South Carolina has been facing a trucker shortage for the past five years, and even across the nation the trucking industry was approximately fifty thousand drivers short. This means states like South Carolina and Ohio are offering more and more incentives for new drivers, such as tuition reimbursement for CDL courses, trucking routes that let drivers return home each day, and financial incentives for entry-level jobs. Whether you’re a new truck driver or an experienced owner-operator, these shortages can also help you lower your insurance premiums. Here’s how:
- The state’s general assembly has an incentive to increase the number of instructors and CDL-related courses. Taking safety courses and seminars that prove your up-to-date on recent regulations and safety procedures document your dedication to safe driving. Not only will the information itself help you drive safer, the certifications can help you negotiate lower premiums.
- The shortage means government agencies and the private sector will be hiring younger drivers, which is better for older or more experienced drivers. Insurance companies consider factors such as driver age, years driving trucks, and accident histories when evaluating policies. Because of the influx of entry-level drivers, having a good history and even just a few years of experience make you look low-risk.
Being a good driver will always save you money on insurance. But being an experienced driver in the middle of a national trucking shortage means your record and willingness to take additional safety courses is even more valuable. If you’re considering changing your insurance policy or you want to shop around for better rates, go to J.E.B. Insurance Services, LLC to get started. We provide commercial truck insurance in the following states: Florida, Georgia, Texas, North Caroline, South Carolina, Tennessee, Illinois, Iowa & Nebraska.
