Trucking schools provide a practical way to learn how to safely drive under varying road conditions. For this reason, choosing a driving school is an important decision. A good school will prepare you properly for exams and, above all, safe driving, thus avoiding accidents and damage to property. To make the right choice, carefully consider a number of key factors, including accreditation, a range of services, pricing and the condition of training vehicles.
Trucking schools must be accredited by the relevant authorities for the course to be validated. This is a condition for having the right to take the exams and to obtain a driver’s license. Trainers must also have an accreditation card in their possession.
As part of accreditation, schools must complete the compulsory program consisting of several hours of theory and practical classes. Several aspects affecting all facets of safe driving will be covered in the training.
The services offered can vary from one school to another. In addition to basic courses, some schools will allow students to use a driving simulator to test themselves in harsh driving conditions. Some schools also offer the option of renting an automobile to pass the practical test, which ensures compliance with the vehicle.
In addition, find out about the different models of cars used in schools for practical classes. It is recommended to try several types of vehicles and transmissions in order to have a varied experience.
The price of the driving course is typically regulated and a charge for the course material is added to the basic fee. The price for a quality course should not be too low. It is important to evaluate the driving schools according to the services offered than the price.
Additional considerations
A truck is regarded as a vehicle weighing more than 3.5 tons. Driving a truck requires specific permits other than those issued for driving a light car. In some jurisdictions, there are two types of license to drive heavy trucks. Class 1 is reserved for driving a two-axle truck or a three-axle truck pulling one or more semi-trailers. The Class 3 permit is specific to all trucks of three or more axles, to two-axle load trucks with a net weight of 4500 kg or more.
To start driving lessons for heavy vehicles, a person must fulfill some basic conditions, such as a visual test and have a satisfactory state of health or pass the theoretical exam and two practice tests. The individual must also have no more than four demerit points on his driving record. They must also not have the license suspended or revoked following the accumulation of demerit points or a Criminal Code offense. Truck driving is highly delicate; it is for this reason that some experience is required to obtain the driving license for heavy goods vehicles.
Extra caution is required when driving heavy-duty trucks. A savvy driver reduces speed when traveling on highways. The speed limit is also determined according to the weather conditions. Thus, in case of snow or rain, it is strongly recommended to reduce the speed of the vehicle.
Guys who are just starting their career as an OTR truck driver, particularly as an owner/operator, are often surprised to find out that the “freedom of the open road” comes with a lot of permits, regulations, and mandatory purchases that have to be dealt with before you can load your first sack of concrete on board. It’s also the reason why a lot of otherwise qualified drivers are content to roll for the company rather than going into business for themselves. It’s simply a lot easier to let someone else handle all the paperwork, even if it means taking a much smaller piece of the per-mile pie.
Yet many drivers have discovered that the security and peace of mind they hoped to achieve by working for one of the big outfits just isn’t there anymore. Loads are harder to come by, pay less than they used to, and now frequently come with unwelcome additional strings attached that you have to swallow if you want the job. With this rising tide of aggravation engulfing the trucking companies, many operators are now taking a second look at going into business, or back into the business, for themselves.
This is particularly true as a new generation of truckers is coming online who are much more familiar and comfortable with technology in the cab. By its very nature, technology tends to cut out the middleman and connect information directly to the end user. What this means in practice is that independents can now operate just like a large outfit but at a fraction of the administrative cost.
Of course, the regulatory jungle is still out there for everyone, but there is an increasing amount of good news for those contemplating the idea of becoming an independent driver. Whereas the insurance industry used to treat truckers like a gang of red-headed step-children, certain enlightened agents have seen the light. They now offer hauling companies insurance services that will cover all of a driver’s mandatory needs as well as providing for all of the optional financial service packages he may desire on top of the requisite ones.
Also, this doesn’t eliminate all that red tape but it does enable a driver to just concentrate on what’s in front of the windshield. Having an agent who understands all of the ins and outs of the trucking business means that you can purchase a policy and not worry about any unwelcome surprises cropping up at the next weigh station. You’re not going to be under-insured and you’re sure as heck not interested in being over-insured. Just like Goldilocks, a trucker-friendly agency is going to get you the one that is just right for your needs.
