Markel Insurance urges carriers to check validity of US operating authority processing agents

TORONTO, ON–Markel Insurance Company of Canada is notifying its policyholders and insurance broker network of a new US Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) initiative that may result in border delays for Canadian carriers who believe they possess valid US operating authority but, in fact, do not because their process agents are no longer recognized by the US government.

“FMCSA is in the process of updating its database of process agents, who issue official operating authority to Canadian carriers,” says Silvy Wright, executive vice-president of Markel. “In doing so, FMCSA is issuing letters to carriers whose process agent on file is no longer recognized by the Administration and advising them to re-file with a valid agent within 30 days or risk losing US operating authority.”

“We urge trucking carriers to check the validity of your process agent right away,” continues Wright. “The surprise of not having valid operating authority in the US could result in unnecessary border and delivery delays as well as unsatisfied shipping customers.”

Trucking companies and insurance brokers can check the validity of their existing agent by searching for the agent or the carrier on the FMCSA website at http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration-licensing/licensing/agents.htm.