RIVERSIDE, Calif.—March 2, 2026—Across America Insurance Services (Across America) today announces it is expanding its offerings through trusted partner Platinum Transport Insurance Risk Retention Group (Platinum Transport, RRG) into new geographic locations.

Across America will now be available in the state of Florida, written through Platinum Transport, RRG. All Across America programs written through Platinum Transport, RRG will also now be available in Virigina. Such programs include auto liability coverage bundled with physical damage and cargo.

“With the commercial transportation industry facing a number of challenges from driver shortages and higher operational costs to stricter regulations, finding ways for organizations to minimize liability and financial burden is more important than ever,” said Across America CEO Harish Kapur. “At Across America we are always looking for new ways to help agencies find growth and success in an effective and sustainable way. Partnering with risk retention groups and carriers like Platinum Transport, RRG allows us to foster that growth by expanding the coverage available to our agency partners into new locations. We are pleased to introduce these expanded offerings and look forward to more future success through Platinum Transport and our other partners.”

Across America partners with more than five industry-leading AM Best carriers and risk retention groups rated A- or better by AM Best, including Platinum Transport Insurance, RRG, to offer core transportation insurance products across the nation. For more information on the markets Across America serves and Across America’s carrier partnerships, visit: https://acrossamericainsurance.com/markets/.

For more information about Platinum Transport Insurance Risk Retention Group, Inc., please visit: https://platinumrrg.com/about-us/. 

About Across America

Across America Insurance Services is a unique wholesale insurance provider, serving the specific needs of the commercial transportation and trucking industry. Founded in 2015 by Harish and Rajni Kapur, Across America Insurance was structured to help agencies grow profitably and sustainably. With leadership holding nearly three decades of commercial insurance experience and a specialization in the transportation industry Across America focuses on developing custom solutions to fit the needs of each insured. For more information on Across America and the services and coverages Across America can offer visit, https://acrossamericainsurance.com/.

RIVERSIDE, Calif. — February 25, 2026 — Platinum Transport Insurance Risk Retention Group (Platinum) today announces it will maintain a rating of A- (Excellent) from AM Best in 2026.

Contributing factors to these ratings included Platinum’s strong balance sheet strength, strong operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management according to AM Best.

“The commercial transportation industry faced a challenging and uncertain year in 2025, leading to a hard market and tightening capacity in the insurance sector,” said Harish Kapur, founder of Platinum. “Maintaining financial strength and profitability year-after-year allows groups like Platinum to support our partners in offering growth and reliability to insureds facing market challenges. This rating showcases that strength and potential for future growth.

 

Platinum supplies A-rated coverage for Auto Liability. Kapur co-founded Platinum with his wife and business partner, Rajni Kapur.

For more information about Platinum Transport Insurance Risk Retention Group, Inc., please visit: https://platinumrrg.com/about-us/.  For the latest Best’s Credit Rating, access www.ambest.com.

 

About Platinum Transport, RRG

Platinum Transport Insurance Risk Retention Group, Inc. (PTIRRG, INC.) was established in 2015 with the driven intent of offering adequate insurance coverage at a low and competitive price to the commercial transportation industry. With leadership holding more than 10 years of combined experience in the RRG industry and 50-plus years of combined experience within the entire insurance industry that specializes in transportation, PTIRRG, INC. produces insurance with the flexibility to offer various rates and services that most insurance companies cannot offer.

Electrifying the Road Ahead: Navigating Insurance for Electric Trucks

At Across America Insurance, with over 75 years of combined experience in trucking insurance, we’ve always prided ourselves on navigating through the intricacies of the everchanging trucking industry landscape. Recently, we encountered a new frontier: insuring electric trucks. This request, our first of its kind, brought to light the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the trucking industry and insurance providers alike.

The Challenge of Insuring Electric Trucks

The transition to electric trucks represents a leap towards sustainability and compliance with increasingly strict emissions standards. However, this shift is not without its challenges, particularly when it comes to insurance. The value of electric trucks, which are significantly higher than their traditional counterparts, poses a unique challenge for insurers. Our experience with London partners, including those from Lloyd’s of London, has revealed a hesitancy to insure these vehicles. The lack of data on electric truck parts, repair costs, and the potential impact on downtime and loss of wages in the event of an accident has made actuarial assessments more difficult.

The Price of Progress

The question of how much carriers should charge for insuring electric trucks is complex. Electric vehicles, while more expensive upfront and potentially leading to higher insurance costs, offer long-term savings through lower operational costs and compliance with state emissions standards. This balance between initial investment and long-term savings is crucial in determining the right insurance pricing model for electric trucks.