Combine easier-to-obtain insurance with the plethora of new trucking management software packages, as well as coast-to-coast Internet access, and you have a recipe for being able to handle your own little trucking enterprise on-the-fly without needing to pay for a costly back office support staff in order to keep an eye on all of those necessary but distracting parts of the whole enterprise.
The trucking business is very profitable for trucking companies with the capacity to offer a wide variety of options to its clients. Because clients have different needs, it’s important to have specialised trucks. Tankers are ideal for liquids and gases, flatbeds are best suited for overhanging loads that cannot be confined to tight spaces -like timber- and then of course, reefer trucks are primed for perishable loads that have to be stored at certain temperatures. Insurance companies are therefore constantly urging clients to use trucks that are ideal for the types of loads they intend to transport, as they can’t be making payouts for losses that could have been avoided if the necessary care was exercised.
* Reefer Specialised Trailers
With an inbuilt air conditioner on the trailer itself, these are the kinds of trucks that are used to haul perishable goods like vegetables, meat and, in some instances, flowers. As for temperature regulation, monitoring and is the responsibility of the driver, who is supposed to see to it that preset temperatures are maintained throughout the journey and that the condition of the goods is closely monitored.
* Low Boy
These unusual looking trucks give the impression that extremely dangerous components are being transported, and that’s usually the case. Also known as a heavy load hauler, a standout feature is how they’re low in the middle, hence the name, Low Boy. The low elevation makes them suited for over-sized goods like cranes and industrial equipment, so it’s not unusual to see such trucks travelling under escort.
Flatbed
As the name suggests, this truck is for hauling goods that wouldn’t ordinarily fit on a Low Boy or in Bull hauler. You probably have an idea of what this one looks like if you’re observant when trucks drive past you on the highway. It’s flat from the front to the back and usually has restraints on the sides and in the front for added security. In the latter case, trucking companies bear the overall burden of securing goods as their very nature makes them vulnerable to theft and looting.
* Tankers
You may not be familiar with the type of goods transported by tankers, but neither do you need an IQ of 180 to know what a tanker looks like. Cylindrical in shape and made from steel, tankers are some of the most sought-after haulage vehicles on the planet because of the constant demand for fuel. However familiar, mastering it as a driver is arguably one of the most difficult challenges in the trucking business because the center of gravity of tankers is constantly changing. Used for transporting liquids ranging from gasoline, gas to milk, specialised skills are required to ensure the accidents don’t occur as the losses can be irretrievable.
* Container Hauler
If you’ve been at a port then this isn’t something new. Rectangular in shape and closed on all ends, these are used to ferry imported goods coming in by ship. So they’re very popular in port cities and sea terminals from which goods are transported to the rest of the country. Used for transporting a range of goods, it shouldn’t come as surprise that they’re used to haul perishable goods, like fish, for example.
* Bull Hauler
As the name denotes, they’re especially designed to haul live animals. Seeing that these are custom built for livestock transportation, they need to be airy and closely regulated because of the likelihood of animal diseases spreading from one area to another. So this business comes with extra responsibility and requires more than the typical trucking expertise.
* Car Transportation Trucks
As misplaced as this may sound, auto haulers are designed to transport vehicles. With layered sections, these require extra expertise and training. Moreover, they’re more expensive to operate or hire because of the great deal of mechanics and auto engineering that goes into car arrangement and security.
Hot Shot
Also known as Less Than Trucking (LTL), this is considerably smaller than your ordinary trailers and semi-trucks. Its size makes it ideal for pick and drops consignments between short distances.
* Hopper
In other jurisdictions, this is referred to as a tipper. It’s designed to dump its contents by making use of onboard mechanics and gravity. This trailer/truck is ideal for dry bulk loads, like rice and corn.
When all is said and done, your choice ultimately depends on the kind of load you’re ferrying. However so, other considerations -like the cost of insurance- play a part in the decision-making process. Because let’s face it, you want to be paying for insurance, but not too much. That said, reefers, bull haulers, flatbeds, and tankers are the most profitable from a business standpoint.So when you have to describe the kinds of specialized trucking you have to potential clients, be sure to emphasize the need for specialization as that determines whether goods get to their destination in one piece.
There are so many complex moving parts that must work well for all to go well. Below, we take a look at a few of them and how they can be managed through services like freight insurance and trucking factoring.
