Sneak Peek of Federated Insurance’s Travel Plaza Loss Control Guide

When insurance underwriters look at your business, they are trying to determine whether insuring your business can be profitable for their companies in the long-term. In most cases, there is no single factor that determines your operation’s acceptability or unacceptability.
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When customers enter your business, they are looking for convenience, good service, and good value for their fuel, food, and other purchases. They may also notice if your store appears clean and safe. When insurance underwriters look at your business, they are trying to determine whether insuring your business can be profitable for their companies in the long-term. In most cases, there is no single factor that determines your operation’s acceptability or unacceptability.

A travel plaza can resemble a “mini-city” where the conditions for loss might be found. Travel plazas are generally located on or near major highways and cater to the needs of truck drivers and travelers. In addition to selling fuels, other services may be provided which could include: convenience stores, food service (fast food/diner/restaurant), full-service repair facilities, truck scales, truck/car wash, motel, showers, laundry facilities, etc. Services for truckers may include providing truck heaters and auxiliary power units that provide power, air conditioning, internet access, and cable TV directly to the trucks.

Profit, strength, growth, and business stability are common business goals. Successful businesses make deliberate decisions to apply risk management techniques for guarding against threats to their goals. Insurance is often used to manage the unwanted expenses associated with mishaps. Developing operating policies and procedures can help to avoid common and potentially severe losses. To be effective, clear expectations need to be communicated when others have a role. Many companies have found that designating a key person to be the “risk manager” is a wise business decision.  This loss control guide is meant to provide the key areas of responsibility for your business’ “Designated Risk Manager”.

Typical Travel Plaza Designated Risk Manager Responsibilities

  • Design a safety program
  • Conduct facility inspections
  • Coordinate facility repairs
  • Slips and falls prevention program
  • Employment practices
  • Safety training for store managers and clerks
  • Store security program
  • Robbery deterrence training
  • Inventory control and shrinkage
  • Money handling procedures
  • Alcoholic beverage and tobacco sales policy
  • Cooking equipment maintenance/fire prevention
  • Food service
  • Recreation areas
  • Review contractual agreements
    • Supplier agreement
    • Tenant/lessee contract
    • Franchise agreements
    • Vendor agreement
  • Tank truck/transport loading and unloading procedures
  • Implement emergency response plan
  • Maintain spill control plan
  • Storage tank operation and maintenance
  • Vehicle maintenance program
  • Tire and oil change services
  • Work with insurance claims reporting

This information is intended to serve only as a guide to assist in evaluating your operations to help reduce risk and prevent losses. It should not be considered legal or other expert advice. The information provided herein is accurate as of January 2012 and is subject to change. It is not intended to include or prevent all risk exposures involved with travel center services and related operations. The material herein may not apply in your state, and it is not provided as a substitute for any regulatory or state standards that may apply, nor is it intended to impose or increase any regulatory requirements or standards. Federated does not warrant or accept responsibility for the accuracy, adequacy, or completeness of the information herein. Qualified professionals should be consulted to advise you regarding your unique business operations and in developing forms and procedures for your business.

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