The trucking industry has always relied on multiple layers of oversight to keep unsafe carriers off the road. One of the most important of those layers was insurance scrutiny through PICS (Pre-Insurance Screening Program). Today, that safeguard is rapidly weakening — and the consequences affect every compliant carrier on the road.

Recent industry developments show that major insurers, including GEICO and Progressive, are issuing policies to carriers with poor safety records, unresolved compliance issues, or minimal operating history — approvals that would have been far less likely in the past.

Why This Is a Serious Problem

PICS was designed to prevent carriers with red flags from obtaining insurance before addressing safety concerns. When insurers bypass or loosen these checks:

• Unsafe carriers remain active on the road
• Compliant carriers face unfair competition
• Accident risks increase for drivers and the public
• FMCSA compliance enforcement becomes reactive instead of preventative

Insurance is no longer acting as the final safety gate it once was.

What This Means for Trucking Companies

For responsible owner-operators and fleet owners, this shift raises the stakes. When unsafe carriers are allowed to operate, enforcement pressure increases across the industry. DOT audits become stricter, roadside inspections intensify, and compliance mistakes become more costly.

This makes proactive compliance more important than ever.

How West Gate Carrier Helps Protect Your Authority

At West Gate Carrier, we help trucking companies stay ahead of these risks by ensuring:

• Proper DOT & MC authority setup
• Ongoing DOT compliance management
• Accurate IFTA filing
• Valid IRP cab cards and plates
• Complete all-state truck permit support
• Assistance for new authorities and company formation

We help carriers operate clean, compliant, and prepared — regardless of how insurance standards change.

The Bottom Line

When insurance companies loosen safety gates, the responsibility shifts back to carriers. The companies that survive and grow will be the ones that take compliance seriously, maintain clean records, and partner with experts who understand FMCSA requirements.

If you want to protect your authority, avoid costly shutdowns, and operate with confidence, West Gate Carrier is here to help.

📞 Call: 916-975-7075

🌐 Website: www.westgatecarrier.com

📧 Email: admin@westgatecarrier.com