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The
Importance of
Commercial Truck Insurance in Columbus, GA
- Let's face it - truckers in America have always been the backbone of our great country. They still are in modern times. On any given day, thousands of trucks traverse our highways and local roads, delivering goods and products on time so that businesses and consumers have what they need to live life. And while commercial trucking can be an incredibly lucrative way to make a living and put food on the table, it can also be risky and expensive.
- Whether you're the owner of a fleet, an independent trucker, or have a business that uses big rigs to transport goods, you need commercial trucking insurance to protect you and your client's investments, shield you from liability, and more.
- That's where working with a reliable truck insurance agency comes into play. Unfortunately, for many commercial truck insurance providers, serving the needs of truckers is low on the proverbial totem pole. At Independence Insurance Agency, nothing could be further from the truth.
Service Areas
The Commercial Truck
Insurance Agency in Columbus, GA You Can Trust
Much like you pride yourself on running a successful trucking business, Independence Insurance Agency prides itself on its years of experience providing truck insurance for hardworking men and women across the country. And in our experience, insurance rates for truckers are just too high - so high, in fact, that they eat away at their bottom line, making it more difficult to run a business and make a profit. Fortunately, at Independence Insurance Agency, we provide truckers the freedom they need from astronomically high insurance rates so they can stay on the road and keep driving America forward.
As one of the most trusted commercial trucking insurance agencies in the U.S., we understand the challenges that you face daily as a trucker. We also know how important it is to protect your business. That's why we go above and beyond to find you the best-priced coverage available, whether you're an operator, own a small fleet, a large fleet, or something in between.
We Put Truckers First Because Others Don't
Truckers across the country choose to work with Independence Insurance Agency because we put their needs first before anything else. As experts in transportation insurance, we proudly offer a range of quality insurance products that are both practical and affordable for them. Our industry-leading carriers provide coverage that caters to the unique challenges faced by the trucking industry, ensuring that your business is protected at all times.
At our core, we are committed to finding the best possible price for your coverage without compromising the quality of service you deserve. The truth is, we understand how essential truckers are to the United States and take pride in making their insurance experience more streamlined and affordable.
One way we do so is by simplifying the insurance process. Our transportation specialists take the time to understand your specific needs and budget to tailor a comprehensive plan that works for you. You won't ever have to worry about cookie-cutter plans or uninterested agents when you work with our commercial trucking insurance agency. We take an educational approach to ensure that the entire big rig insurance process is quick, painless, and easy to understand. If there's something you don't understand, we're happy to take the time to explain. After all, the success and safety of your business are on the line.
Looking to the future, we are committed to providing innovative new products that cater to the ever-changing needs of truck drivers. As your one-stop shop for commercial trucking insurance, we are dedicated to your success, one policy at a time.
If you're a commercial trucker looking to ensure your rig, you can rest easy knowing that Independence Insurance Agency provides:
- Affordable Trucking Insurance Plans for Any Budget
- Exemplary Customer Service
- Seasoned Transportation Specialists Who Customize Plans to Your Needs
- A+ Carriers Across the Country
- Simple, Easy Quote and Bind Process
- Multiple Insurance Carriers Quoted to Find You the Best Rates
- Truck Insurance for New Ventures
Call us or send us a message today to learn more about the best 18-wheeler insurance options for your trucking business.
The Commercial Truck
Common Types of Big Rig Truck Insurance in Columbus, GA
At Independence Insurance Agency, we offer several types of insurance coverage for local, intermediate, and long-haul trucking needs. Here are just a few categories of trucking insurance coverage that our agency offers.
As the foundation of your insurance policy, liability coverage is required by law in most states in the U.S. It provides coverage for damage or injuries caused to properties or other people if your 18-wheeler is responsible for the crash. Without liability coverage, it's almost impossible to drive a truck or run a trucking business without major legal consequences.
Having physical damage coverage is an essential component that shouldn't be overlooked. This insurance is responsible for covering the expenses related to repairing or replacing your truck in situations such as accidents, theft, vandalism, and other damaging events. By having this coverage, you can rest assured that your business won't be affected significantly by unexpected incidents, and you can continue running your operations smoothly even in challenging times.
For trucking companies, the goods they transport are crucial to their operations. To protect these goods from damage, loss, or theft while in transit, cargo insurance is essential. This coverage provides much-needed peace of mind for both you and your clients, allowing you to reimburse clients for any losses sustained while protecting your reputation and brand identity.
