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The
Importance of
Commercial Truck Insurance in Gastonia, NC
- 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.
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The Commercial Truck
Insurance Agency in Gastonia, NC 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 Gastonia, NC
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 Gastonia, NC
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 Gastonia, NC 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 Gastonia, NC
City sues company that operates Gastonia Honey Hunters after Atlantic League fallout
Ciara Lankfordhttps://www.qcnews.com/news/u-s/north-carolina/gaston-county/city-sues-company-that-operates-gastonia-honey-hunters-after-atlantic-league-fallout/
GASTONIA, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The City of Gastonia is suing the company that operates the Gastonia Honey Hunters for failing to meet financial obligations and breaching agreements.Documents state that the City of Gastonia entered into an Exclusive Use Area Lease Agreement, as well as a Use and Operating Agreement with NC Gas House Gang, LLC in June 2020, with the intention that a professional baseball team sanctioned by the Atlantic League would operate a...
GASTONIA, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The City of Gastonia is suing the company that operates the Gastonia Honey Hunters for failing to meet financial obligations and breaching agreements.
Documents state that the City of Gastonia entered into an Exclusive Use Area Lease Agreement, as well as a Use and Operating Agreement with NC Gas House Gang, LLC in June 2020, with the intention that a professional baseball team sanctioned by the Atlantic League would operate a full-season schedule in the multi-million dollar stadium.
In the agreements, it was decided that NC Gas House Gang, LLC would manage and be responsible for the stadium and surrounding premises.
The stadium is currently owned by the City of Gastonia with a property tax value of $7,469,600 and has the capacity to seat roughly 2,000 people.
According to the lawsuit, the operating company “has a history of materially breaching the agreements and failing to meet its financial obligations.”
The lawsuit states that everything came to a head when The Atlantic League terminated the operating company’s membership on or about November 13, 2023.
“This termination by the Atlantic League constitutes a team default under the agreements, which entitles the city to terminate the agreements,” the lawsuit states.
More on what this means from Chief Legal Analyst Khalif Rhodes:
The City of Gastonia said that given that this ‘team default’ can’t be fixed, they’re now seeking a preliminary injunction to secure their multi-million dollar asset, the stadium.
The City is also seeking a declaration of its rights to terminate the agreements and the operating company’s right of possession of the property, as soon as possible.
According to court documents, back in August 2023, the Atlantic League sent a letter to NC Gas House Gang, LLC’s managing member and president Brandon Bellamy, detailing how they were in violation of the Atlantic League Bylaws and League Affiliation Agreement.
The letter concluded with the following words of caution: ‘In summary, if NC Gas House Gang, LLC, does not immediately undertake good faith efforts to cure its defaults and improve its financial and operating integrity, the Atlantic League will have little choice but to consider strategic alternatives, including revocation of Atlantic League Membership.”
Statement released from the City of Gastonia to Queen City News:
“The City of Gastonia filed suit against NC Gas House Gang, LLC for breach of contract. The City is seeking a preliminary injunction to establish sole possession of the ballpark facility in order to protect the significant public investment. The City will continue to make the ballpark facility a viable place for all types of future events, including Atlantic League Professional Baseball.”
Gastonia pivoting from bus routes to microtransit in July 2024
wcnc.comhttps://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/gastonia/nc-city-council-microtransit-contract/275-e2807077-f323-46cd-bb88-105405735213
It's promised to work like private rideshare apps such as Uber and Lyft, meaning passengers don't need to rely on fixed bus routes.More VideosGASTONIA, N.C. — Transit in Gastonia is set to pivot from fixed bus routes to on-demand microtransit in 2024 with the approval of a new contract by the Gastonia City Council.On Wednesday, the ...
It's promised to work like private rideshare apps such as Uber and Lyft, meaning passengers don't need to rely on fixed bus routes.
More Videos
GASTONIA, N.C. — Transit in Gastonia is set to pivot from fixed bus routes to on-demand microtransit in 2024 with the approval of a new contract by the Gastonia City Council.
On Wednesday, the city government announced the council had approved a 36-month contract with River North Transit to provide the new service to riders. It's set to launch on July 1, 2024, and is expected to cost $1.65 million in the contract's first year.
"We saw a need to provide on-demand microtransit transportation to our residents as our city continues to grow,” Mayor Richard Franks says in a statement. “This move away from fixed-route buses will provide cost savings and will increase accessibility for everyone in our community.”
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The city touts the new microtransit service as a cost-effective option to tackle issues tied to limited service areas, long wait times, an aging fleet of buses, and lack of access to bus stops. Rather than working with fixed-route service, passengers are promised on-demand, curb-to-curb access similar to private rideshare services like Uber or Lyft.