Managing Risk and Securing Your Freight Business
Trucking is a risky business on several levels. This is as there are so many variables involved in the process. In one delivery, there are drivers, trucks, goods being hauled, and management and tracking systems that are engaged throughout the entire process. As such, there are various risks involved on a variety of levels. Additionally, traveling long distances increase the risk of accidents, theft, and other occurrences that can negatively impact business and profitability. Therefore, to mitigate against fallouts arising from things going wrong, extensive insurance may prove useful.
Unsurprisingly, there are many different kinds of available insurance packages available to meet the various needs of both individual and company freight service providers. It is important, therefore to assess the needs of your business and the level at which you provide your freight services and allow that assessment to determine your insurance needs.
What is Trucking Factoring?
Another way of securing your freight trucking business is through effective cash flow management is an important part of any business. There are few things as frustrating or as stressful as being unable to run your business on account of invoices owed by clients. This can result in a myriad of operational problems – including your own bills being unpaid. This is why trucking factoring is so important.
Trucking factoring, also known as freight factoring, helps freight companies managing a fleet of trucks effectively manage their business cash flow through cash advances on already delivered goods. In other words, it is an advance on accounts receivables. This advance is repaid when the trucking factoring service provider collects on the unpaid invoice on behalf of the freight service provider.
By having this advance on delivered goods, it helps freight service providers ensure that they will have the cash they need to keep the business going as they await payments for outstanding invoices.
Trucking Factoring
Trucking factoring services are easy to access and take advantage of. Here is some of what trucking freight providers can expect:
1. To make their deliveries as usual
Business freight providers can make their deliveries without fear or worry as they can receive a cash advance on their bill/invoice without having to stress about following up with clients themselves.
2. Submit a copy of their freight bill to the factoring company
Once their delivery is made, freight providers who have an agreement with the factoring company should ensure that they submit a copy of their invoice/bill in exchange for their advance.
3. You receive a cash advance on your unpaid bill
Cash advances for the total amount of unpaid invoice amount allowing freight services providers continue their operations.
4. The factoring company collects on your invoice from your client
Using the unpaid invoice submitted to the factoring company, they will collect the amounts owing on behalf of the freight services providers.
The federally mandated prerequisite of contingent auto liability freight brokers is to ensure that there is enough value and type of insurance. Brokers are often held liable for loss or damage to the shipper’s freight. Also, when accidents occur and property gets damaged, third parties claim that the brokers are responsible.
It is often alleged that responsibility was breached by the broker, citing that investigations on safety records were not carried out. Claimants also argue that the brokers and carriers had some hidden agendas.
Types of Freight Broker Insurance
Broker insurances are so complex, especially because there are multiple variations to choose from. It is, therefore, vital to learn and understand the difference. The first type is broker bond, requiring freight brokers to carry a surety bond.
The bond ensures carriers and shippers are paid when the broker is unable to meet the contract in full, failure to keep the contractual agreement, or delay payments. The other is the contingent auto liability. This protects brokers against third parties.
General liability addresses issues beyond driving. Brokers should consider coverage such as property and general liability, workers’ compensation, vicarious auto liability and umbrella, contingent cargo, and errors and omissions. Errors and omissions are particularly very important because there could be claims that are not covered by policies such as contingent cargo.
For instance, if a broker makes the mistake of giving incorrect information to a carrier, that would fall under errors and omissions and would be considered as negligence. The broker would, however, not pay for property damaged and bodily injury. Apart from workers’ compensation, which is required by law, all other policies are part of a broker’s decision.
The decision made will depend on the assessment of risks that could potentially touch on the operation of the shipment. Brokers are advised to avoid wasting money on excess auto liability, carrier-supplied insurance certificates, incomplete carrier qualification, and to quit relying on the FMCSA for insurance data.
Negligent Selection
Although contingent auto liability freight brokers do not find themselves directly negligent, they still need to protect themselves. If for instance, the insurance of the carrier is invalid at the time of the accident or their coverage have been exhausted, the broker’s coverage should offer a valuable legal defense.
Despite having bills of lading, history of doing business, contracts/written confirmations, and invoices, liability risks can still be passed on to them. Once the motor carrier that is selected by the broker is found to be negligent, questions may arise as to whether the latter had a particular motive by using that specific carrier.
Investigations may then be carried out to examine the safety ratings of the carrier and history of accidents caused, among other faults to determine if the broker actually had this information before selecting it to transport the load. If suspected to have this information beforehand, the court may decide to hold the broker responsible for the loss or the damages caused.
