operational Huddles" to build driver trust. 05:48 — The #1 goal of event recorders: Driver Exoneration. 06:28 — Moving beyond "it's just a rule" compliance. 07:28 — How AI "nudges" provide real-time coaching in the cab. Connect with us:Don't forget to subscribe to stay updated on the latest trends in trucking risk and insurance! Anthony Triggs Website:  www.moveinterstate.com   Phone Number:  800-745-6683   Email Address:  contactus@invan.com       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/ Support the show

    33 min

  3. FEB 27

    The Invisible Crisis: Why Thousands of Trucks are Forced onto Highway Ramps For Parking

    Send a text Nate Veeh from Geotab joins us to pull back the curtain on a massive industry headache: the truck parking crisis. We aren't just talking about a lack of space; we are looking at the hard data from over 6,000,000 connected vehicles managed by Geotab globally. In this episode, Nate explains how Geotab’s "Altitude" platform provides mobility insights to transportation planners and authorities to better understand their networks. We dive into the findings of a recent year-long study that reveals the nation's biggest parking "hot spots"—including why Indiana ranks #1 among all 50 states for ramp parking events. We also discuss the "Driver’s Dilemma": the collision between strict Hours of Service (HOS) regulations and a critical lack of infrastructure that forces drivers to choose between an illegal ramp park or a safety violation. If you want to see how big data is being used to tackle these infrastructure gaps and improve fleet safety, you need to hear this conversation. Contact Nate Veeh nateveeh@geotab.com https://altitude.geotab.com/  https://altitude.geotab.com/demo/ Your Host Chris Harris, Safety Dawg chris@safetydawg.com 905 973 7056 *  00:00 – Introduction: Investigating the "why" behind highway ramp parking. 01:05 – Meet Nate Bay: Background on Geotab and the scale of their global telematics data. 03:00 – Altitude by Geotab: How data helps government and private sectors solve infrastructure gaps. 04:30 – The National Study: Uncovering the persistent challenges across North American highways. 06:00 – Ranking the Hotspots: Why Indiana and Atlanta are the epicenters of the parking crisis. 11:15 – The Driver's Dilemma: How Hours of Service (HOS) mandates force unsafe parking decisions. 14:40 – Urban vs. Rural Challenges: Breaking down the specific needs of different metropolitan corridors. 19:20 – Future Solutions: Moving from identifying problems to implementing data-driven infrastructure. 23:15 – The Force Multiplier: How collaboration between data providers and fleets improves industry safety. 25:30 – Closing Remarks: Summary of key takeaways and final thoughts. Support the show

    27 min

  4. FEB 13

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

    Send a text 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 Support the show

    31 min

  5. FEB 3

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

    Send a text 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.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 Connect with Fleet Owl: 🌐 Website: https://www.fleetowl.com 🔗 LinkedIn: [Link] Subscribe for more insights into the future of freight and logistics! #Trucking #Logistics #FleetManagement #AI #CargoFraud #TMS #FleetOwl #SupplyChain Support the show

    34 min

  6. JAN 23

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

    Send a text 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. Support the show

    32 min

  7. JAN 16

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

    Send a text 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 Support the show

    28 min

  8. JAN 8

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

    Send a text 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. Support the show

    32 min
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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 trouble with trucking insurance. They invite the trucking elite on the show to discuss. This week, John and Chris, 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. You can contact us at John Farquhar, John@summitrisksolutions.ca 1 226 802 2762; Chris Harris, Chris@safetydawg.com 905 973 7056

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