Regulatory Changes and Their Impact

The recent proposal to redefine independent contractor classifications and to impose stricter carbon emissions standards signifies a significant shift in the industry. These changes could lead to increased operational costs and may necessitate revisions in insurance policies to cover new liabilities and compliance requirements. Understanding these regulations and their implications for both truckers and insurers is essential in providing relevant and comprehensive coverage.

Across America Insurance: Navigating Together

At Across America Insurance, we may not have all of the answers yet, but we are committed to finding them. We work with select and distinguished insurance brokerages that understand the nuances of transportation. Our goal is to do the right thing for our customers and their truckers, helping them maneuver through the changing environment with confidence.

Looking Forward

As we navigate the road ahead, the electrification of the trucking industry presents both challenges and opportunities. The key will be in developing insurance solutions that not only address the immediate concerns of higher value and repair costs, but also consider the long-term benefits of electric trucks. At Across America Insurance, we are dedicated to this journey, exploring innovative approaches and solutions to insure the future of trucking.

For any questions, or if you’re seeking guidance on insuring electric trucks, feel free to reach out to us at our website or call us at 760-3025300. Together, let’s pave the way for a sustainable and prosperous future in trucking.

Less-than-truckload shipping, or LTL, is a cost-effective way for trucking businesses to send smaller shipments or quantities of freight more frequently. The process works by allowing a business to combine partial loads and loads belonging to several different companies on their trucks — often referred to as “assembly service” — rather than each business having to hire an entire truck to haul one small load.

According to the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, “The benefit of LTL shipping [is that it] allows several different loads headed to the same vicinity to be combined to fill a truck or container, thereby creating economies of scale. Each shipper pays for just the space they use.”

However, a major disadvantage of LTL shipping is that it involves many touchpoints requiring the handling of goods. The greater the number of individual shipments and transfers there are, the more the goods are being handled from truck to truck — increasing the chance of freight being damaged, stolen or lost. Compared to a single full truckload, LTL shipping can substantially increase a business’s claim liability.

The following are 3 of the most common liabilities associated with LTL shipping:

1. Freight Loss

Due to the frequency of handling, transferring, and sorting LTL freight, there is an increased risk of cargo being stolen, lost or damaged. When the recipient only receives a portion of the freight expected, a shortage occurs. This often happens when the product falls out of the truck or pieces go missing.

Loss control tip: To better control damage losses, LTL shippers should take extra precautions when packing smaller freight loads and purchase additional loss insurance coverage.

2. Shipping Delays

Key factors in LTL shipping, such as the number of stops, the weather, road and traffic conditions, and accidents, can all impact delivery times and cause delays. This can result in unhappy customers and a possible liability claim situation.

Loss control tip: Shippers should exhaust every effort possible to minimize delays. This can include properly vetting LTL carriers, tracking LTL shipments online, and communicating the possibility of a delay to their customers.

3. Shipping Shortages

We’ve already covered the fact that LTL shipments are at an increased risk of damage, etc. An additional claim issue involves shortages, such as when a recipient only receives a portion of their expected freight. This can be due to an oversight when loading or when part of a shipment falls out of a truck while being unloaded.

Loss control tip: Operations should make it a practice to inspect all freight before and after loading.

Having the right insurance coverage

A recent article in Freight Waves, a leading publication for the transportation industry, noted that with more freight brokers and third-party logistics (known as 3PLs) handling LTL shipments domestically, cross-border and internationally, it is increasingly important for businesses to carry extra insurance to cover additional risk exposure.

The article goes on to mention that while motor carriers and drivers are usually responsible for paying liability claims, underinsured carriers or drivers can result in claim disputes – placing the responsibility on the freight broker or 3PL, which could have them footing the bill simply due to the carrier’s lack of coverage. In such cases, the shipper may seek compensation from the carrier. However, the amount and process of reimbursement can vary depending on the carrier’s limits of liability.

As an insurance professional serving trucking businesses, it is important to help your clients be aware of and prepare for liabilities associated with LTL shipping and to carry the right insurance to help mitigate losses. This includes motor truck cargo insurance to cover goods damaged in transport, as well as specific types of cargo contained in LTL shipments.

About Across America Insurance Services Inc.

To learn about our transportation insurance products, including motor truck cargo and how we can best serve you, our retail insurance broker client, please email marketing@acrossamericainsurance.com or call 760-302-5300.