Non-Trucking Liability Insurance is designed to cover property damage or bodily injury that may occur during personal time when the driver/truck is not under dispatch. This coverage can be applied with or without a trailer and is added to a commercial policy as an endorsement.
While Independence Insurance Agency has built a reputation of excellence in serving the needs of truckers, we also offer general liability. Also known as Truckers General Liability, this coverage insures for bodily injuries or property damage that happen due to business activities that are NOT the cause of operating a truck. It covers accidents that occur in parking lots, rest stops, also while loading or unloading. General liability can also cover losses related to theft and vandalism. Most brokers and shippers will require this coverage to work with you.
Bobtail insurance is a type of coverage that is comparable to non-trucking liability, which is designed to offer protection when driving a truck without a trailer attached. This is commonly referred to as "bobtailing." With bobtail insurance, the tractor is covered at all times, even when it is not attached to a trailer, regardless of whether or not the truck is under dispatch.
Trailer interchange insurance is a must-have if you're involved in a trailer interchange agreement. This essential coverage offers protection for trailers owned by other parties that you're using under a contractual agreement. It covers damages caused by collisions, fire, theft, and vandalism, providing assurance to all parties involved.
Curious whether our commercial truck insurance agency in cityname, state offers additional coverage? The following options can be bound in your insurance policy:
- Business Interruption Insurance
- Reefer Breakdown Insurance
- Occupational Accident with Contract Liability Insurance
- Rental Reimbursement Insurance
- Underinsured or Uninsured Motorist Insurance
- Towing Insurance
- Electronics Insurance
- Much More
3 Safe Driving Tips to
Lower the Cost of Truck Insurance in Columbus, GA
Keeping your drivers safe on the road is crucial not only for their own well-being but also for the safety of other motorists and the financial stability of your business. The Department of Labor has identified the trucking industry as one of the most hazardous sectors in the U.S. In fact, trucking and logistics fleets are known for their high injury and fatality rates. By improving how safely your truckers drive, you can help reduce expenses related to claim payouts, accidents, and insurance premium hikes.
Whether you own a large fleet or you're the owner and operator of a single rig, keep these safe driving tips in mind to help lower your insurance costs.
Implement Preventative Maintenance Plans
Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.
This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.
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Practice Defensive Driving
This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.
Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:
- Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
- Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
- Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
- Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
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Find Ways to Prevent Distracted Driving
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.
Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.
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Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.
This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.
Call Now
This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.
Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:
- Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
- Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
- Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
- Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
Call Now
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.
Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.
Call Now
FAQs About
Independence Insurance Agency
If you're looking for a commercial trucking insurance agency for your business, chances are you have some questions - and we've got answers. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most commonly asked questions we hear from truckers like you.
Why go with a "jack of all trades" when you can work with specialists who focus exclusively on transportation insurance? We have excellent relationships with major trucking insurance carriers and, as such, can provide the best assistance and reasonable rates.
Typically, companies will look at claims that date back three years or less.
We proudly work with more than 20 carriers to provide our clients with the most advantageous options at competitive prices, catering to the needs of owner-operators and big fleets alike.
Permit filings are typically done by insurance companies on the next business day. Federal (FMCSA) filings are completed online and updated immediately, while some states may take up to three weeks to process.
Independence Insurance Agency: Committed to the Trucking Industry
There's no question about it - you've got to protect your staff, your rig, and your trucking business with insurance. But choosing the right insurance partner isn't always easy. Thankfully, with Independence Insurance Agency by your side, you can rest easy knowing you're covered no matter where the road takes you. If you're in need of a commercial truck insurance agency in Columbus, GA that caters to truckers like you, pick up the phone and contact one of our transportation specialists today. That way, you can get back on the road with confidence tomorrow.
Latest News in Columbus, GA
High-paying jobs. High-tech industry. The Columbus area now is closer to getting more
Mark Ricehttps://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/business/article283415023.html
A local alliance dedicated to attracting semiconductor and related supply chain businesses to the Columbus area has taken a major step toward achieving that goal.Led by the United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley, the alliance is among 22 finalists out of 565 applicants nationwide now eligible to compete for four to eight federal grants ranging from $20 million to $50 million in this economic and workforce development initiative.The alliance officially is named ...
A local alliance dedicated to attracting semiconductor and related supply chain businesses to the Columbus area has taken a major step toward achieving that goal.