There have been cases where the broker was found liable based on the theory of vicarious liability. This is where the carrier is determined to have some connection with the broker. Before selecting a carrier, brokers are advised to check their safety status, verify their insurance, and get proper liability insurance coverage.
Brokers act as intermediaries between carriers and shippers. They do not take possession of goods being shipped but can be liable for damages and losses resulting from the transportation when claims are filed.
As such, contingent auto liability insurance is necessary to protect them against claims. The coverage is intended to protect the brokers when they are held responsible for the carrier’s actions especially in cases where accidents involve bodily injuries. All legal liabilities to a broker’s business must, therefore, remain protected.
By definition, a third-party logistics provider is an entity that arranges shipment on behalf of its clients, in addition to managing transportation and advising them on related issues. This describes a handful of firms that operate within the logistics landscape, including consolidators, 3pl insurance brokers and freight forwarders. With the industry evolving rapidly in the recent past, these companies are now facing new liability risks in providing supply chain management services.
4PL Agreements
Also known as lead logistics providers, 4PL companies have become quite common in the last 5 years. This can be traced to the benefits they provide to their 3PL clients, such as an extensive network of warehouses and more resources. On the flip side, outsourcing with such a firm comes at the steep price of facing more risks.
While a solid contract can take care of some threats in this area, the majority of a firm’s liability risk will inevitably remain. For instance, a 3PL company could be held liable for a damaged item that changed hands several times while in transit, their own adherence to protocol notwithstanding. Even if this is covered under their policy, having solid loss control procedures in place can make a huge difference.
Legal Coverage
As more shippers chose to hand over their warehouse management duties to 3PL companies, it was only a matter of time before the latter were expected to assume more liability. Even with an ironclad contract, a negligence claim arising from this area can have disastrous consequences for such a firm. Legal fees aside, there’s often the cost of dealing with issues not covered under the law. To make matters worse, the probability of facing such a nightmare isn’t as low as one might assume — a third-party logistics firm can be found negligent both as a result of their actions, and from a contractual standpoint as well.
Food Safety
Driven by the ever-escalating need to uphold safety, regulatory bodies now require everyone who deals with food products to invest in better tracking capabilities. In particular, warehouse operators now have to trace the origins of all products within their premises, and the destinations as well. This isn’t always easy, especially when dealing with complicated networks that extend beyond international borders. As such, it’s not uncommon for firms to find themselves being held liable due to unexplained gaps in coverage.
Dated Goods
The advent of tighter regulations, coupled with the rising need for brands to protect their products, has forced logistics service providers to take on the responsibility of managing products by their expiry date. When this passes, it isn’t always clear whether this automatically declares the goods to be damaged. This is a grey area that often divides opinion, but what’s indisputable is the fact that 3PLs can be held for losses that may arise thereof.
Recalls
Product recalls cost around $10M on average. While exercising caution can minimize the risk of facing such a huge penalty, this hasn’t stopped anyone from looking for scapegoats. In an attempt to mitigate risk on their part, manufacturers are always looking to spread the blame to their partners, including 3PLs. These companies have been left with no option but to buy product recall coverage, in spite of its steep cost.
Other risks that need to be taken care of include:
Political risks: This is the case where a firm faces negative consequences due to the actions (or inaction) of a government. Coverage has to include the firm’s interests within the country, plus the damages that could result from politically-fueled violence.
Trade disruption: This covers damages resulting from the delayed or suspended arrival of shipments due to a disruption in transit.
Rejection: This covers the event where items are rejected by a governmental body.
While 3PL insurance still remains to be a crucial risk-management tool, it shouldn’t be viewed as a comprehensive solution for all threats. Because not all insurers understand the landscape, many policies simply can’t keep up with the changing landscape, more so when it comes to addressing emerging risks. 3PL companies would thus be better off creating a number of safeguards, some of which might include:
Encouraging openness: A culture that encourages transparency makes it easier to correct errors and identify suitable solutions for anything that threatens to disrupt the flow of operations.
Quantifying value at risk: Companies need to understand the extent to which they can be held liable at any particular point of failure.
Lobbying: Firms within this niche should consider joining hands to press for the modernization of current laws and/or the creation of new ones altogether, keeping in mind the need to account for the interconnected nature of risk.