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The current trucking insurance market faces a challenging landscape marked by lower freight rates, excess capacity, and rising costs. Across America’s CEO, Harish Kapur, sat down with the Insurance Journal to discuss today’s trucking insurance market, covering topics such as:

• How commercial trucking insurers are turning to technology to inform better risk selection and pricing models
• The importance of experienced claims management and underwriting professionals
• The entry of new players to the trucking insurance market who are willing to underbid longtime carriers
• How the influx of insurtechs and the pressure on pricing are shaping the commercial trucking insurance market
• Factors to consider (beyond price) when selecting carriers

Read the full article >

According to the Federal Motor Carrier and Safety Administration (FMCSA), out of the approximate 1.5 million state and federal roadside inspections this year, 57% resulted in violations. The fact is that trucking is, and has always been, a highly regulated industry. 

To better ensure the efficiency of operations and safety of drivers and the public, trucking companies must adhere to a number of key FMCSA regulations and compliance rules. However, during the course of business, rules and regulations can be (and often are) easily overlooked. But why is that? 

There are a number of possible reasons why your trucking clients may fail to observe certain rules and FMCSA regulations. According to the industry news source Freight Waves, trucking businesses may not be aware of or are unfamiliar with recent FMCSA updates or lack the time for or access to pertinent information or resources. In other cases, it may be the result of simple human error or neglect.  

Based on multiple FMCSA regulation violations over the past 24 months and according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the following are three of the most commonly overlooked regulations in the trucking industry today:

1. Hours-of-service regulations

Electronic logging devices monitor the hours of service that commercial drivers are allowed to drive as well as when they are to take breaks. 

OSHA states that drivers must maintain and produce updated logs upon the request of an officer to prove they are operating within HOS limits.  

2. License and permit regulations

A growing number of drivers are being found noncompliant for driving without a commercial driver’s license or operating a truck without the proper endorsement for a specific vehicle or cargo. 

In addition, permit violations that are most often overlooked include operating without a Department of Transportation (DOT) carrier number, a motor carrier number, unified carrier registration or a standard carrier alpha code. 

3. Training regulations

The DOT and FMSCA regulation that’s most often overlooked is meeting training requirements. It’s important to note that the DOT doesn’t review or certify driver training programs; therefore, it’s up to the trucking company employer to select and comply with all required training programs or be in violation. 

In conclusion, the world of trucking is governed by a multitude of FMCSA regulations and compliance rules, making it essential for trucking companies to maintain a keen awareness of these standards to ensure the safety of their drivers and the public, as well as the efficiency of their operations. 

As insurance professionals, it is imperative to engage in proactive discussions with your trucking clients, addressing these areas of noncompliance and helping them take the necessary steps to rectify these issues. By doing so, you can not only safeguard their operations but also minimize the risk of FMCSA regulation violations, ultimately contributing to a safer and more compliant trucking industry.

To learn about our transportation insurance products and how we can best serve you, our retail broker clients, please email marketing@acrossamericainsurance.com or call 760-302-5300. 

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Recently, thieves have been targeting a pricey semi-truck component – the common powertrain controller (CPC) module. According to Daimler Truck North America LLC (DTNA), a leading manufacturer of large commercial trucks, the theft of CPC modules has been on the rise over the past two years, with thieves reprogramming devices and installing them on other vehicles. Last year, DTNA reported an unprecedented instance in Pennsylvania where CPC modules were stolen from 24 parked trucks. 

Here, we’ll take a closer look at this growing issue and how insurance agents and brokers can help their trucking clients be better protected against CPC module theft by understanding specific best practices and having the right insurance to mitigate their risk exposure.

What has created this trend?

The rise in CPC module thefts can be directly attributed to the ongoing supply chain issues and increased costs for used vehicles. Simply put, the microchips that are used in the modules are scarce, making them attractive targets for thieves who can sell them on the black market at a premium. Adding to a loss, the process of extracting the modules from trucks can cause substantial damage to doors, dashboards and windows, costing transportation businesses thousands of dollars in repair costs.

How does insurance cover CPC module losses?

Because comprehensive insurance includes coverage for losses due to theft and vandalism, it will, in most cases, cover the loss of a CPC module and the damage done to the truck to extract it. Therefore, if a vehicle has liability coverage only, the theft of a CPC module and associated damages would not be considered a covered loss.