Led by the United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley, the alliance is among 22 finalists out of 565 applicants nationwide now eligible to compete for four to eight federal grants ranging from $20 million to $50 million in this economic and workforce development initiative.
The alliance officially is named Chattahoochee Hub for Innovation and Production of Semiconductors, but most folks refer to it as CHIPS4Chips (as in computer chips) or C4C.
The Economic Development Administration at the U.S. Department of Commerce announced the finalists in this contest called Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program.
EDA also announced C4C as one of 24 recipients of a $500,000 Strategy Development Grant to increase local coordination and planning.
“This grant will help us create the workforce of the future in the Chattahoochee Valley, which is the key component in attracting industry investment and high-wage jobs,” Ben Moser, president and CEO of the United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley, said in a news release.
The program is designed to renew economic opportunities in communities with insufficient business development and jobs. It targets areas where prime-age (25-54) employment significantly trails the national average.
In 2022, Congress passed the CHIPS (Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors) and Science Act. It authorizes as much as $280 billion in federal grants to boost national and economic security by creating a highly skilled workforce for high-paying jobs and by recruiting semiconductor industry and other advanced manufacturing, including nanotechnology, clean energy, quantum computing and artificial intelligence.
As part of the CHIPS Act, Congress authorized $1 billion for the Recompete Program, including $200 million in initial funding this year.
Becoming a finalist also allows the Columbus-based C4C alliance to receive technical assistance to strengthen its plan.
C4C, according to its news release, is a public-private partnership comprising local leaders from businesses, nonprofit organizations, education and government in the Chattahoochee Valley of west Georgia and east Alabama.
“One of our community’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to bring together individuals from various backgrounds, fostering collaborative efforts that consistently produce outstanding work recognized on a national scale,” Retired U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Andy Hilmes, a consultant for C4C, said in the news release.
Moser noted the collaboration between the United Way and C4C “is an an incredible asset and benefits our entire region. We are grateful to so many community leaders and organizations, as well as local, state, and national officials, who are supporting this work.”
Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia considers this a historic opportunity for the Columbus area.
“This economic development designation and grant award position the Chattahoochee Valley to bid for one of the most significant programs we passed in last year’s economic development and infrastructure bills,” Ossoff said in the EDA’s news release. “. . . The United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley and its partners have been instrumental in getting us this far. Full steam ahead for Columbus and the region.”
Chairman Ben Moser, president and CEO of United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley.
Vice chairwoman Dionne Rosser-Mims, vice chancellor of Troy University-Phenix City
Betsy Covington, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley
Rodney Close, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Chattahoochee Valley
Shaun Culligan, economic development manager for Phenix City
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. (retired) Patrick Donahoe, former commanding general of Fort Benning (now Fort Moore)
Melissa Gauntt, president and CEO of the East Alabama Chamber of Commerce
Pace Halter, president and COO of W.C. Bradley Real Estate
Jim Livingston, executive director of the River Valley Regional Commission
Robbie Raybon, head of acquisitions for Covey Equity
Stuart Rayfield, president of Columbus State University
Gwen Ruff, senior vice president of Columbus Water Works
Heath Schondelmayer, West Central Georgia and East Alabama division CEO for Synovus Bank, chairman of Columbus Development Authority and chairman of Columbus 2025
Will Thompson, East Alabama market president for Synovus Bank
George White, senior director of strategic partnerships for Georgia Tech
This story was originally published December 27, 2023, 5:00 AM.
Bold Move to Columbus Marks First Semiconductor Manufacturer in Region
Georgia Institute of Technologyhttps://www.gatech.edu/news/2024/01/24/bold-move-columbus-marks-first-semiconductor-manufacturer-region
COLUMBUS and ATLANTA, GA — Innovative partnering proved successful as CHIPS4CHIPS announced the locating of the first semiconductor manufacturer in the Chattahoochee Valley. Micromize, a pioneering semiconductor manufacturer specializing in energy-efficient electronics for wearables and mobile devices, has chosen Columbus as the location for its inaugural manufacturing facilit...
COLUMBUS and ATLANTA, GA — Innovative partnering proved successful as CHIPS4CHIPS announced the locating of the first semiconductor manufacturer in the Chattahoochee Valley. Micromize, a pioneering semiconductor manufacturer specializing in energy-efficient electronics for wearables and mobile devices, has chosen Columbus as the location for its inaugural manufacturing facility.