Above all is the need to review one’s coverage to make sure it covers emerging threats, which can be easily taken care of by partnering with an experienced insurance agent.
LTL trucking refers to trucking operations whereby relatively small loads are carried. Due to the flexibility of the loads to be carried, many deliveries can be made at a faster rate than other trucking operations. LTL trucking also faces challenges due to the many threats that it is exposed to such as theft and accidents which can affect your operations. To protect you from the effects of such incidents, we offer a variety of covers as listed below in a bid to make your operations much more fruitful.
Liability cover: when you get into an accident and you cause damage to another car or someone’s property, you will be liable to pay for any expenses that they will incur in fixing their cars and property. To protect you from having to bear the brunt of such expenses, we offer you a liability cover against such expenses such that we will take on the responsibility of paying for the damages caused to other people’s property as a result of your actions.
A body injury cover is also included in the liability cover whereby if the extent of the damages that you caused extends to causing bodily harm to pedestrians or motorists, we will pay the medical bills for the injured parties.
Collision insurance: where you get into an accident through your fault, we will cover you against any losses accruing from damage to your car by paying for repair of your truck. We will go a step further and compensate you for the loss of income that you will suffer for the period when your truck is being worked on.
Comprehensive cover: as an LTL trucking insurance provider, we know that your truck can also get damaged by other means other than collision which includes but are not limited to fire, theft, and hitting of animals. We will cover the expenses required to either fix or replace your truck and we will compensate you for the loss of income that you will be exposed to as your truck gets fixed or replaced.
Cargo coverage: in the event that the cargo that you are hauling gets lost, damaged or stolen in the process, we will cover you against the loss you will suffer. We have options that you can choose from such that you can choose what type of cargo you want to insure and for how much.
Loading and unloading coverage: damage can come to the cargo during loading and unloading and we are here to protect you from incurring a loss as a result of the damage. This is important because cargo coverage does not extend to covering such damages.
Towing and storage: in the case of an accident, we will tow your truck and store it in a safe place at no charge as long as you have paid for this cover. If you wish to have us take care of debris removal at the accident site, you can get a debris removal cover and we will clean up the accident site.
Other types of coverage include combined deductibles, bobtail insurance and earned freight. LTL trucking is a very profitable venture and by taking advantage of our LTL trucking insurance, you will be safeguarded from losses that could come about due to challenges during your operation.
A flat bed truck is a truck which has no sides or roof and it is a great way of carrying loads because the lack of sides makes it easy for loading and unloading to take place with ease. Flatbed trucking is ideal for cargo that is not sensitive to weather effects and cargo which cannot fit in enclosed spaces. As a flatbed trucker, you will face a number of challenges as follows:
Securing the load:
Due to their lack of sides; flatbed trucks pose a great danger to anyone who passes near the load while the truck is moving. You will be responsible for making sure that the load is well secured to ensure that the cargo does not hit anyone causing injury or death.
Accidents:
Flatbed trucking involves the carrying of loads such as pipes which could fall onto the road causing harm to other motorists on the road and you will be held responsible for such incidents. Flatbed trucking insurance enables you to rest assured that you will be covered against any suits brought up against you as a result of such an accident. In a case where you are not carrying cargo, the truck can become too light and could jack-knife which can cause accidents. We will cover you against this as well.
Theft:
Having your load open to the public eye catches people’s attention and the open nature of the truck also makes it easy for people to try and steal from you. Should they be successful in stealing cargo from the truck, we will cover you against the losses incurred.
Our covers include:
Liability: with flatbed trucking, cargo can easily shift from its position and end up hurting someone or damaging someone’s property in the process. We will cover you against the expenses that you would incur in such an event.
Physical damage: this refers to any damage that will come to your truck in the form of a collision with another car, a fire, theft or animals running onto the road and causing an accident. We also cover against theft of or damage to the equipment used in the fastening of cargo onto the truck.
Cargo insurance: cargo can get damaged during hauling, loading and unloading. Given the high value of some cargo, we will insure you to protect you from losses incurred from damage to the cargo. You are also free to apply for more coverage if you feel that the cargo is at a lot of risk.
Trailer interchange: this applies to you if you own the tractor but the flatbed trailers that you haul do not belong to you. We will cover you against any damage to your tractor that you are subject to as a result of the hauling.