Depending on the policy and the individual claim situation, some CPC modules may be covered under a motor truck cargo (MTC) insurance policy. However, MTC insurance policies are meant to only provide protection for the equipment and cargo that is located inside a truck and cover losses that occur due to an accident or theft. The theft of a CPC module from a truck typically will not be covered under an MTC insurance policy unless the policy specifically states that a CPC module is considered part of the truck’s cargo. The degree of coverage offered by a MTC policy will differ among carriers, as well as policy exclusions and limitations.   

Tips to pass on to your transportation insurance clients to help prevent CPC module thefts:

• Make sure that all CPC modules are password-protected.
• Remind all drivers to routinely lock their cab doors. If they must leave the cab for any amount of time, instruct them to turn the engine off, remove the key and take it with them.
• Ask drivers to try and park their rigs in safe, well-lit areas. When possible, drivers should attempt to locate a fenced or gated location in which to park.
• Consider installing some type of vehicle alarm system in company trucks. 
• Have customers and repair facilities cross-reference vehicle identification numbers from CPC modules that are brought in for installation against the company’s CPC module database. This ensures that the module has not been stolen and/or illicitly sold.
• In the event of a theft, always report a stolen CPC module to local law enforcement and notify DTNA at 1-800-FTL-HELP. DTNA can help track and recover stolen CPCs as it maintains a database of CPC modules that cross-references a vehicle’s identification number to detect any stolen module attempting to be installed on a rig with a different VIN.

To learn about our transportation insurance products and how we can best serve you, our retail broker clients, please email marketing@acrossamericainsurance.com or call 760-302-5300.

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Today, there are approximately 3.54 million truck drivers on U.S. roads. Despite that seemingly large number of long-haul trucking jobs, the transportation industry continues to experience a severe shortage of qualified drivers.

Let’s face it – truckers are on the road in isolation and away from loved ones for long periods of time, while shouldering the responsibility for cargo being transported and the possibility of becoming involved in an accident. Long haul trucking jobs aren’t right for everyone! However, there are certain aspects of being a long-haul driver that make it very appealing. Here are the top seven:

1. The freedom of the open road

For many, sitting in an office all day, attending meetings and being micromanaged by a boss just isn’t an option. Securing a long-haul trucking job provides independence and a sense of freedom that many individuals crave.

2. The ability to travel to new places

Long-haul truck drivers have the opportunity to see different places, experience new cultures, visit scenic landmarks and areas of historical significance, etc., without having to get on a plane or stand in TSA lines.

3. The chance to enjoy the solitude

Some people simply aren’t very sociable and crave alone time. For those who like working by themselves, a long-haul trucking job is a welcome opportunity to enjoy quiet time while rolling down the highway to their next destination.

4. The opportunity to meet new people

From truck stops to restaurants, delivery points, and interactions with shippers, receivers and customers, drivers have multiple opportunities to meet, enjoy and interact with people from all areas of the country.

5. The love of being behind the wheel

There is a saying that if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. Some people simply love to drive! For these individuals, a long-haul trucking job can be the ideal occupation.

6. The chance to be the boss

Long-haul truck drivers can join the ranks of the self-employed by becoming owner-operators and running their own independent transportation business. In return, they can select where they want to go, as well as the type of cargo and goods they prefer to ship. Owner-operators also have greater control over their income and the types of contracts they choose to accept.

7. An opportunity to see the country with a buddy

Some long-haul trucking operations allow drivers to travel with a family member or friend. For those who enjoy driving but would prefer the company of another person, this arrangement can be ideal.

In conclusion, long-haul trucking jobs may not be for everyone – but they hold a unique appeal for those who are drawn to the open road and the lifestyle it offers. Whether it’s a passion for driving, the desire to be your own boss, or the opportunity to share the journey with a companion, long-haul trucking offers a range of experiences that make it more than just a job for those who choose this path.

To learn about our transportation insurance products and how we can best serve you, our retail broker clients, please email marketing@acrossamericainsurance.com or call 760-302-5300.

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Trailer interchange insurance is a type of physical damage coverage. Simply put, trailer interchange insurance provides a policyholder with liability coverage for any damage they may cause to a trailer that belongs to others. However, there can be confusion about how this type of insurance works, whether or not it’s necessary, and when coverage may apply.

Here, we’ll answer the most common questions regarding trailer interchange insurance so you can help your clients better understand this important coverage.

How does trailer interchange insurance work?

Trailer interchange insurance protects a driver against any damage they cause to another party’s trailer during the course of business. Common covered claim events typically include (but aren’t limited to) collisions, falling objects, fire, theft, and damage caused by weather-related occurrences.