The move is the result of strategic partnerships between Micromize, CHIPS4CHIPS (Chattahoochee Hub for Innovation and Production of Semiconductors/C4C), and several programs at Georgia Tech’s Enterprise Innovation Institute, including its Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC), its Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership, and the Center for Economic Development Research. It also signifies a collaborative effort to harness the cutting-edge innovations in semiconductor packaging available at Tech’s Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology.
"Our decision to locate in Columbus was driven by several crucial factors, and we are thrilled about the opportunities that this vibrant city presents for our growth and development,” said Prashant Patil, Micromize founder and CEO. “The work of CHIPS4CHIPS in supporting the semiconductor industry is commendable, and we are excited to be part of this innovative ecosystem.”
This exciting development was announced Tuesday, Jan. 23, at the Marcus Nanotechnology Center on Georgia Tech’s campus to a large group of state legislators and other state officials, a delegation of business and civic leaders from Columbus, and leadership from Georgia Tech and ATDC. The announcement is a true look at how statewide partnerships can lead to success for the Columbus region.
Micromize, a spinoff of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, selected Georgia as its new home, in part, to take advantage of the semiconductor packaging expertise at Georgia Tech. The company plans to establish its headquarters and manufacturing facility in Columbus, further solidifying its presence in the state’s vibrant technology ecosystem. Additionally, Micromize will center its cutting-edge research and development on Georgia Tech's campus.
"The collaboration with Micromize is a significant milestone for CHIPS4CHIPS and the entire region,” said Ben Moser, president and CEO of United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley and chair of CHIPS4CHIPS. “This announcement marks the first of what we believe will be many to come, and we are thankful that Micromize recognizes the potential of our region for this industry. Columbus is poised for remarkable development, and we look forward to the positive impact that Micromize will bring to our community.”
The strategic relocation is expected to create significant economic opportunities in the region. Micromize will bring 20-25 jobs to Columbus through its headquarters and manufacturing facility, contributing to the local workforce, and fostering growth.
Micromize will center its Research & Development Lab at Georgia Tech’s 3D Systems Packaging Research Center, which is regarded as the world’s best for semiconductor packaging research. This partnership represents a synergistic collaboration of industry leaders, research institutions, and the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Micromize's move to Columbus not only underscores the city's growing prominence as a technology hub, but also highlights the collaborative efforts driving innovation and economic development in the state of Georgia.
In addition to C4C’s nationally recognized workforce development efforts, the Fort Moore Army base, and its skilled workforce, the region’s proximity to a port and airport will facilitate efficient shipping, and Columbus played a pivotal role in supporting the company by providing essential infrastructure, he said.
“Our collaboration with Georgia Tech enriches our talent pool, adds exponentially to our research and development capabilities, and access to mentorship at ATDC enhances our commercialization potential,” Patil said. “We are also proud to be part of the effort to revitalize semiconductor manufacturing in the United States, with Columbus serving as our starting point as we embark on this exciting journey of growth and innovation.”
Georgia Tech, a leader in microchips and nanotechnology research, innovation, and fabrication, provides fertile ground for Micromize's relocation. The Institute’s commitment to advancing semiconductor technology aligns with the national push at the federal level (via the CHIPS and Science Act) to bring more semiconductor production to the U.S., making it more competitive in research, development, and manufacturing.
“As the state’s technology startup incubator, we’re excited to welcome Micromize into our portfolio and to support them into the next phase of growth and expansion,” said ATDC Director John Avery.
“Microchips, semiconductor packaging, and microelectronics are critical to our national economy and national security. Micromize’s choosing Georgia as its home to grow reflects what is proving to be a successful model when business, government, and research institutions such as Georgia Tech collaborate.”
Locally-Owned, Nationally-Known: The Human Bean Coming Soon to Columbus, GA
The Human Beanhttps://www.franchising.com/news/20240325_locallyowned_nationallyknown_the_human_bean_coming_soon_to_columbus_ga.html
March 25, 2024 // Franchising.com // GEORGIA - Baristas at The Human Bean will begin pouring coffee and other specialty beverages at 7805 Veterans Parkway beginning the summer of 2024. Customers are invited to come get a first taste of the drive-thru’s offerings, including specialty-grade coffee, real-fruit smoothies, whole-leaf teas, and hot breakfast items to-go.Local owne...
