An apple in a sea of oranges

by Brandi Cramer

TORONTO, Ont. – In a world of high insurance fees, customer service has become key to retaining paying customers.

The Markel Insurance Company of Canada has kept 90 per cent of its existing clients over the past five years setting itself apart from the crowd. Its dedicated service to customers has established the company as a leading insurer in the trucking industry, according to the company.

Markel has launched two new ideas to make life easier for owner/operators, as well as fleets.

Having been faced with many phone calls from customers looking for answers on constantly changing rules and regulations – to say nothing of general information pertaining to the industry – Markel has developed a simple solution.

“Ask Markel” is the first in a series of products and services designed to support the needs of O/Os and small fleet customers.

This new toll-free telephone assistance line is designed to provide immediate access to critical and timely information on issues surrounding compliance and regulations, hiring practices, border crossings and safety and training. The line, 888-MARKEL-1 (888-627-5351), is accessible across North America from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Staffed by advisors and specialists from the company’s safety and training services department, as well as trucking experts, operators have been helping callers for approximately a month already.

“This unique service is ideal for owner/operators and small fleets, who generally don’t have the resources available to them that the typical larger trucking company would,” says David Goodwin, national director of safety training services at Markel. “Like any other business, they still need the latest and most accurate information to maintain and grow a successful operation.”

Customers will be able to better manage their drivers, vehicles and fuel with the release of the new Markel Advantage Software Version 5.0.

Version 5.0 features three new modules including fuel tax, vehicle maintenance and vehicle information and upgraded versions of old favorites, such as accident register and driver pro-file.

The fuel tax module is designed to help drivers gain a better understanding of all issues relating to fuel management including controlling costs and the importance of paying taxes on time. The vehicle maintenance module customizes and tracks all schedules and costs for routine and preventive maintenance while the vehicle information module lists all equipment.

“Our goal is to continue to provide industry with the very latest innovative products and services,” says Mark Ram, president and chief executive officer of Markel. To order a copy, including the broker demonstration disk, contact Markel’s business development department at 888-MARKEL-1.


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