Are You Prepared for the Unexpected?
From nuclear verdicts that make headlines to severe weather events that can halt entire fleets, today’s motor carriers face an increasingly challenging risk environment. These issues can disrupt operations, damage reputations, and threaten long-term financial stability. As these risks grow in complexity, being proactive is no longer optional.
This article highlights several of the most pressing emerging risks in trucking and explains how Great West Casualty Company supports motor carriers through specialized insurance coverages and comprehensive risk control services.
Nuclear Verdict Exposure
Large jury awards exceeding $10 million, often called nuclear verdicts, have become more frequent in recent years. Social inflation, shifting public sentiment, and aggressive litigation strategies contribute to this trend, significantly increasing carriers' financial exposure.
Great West Casualty Company offers Excess Liability coverage, which may provide additional protection beyond standard policy limits, subject to the terms and conditions of the policy. In addition, the company’s risk control services team supports motor carriers with:
- Driver guides and tools to reinforce safety awareness
- Guidance on incident response and post-accident procedures
- Resources to assist with legal preparation and defense strategies
Natural Disasters and Extreme Weather
Severe weather events such as hurricanes, wildfires, and blizzards continue to disrupt fleet operations nationwide. These events can damage equipment and cargo, delay deliveries, and create hazardous driving conditions that endanger drivers and other motorists.
Great West Casualty Company offers Physical Damage, Cargo, and Claims Services designed to support the protection of vehicles and freight, subject to applicable policy provisions. The company’s risk control team also works with motor carriers to develop contingency plans, deliver weather-specific driver safety training, and support proactive fleet readiness measures.
Regulatory and Compliance Changes
Motor carriers must continuously adapt to regulatory requirements, including emissions standards, electronic logging devices, and driver classification rules. Non-compliance can result in significant fines, operational interruptions, or potential coverage complications.
Great West Casualty Company offers extensive Safety and Risk Control Services to help motor carriers navigate these regulatory challenges. Services include compliance guidance and tools, resources on electronic logging devices and hours-of-service regulations, on-site safety audits, and access to educational materials such as the Truckers' Injury Prevention System (TIPS) manual and safety seminars.
Catastrophic Loss Prevention
A minor incident can become a catastrophic loss if proper preventive measures are not in place. Insufficient risk controls have contributed to many severe outcomes across the industry, including significant financial losses and reputational harm.
Great West Casualty Company supports carriers in reducing these exposures through on-site risk assessments, safety culture coaching, and targeted training programs. By strengthening safety practices and reinforcing a strong operational foundation, carriers can better protect their employees, equipment, and business continuity.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Emerging risks such as nuclear verdicts, severe weather, and shifting regulations continue to challenge motor carriers. Through specialized insurance coverages, including Auto Liability, Physical Damage, Cargo, and Excess Liability, along with comprehensive risk control services, Great West Casualty Company supports fleets in operating with enhanced preparedness.
To learn how these solutions can support your business, request a free quote today.
The information in this article is provided as a courtesy of Great West Casualty Company. To see what additional resources Great West Casualty Company can provide for its insureds, please contact your risk control representative, or click below to find an agent.
Insurance Contracts are Underwritten, Administered, and Issued by: Great West Casualty Company, Old Republic Life Insurance Company, and Old Republic Union Insurance Company.
One or more Old Republic companies may provide the products and/or services described. Information presented is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute a contract or advice, including employment advice or advice to motor carriers. Please refer to the relevant insurance policy for actual terms. Products and services may not be available in all states and may be subject to change without notice. © 2026 Old Republic International Corporation. Old Republic® and the Old Republic Circle of Stars monogram are registered trademarks. All Rights Reserved.