March 25, 2024 // Franchising.com // GEORGIA - Baristas at The Human Bean will begin pouring coffee and other specialty beverages at 7805 Veterans Parkway beginning the summer of 2024. Customers are invited to come get a first taste of the drive-thru’s offerings, including specialty-grade coffee, real-fruit smoothies, whole-leaf teas, and hot breakfast items to-go.
Local owners of the new Human Bean location, Thomas and Tammra Trubenbach, say the staff look forward to providing above-par products and exceptional customer service — all with a signature chocolate-covered espresso bean on top.
“We’ve got an excited team who have been training and preparing for this grand opening,” says Thomas. “They’re ready to start sharing the energy here, and serve the friendly faces who come through our drive-thru in Columbus.”
With a reputation for cheerful baristas and sustainably sourced coffee, The Human Bean coffee company has grown from a single location in southern Oregon to a nationwide brand over the last 25 years. Drive-thru stands throughout the U.S. are primarily owned and operated by individual franchisees, who have a passion for bringing “coffee with a smile” to their communities.
“We know our customers are busy and on the go. When they visit us it’s a short time to be cared for, to treat themselves, and to share a special moment with a friendly face,” says Scott Anderson, COO of The Human Bean.
Customers can join the feel-good vibes by participating in several fundraising events throughout the year, including the brand-wide Coffee for a Cure day in October. All of The Human Bean drive-thrus participate in the fundraisers each year, and collectively raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for cancer prevention and treatment.
All of the money raised by the Columbus drive-thru location will stay in the community and be given to a local organization of the staff’s choosing.
Customers are invited to get a taste of what The Human Bean in Columbus has to offer fand can prepare for their visit by finding The Human Bean drink menu and Rewards App online.
About The Human Bean
With a passion for creating happy ‘Human Beans’, the company’s drive-thrus around the U.S. have established a reputation for friendly baristas, high-quality coffee, and innovative flavors. The Human Bean opened its first drive-thru espresso stand in Ashland, Oregon in 1998, and currently supports over 260 locations open or under development in 22 states.
Learn more at thehumanbean.com.
SOURCE The Human Bean
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Kathryn ToombsThe Human Bean541.608.0564Kathryn.toombs@thehumanbean.com
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Computer chip maker coming to Columbus. Why the industry is important to national security
Brittany McGeehttps://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/business/article284575525.html
A semiconductor manufacturer is bringing its headquarters to Columbus as a result of a local alliance dedicated to growing the industry in the region.Micromize, composed of a team of MIT graduates, is a semiconductor manufacturer that specializes in energy-efficient electronics for wearables and mobile devices. The company chose Columbus for its inaugural manufacturing facility, according to a news release.By establishing its headquarters and manufacturing fac...
A semiconductor manufacturer is bringing its headquarters to Columbus as a result of a local alliance dedicated to growing the industry in the region.
Micromize, composed of a team of MIT graduates, is a semiconductor manufacturer that specializes in energy-efficient electronics for wearables and mobile devices. The company chose Columbus for its inaugural manufacturing facility, according to a news release.
By establishing its headquarters and manufacturing facility in Columbus, Micromize plans to take advantage of the semiconductor packaging expertise at Georgia Tech, the release said. The facility is expected to bring 20 to 25 jobs to Columbus.
The move is a result of an alliance led by the United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley. The alliance is officially named Chattahoochee Hub for Innovation and Production of Semiconductors, or more commonly known as CHIPS4CHIPS (C4C).
C4C mobilized public and private leaders in Georgia and Alabama to support the growth of the domestic semiconductor industry, including research universities, historically Black colleges and universities, community colleges and technical colleges to fill the workforce pipeline.
Growing the semiconductor industry in the United States has become a national priority as outsourcing manufacturing caused semiconductor and hardware education to stagnate, according to a report published by the Council on Foreign Relations.
In 2020, the U.S. had 12% of the global production capacity, according to the National Institute of Standards and Technology. This is down from 37% in 1990.
In response, Congress passed the CHIPS Act in 2022, which allocated $39 billion in government funding for domestic semiconductor manufacturing facilities, research and development and workforce programs.
Increasing chip manufacturing in the United States is good for both national security and consumers, Deborah Kidder, dean of the Turner College of Business, told the Ledger-Enquirer.