For example, let’s say that one of your trucking company clients is hauling a load using an exchanged trailer. While refueling, the driver backs into a post and causes substantial damage to the trailer. With this type of insurance, the transportation company’s driver who is liable for the damage would have coverage under a trailer interchange policy to help cover repairs. Likewise, if the trailer was stolen while the driver was refueling, coverage for theft would apply in a claim situation. 

Is trailer interchange insurance required?

In general, trailer interchange insurance isn’t required. However, if your clients regularly haul loads using non-owned trailers, it’s important that they have this coverage. In fact, most interchange agreements will require that your transportation clients obtain trailer interchange insurance when pulling trailers that belong to others, to help cover any physical damage to the trailer as well as any other equipment in their possession. 

As is the case with auto insurance, the amount of coverage a client may need depends on several factors, including the average value of the trailers typically used and what they are used for. Trailer interchange insurance is also subject to policy deductibles and maximum coverage limits.

Can other policies cover the damage?

You may be wondering if a client’s comprehensive or property damage insurance can help cover damage or other types of losses involving a non-owned trailer. Because an exchanged trailer isn’t owned by the driver’s company, any damages that would typically be covered by a comprehensive or property damage insurance policy would not apply in such a situation and would require separate policies. 

Are trailer interchange and non-owned trailer coverage the same thing?

Trailer interchange coverage provides specific protection for trucking businesses against unforeseen damage to a trailer they don’t own. Coverage is provided the entire time a trailer is in the possession of the driver – whether it’s attached to the truck or not. Non-owned trailer coverage, however, applies only when damage occurs to a non-owned trailer while it’s hitched to the driver’s truck.

Does having both trailer interchange and non-owned trailer coverage best protect my trucking clients?

Whether a client may be better protected by having both types of policies depends on the company’s client base. Companies that work with a lot of businesses that require an interchange agreement (a contract that lists the terms and responsibilities of both the trailer’s owner and the trucking company in possession of the trailer) may want to consider both types of coverage. This can make it easier to conduct business by having the right insurance in place when they need it. 

Can a cargo insurance policy provide any protection for non-owned trailers?

Cargo insurance provides coverage for the cargo that is being transported by the company, not for the trailer carrying the cargo. In most cases, a motor carrier should have both trailer interchange coverage and cargo coverage.

To recap – your transportation clients may not realize just how much this type of insurance can help them mitigate losses, so it’s important for you to provide them with information so they can explore all available options. Not only will trailer interchange insurance help to get a trailer back on the road sooner but can help maintain good working relationships with vital transportation business partners!

To learn about our transportation insurance products and how we can best serve you, our retail broker clients, please email marketing@acrossamericainsurance.com or call 760-302-5300.

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A lot can go wrong behind the wheel of a truck. In fact, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a commercial trucking accident occurs every five seconds, and are a leading cause of injuries and death on today’s roadways.

As an insurance professional serving the transportation industry, you know that your trucking clients are responsible for making sure their drivers are properly trained in all aspects of road safety so they can better reduce the risk of having an accident. Of course, all truck driver safety begins with training and obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

A CDL is required for an individual to drive a commercial truck. And while every state has its own certification testing, one commonality is that a driver must get the proper training before they are issued their CDL. Today, there are two types of CDL training: paid and private. Here, we’ll look at the basics of both.

Paid CDL Training

Paid CDL training (also known as company-sponsored training) is when a trucking company pays the costs associated with the required safety course. A trucking company may operate their own CDL training courses or contract with a private CDL training school. A driver who completes the company-sponsored training and successfully obtains their license is typically guaranteed a job working for the company that paid for their training. In fact, in many cases, a trucking company that offers paid training will require a driver to sign a contract, agreeing that they will work for that particular business for a certain period of time.

The biggest benefit of paid CDL training for drivers is that they don’t have to pay upfront for their training, and when they complete it, they have a job waiting for them. As for trucking companies, they’ll have the assurance that their new driver has been properly trained in road safety standards.

Private CDL Training

Private CDL training is just that — training in a school that is owned and operated by an independent business that is not associated with a particular trucking company. Unlike paid CDL training courses, these private schools require students to pay their tuition upfront and out of their own pockets. Because it is the potential driver who is footing the bill, they can select the location of the school they wish to attend.

The benefit of private CDL training is that once a driver successfully completes the course, he or she isn’t obligated to go to work for any one particular commercial trucking operation, but can go to work at the company of their choosing. The downside, of course, is that the tuition for attending a private school can be costly – ranging from $4,000 to $8,000 and typically paid in advance.