Flatbed trucking is faced with a lot of challenges which include but are not limited to accidents, theft and damage to cargo. Flatbed trucking insurance protects you from having to take the hit in the occurrence of any such event and in this way, we protect your business.
Being an owner operator of a commercial truck comes with various advantages but you have to take more responsibilities as well. Your earnings are higher and you get to keep all the benefits and proceeds from your trucking business. You are free to choose what type of goods you want to transport and where you are ready to go. It presents an exciting opportunity to realize the full potential of your entrepreneurial spirit. At the same time, you will need a special owner operators truck insurance policy to cover your investment properly. Do not wait for an accident to happen. Any such incident will force you to shut down your business if you do not have proper insurance coverage.
A Liability Insurance of minimum $750,000 is mandatory by federal law for the independent truck operators. The amount is high because a large vehicle generally causes large size damages and serious injuries. Most insurance advisors recommend buying at least $5 million of liability coverage. Without this much coverage, you will face financial difficulties after a major collision. In addition to the basic Liability Coverage, you can add some riders depending on your specific coverage needs, risks and concerns.
A Physical Damage Insurance Coverage for owner operator truck is mandated by the lender. You pay not more than 3-5 percent of your rig value as annual premium if you have excellent driving record. The premium rate will be higher if your driving record is not good. In case of an accident, this insurance coverage compensates you for the truck’s depreciated value. A Gap Insurance is recommended if you have an expensive truck. It is possible that at the time of an accident that causes extensive damage to your vehicle, the value of the rig is a lot less than what you owe to your lender. In such a situation, a Gap Insurance Coverage will help you clear your loan without any financial difficulty.
You may want to add an Equipment Coverage rider. It covers damages to small items like tarps, electronic equipment and chains. Loss of fuel due to an accident is covered under it. A Cargo Insurance Coverage is mandatory for all commercial trucks that carry and transport paid cargo. You are required to carry at least $5000 Cargo Coverage. The amount depends on the value of goods you are carrying. A commercial tractor requires Bobtail Insurance if no trailer is being carried in tow. A Contingent Liability Insurance Coverage is helpful on occasions when you drive your truck for non-commercial purposes.
A Non-Owned Trailer Insurance Coverage is handy if you plan to hitch a trailer owned by another company or person. An Occupational Accident Coverage is recommended to cover the driver and the family of the driver. This policy provides for medical expenses when the driver suffers an injury. The family is compensated if the accident leads to the driver’s death. Pay a higher premium on this policy and you can cover accidents that are not related to your trucking operations.
The type of owner operators truck insurance coverage you take depends on your specific requirements, the type of truck you own, your future earning potential from the trucking business, the type of goods you plan to carry, and other considerations. If you are unable to determine the type of insurance policy and riders you need, consult an insurance advisor who specializes in the truck owner operator insurance policies.
One of Reliance Partners products specially tailored to meet your needs is the trucking liability insurance coverage. Buying this coverage helps protect the client from damages to goods in transit or humans affected by truck accidents. This coverage therefore transfers risks arising from truck accidents to the company from the client. Thus the client can be rest assured that any man-made and natural disasters that damage the goods being transported in a truck will fully borne by the company.
A single unit of insurance coverage costs $750,000 as mandated by federal and state laws. It is therefore advisable for clients to purchase more than a single unit as most goods being transported are worth several millions of dollars. Purchasing more than one unit will completely transfer the burdens of transportation to the company.
However, we recommend that you consider purchasing higher limits as truck accidents can easily cause damages in the millions. Protect the assets that you worked so hard to build. At Reliance Partners we will advise you on all the available coverage and help you make an informed and educated decision regarding your specific commercial insurance needs.
Other insurance products on the stable of this company include cargo insurance, physical damage and collision coverage and bobtail insurance. Cargo insurance protects the transporter during any case of lost goods. While the physical damage and collision coverage is specially designed to take care of any eventualities resulting from damage of the trucks or any of its parts, thefts, vandalism and any natural disasters like earthquake that damages the truck. The bobtail coverage is for non-trucking liabilities. It takes care of any damages that arise when the truck is not conveying goods. Please see other sections to find out more.
With these numerous insurance products being offered by Reliance Partners, owners of truck and goods-in –transit can now be at ease. They can be assured that their years of hard work cannot go down the drain in one piece.