“This industry is critical to basically everything we do,” Kidder said. “You have chips in everything — even a toothbrush.”
The decision to locate in Columbus was driven by several factors, Prashant Patil, founder and CEO of Micromize, said in the release.
Columbus’ proximity to a port and airport provides efficient shipping, he said. C4C’s workforce development efforts and the presence of Fort Moore was also a benefit in providing a skilled workforce, Patil said.
“Additionally, Columbus offers an appealing climate with abundant outdoor activities, making it an ideal place for both work and leisure,” he said in the release.
Bringing Micromize to Columbus was a collaborative effort between C4C, Georgia Tech, and Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC) to harness innovations in semiconductor packaging at Georgia Tech’s Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology (IEN).
The collaboration with Micromize is a significant milestone for C4C, Ben Moser, president of and CEO of United Way and chair of C4C, said in the release.
“This announcement marks the first of what we believe will be many to come,” Moser said in the release. “And we are thankful that Micromize recognizes the potential of our region for this industry.”
This story was originally published January 23, 2024, 6:00 PM.
This new service is offering free rides in downtown Columbus. Here’s how it works
Mark Ricehttps://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/article283079043.html
A free transportation service is coming to downtown Columbus.Starting Dec. 26, the Columbus Consolidated Government will deploy four electric carts called Uptown Shuttles. They will operate in the service area of Bay Avenue to First Avenue and Ninth Street to 14th Street. But they won’t cross 13th Street, the corridor with the most vehicle traffic in the area, so the carts will access 14th Street via Front Avenue.Uptown Shuttle hours will be Mondays-Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Fri...
A free transportation service is coming to downtown Columbus.
Starting Dec. 26, the Columbus Consolidated Government will deploy four electric carts called Uptown Shuttles. They will operate in the service area of Bay Avenue to First Avenue and Ninth Street to 14th Street. But they won’t cross 13th Street, the corridor with the most vehicle traffic in the area, so the carts will access 14th Street via Front Avenue.
Uptown Shuttle hours will be Mondays-Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Fridays-Saturdays from 10 a.m. to midnight.
The CCG Metra website has two ways to request a ride:
A requested ride will be sent to an available shuttle driver’s computer tablet, then an email or text will be sent to the rider to confirm the trip and the estimated time of arrival. The cart will arrive at the nearest on-street pickup location.
This is a personalized, on-demand service, Columbus Metra Parking Division manager Terana Lewis told the Ledger-Enquirer. Customers won’t share the vehicle with strangers.
“It’s one person or group at a time,” she said. The carts fit five passengers.
These carts run on rechargeable electric batteries with supplemental solar power from a roof panel. Each cart is painted with a theme that celebrates Columbus: the art cart, the military cart, the music cart and the river cart.
CCG calls the vehicles carts, but these shuttles are more substantial than a golf cart. They are GEMs (Global Electric Motorcars), headquartered in Medina, Minnesota. These street-legal vehicles can reach 35 mph.
They are fully enclosed, but the doors are removable to allow for fresh-air rides in comfortable weather. Lewis said they also will have heating and air conditioning installed before the new year.
The startup cost for this program is approximately $400,000, Lewis said. She didn’t have an yearly cost estimate for operating the service.
“Future annual funding will depend on the level of demand for the shuttle service during the initial pilot phase,” she said.
Columbus Council unanimously approved the purchase of the four carts Feb. 28 and the purchase of application development services and software March 28. The additional staff positions to provide the shuttle service were approved as part of CCG’s fiscal year 2024 budget, Lewis said.
Downtown businesses and hotels have been asking for such a service “for a few years in an effort to connect people from one area to another within the district,” Lewis said.
VisitColumbusGa president and CEO Peter Bowden told the Ledger-Enquirer he isn’t aware of any other Georgia city having this service.
“It allows for another visitor experience,” he said. “It provides another amenity. Columbus is always sort of reinventing that experience. So this just provides that one more thing we can offer both for leisure travel and for meetings and conventions, another convenience feature. … Hopefully, this will lead to more things like this, as far as moving people around.”
Smoking and consumption of food or beverages in the Uptown Shuttles are prohibited.
For more information about the Uptown Shuttle, call the Metra office at 706-225-4584. Lewis noted Metra seeks to hire a fifth Uptown Shuttle driver. She welcomes folks interested in such a job to call her at that number.
This story was originally published December 15, 2023, 12:10 PM.
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