Dear Chris,
We’re writing more trucking insurance these days, but we’re having a hard time learning the language. What’s the difference between bobtail coverage and deadheading? One reminds me of Jingle Bells, and the other makes me think of Jerry Garcia! Help!
Sam in South Carolina
Dear Sam,
First, I’m proud of you for realizing there’s a difference! A lot of agents use these terms interchangeably, but they are definitely different.
Bobtail refers to a truck-tractor without an attached trailer. This usually occurs after a trucker drops a trailer at one location and heads to pick up another trailer at a different location.
Deadheading occurs after a trucker unloads his cargo at his destination and is now pulling an empty attached trailer.
Both of these situations can be considered non-business use, and can cause problems for independent truckers, especially when they make deliveries for different folks. Once they complete a delivery for one trucking operation the insurance coverage through that entity usually ends, so where does coverage come from while they’re not hauling, or hauling empty? My suggestion is always to check with your JSA underwriter to make sure your trucking clients have the proper coverage when they need it.
Hope that helps! Good luck getting those truckers “on the road again”!
XOXO,
Chris