“We see this as a way to provide equitable transportation, mobility options across our city," Gastonia Department of Transportation Director Randi Gates said.
The city said those who need a ride can book and pay for it online via computer or mobile device and then be picked up at a place of their choosing to go directly to where they want to go. Additionally, the city says riders can take spontaneous trips and not be dependent on fixed bus routes.
“Residents will experience more efficient, convenient, and personalized public transit services,” Gates said. “We are confident that this model will better serve our current transit customers and others who desire to use public transportation.”
Right now, Gastonia Transit runs six fixed routes within the city that are characterized as a "pulse" system. Most routes start and end at the Bradley Station on North Oakland Street at regular intervals. The agency covers about 295,000 miles per year and served more than 144,000 passengers in 2023. The system currently averages seven passengers per vehicle hour across all routes.
“We see empty buses," Gates said.
The goal is to provide access to even more people. It's something Charlotte's Transit System is also working towards for people who live in Huntersville, Davidson and Cornelius.
A CATS spokesperson tells WCNC Charlotte, they're hoping to launch their micro-transit system sometime later this year.
“They offer the best balance between convenience and cost effectiveness, for both the transit agencies, the cities, and the passengers that provide them," Eric Zaverl, the Urban Design Specialist for Sustain Charlotte, said.
But Zaverl says there can be a downside to this form of transit.
“I think replacing all your traditional bus routes with micro transit could result in more vehicle trips and increased traffic and congestion," Zaverl, said.
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When it comes to price, Gastonia officials say it's unclear at the moment. As for the people who currently drive the buses, they're looking to put them into other city jobs. The ride share service will also host a job fair in the future.
Zaveral also states it's critical to not leave certain populations behind who rely on public transit.
“Make sure that it’s actually being effective and it’s not contributing in a negative way," Zaveral said.
The City of Gastonia notes the new microtransit service will not displace paratransit services as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Contact Lexi Wilson at lwilson@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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Gastonia church on defense over false claims of housing the homeless to protect them from the brutal cold
wcnc.comhttps://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/gastonia-church-false-claims-housing-homeless-cold-weather/275-649bddd7-faae-4d7c-b016-3acd8343509a
The city's Fire Marshall fired off a letter to Faith, Hope & Love Ministries after receiving anonymous complaints that the church was opening an emergency shelter.More VideosGASTONIA, N.C. — A church in Gastonia is on the defense again.Faith, Hope and Love Ministries is working to provide the homeless community with more support during the brutal cold temperatures the area has experienced this week. This church is the same o...
The city's Fire Marshall fired off a letter to Faith, Hope & Love Ministries after receiving anonymous complaints that the church was opening an emergency shelter.
More Videos
GASTONIA, N.C. — A church in Gastonia is on the defense again.
Faith, Hope and Love Ministries is working to provide the homeless community with more support during the brutal cold temperatures the area has experienced this week. This church is the same one that found itself in a legal battle with the City of Gastonia over its homeless encampment last summer.
Pastor Moses Colbert said he was not doing anything wrong. He continues to work with the homeless, serving them food, offering showers, and a place for laundry.
However, with the below-freezing temperatures this week, Moses started helping people even earlier in the day. He said it’s a decision that seems to be getting some pushback.
“I felt violated,” said Moses. “I felt like, here we go again.”
For more than 20 years, Pastor Moses has served the homeless community. But at times it’s gotten him in trouble.
Last year, Moses had a homeless encampment on his property, where dozens slept in tents. That encampment was shut down in September after the City of Gastonia sued the ministry for violating several city and zoning ordinances. The parties eventually agreed on a deal to dismiss over $100,000 in fines after the church got rid of the encampment.
This week, Moses felt called to expand his hours, opening the doors to his church even earlier in the day. Then he received a letter from the Gastonia Fire Marshall, claiming that Moses was opening an emergency shelter.
“We are not opening an emergency shelter,” Moses said. “We just want to keep people from freezing to death.”
The Salvation Army has an overnight shelter in Gastonia, but people must leave by 6 a.m. The ministry said they want to bridge the gap.
RELATED: Homeless population feeling the sting of brutal cold temps, as overnight shelters fill up nightly
“We get up super early and try to make our rounds," Pastor Monica Colbert said. "We have some that we know where they sleep, where their campsites are and then we’ll swing by the Salvation.”
The ministry brings people in for meals, comfort, and warmth. TJ, who is homeless, said these are meals he looks forward to.
“Some people can’t eat, and some people don’t know where they are going to get food at,” TJ said. “At least we do.”
Gastonia Fire Marshal Chris Stowe said they received multiple complaints from an anonymous source and had to investigate the claims because it is a safety issue.
“It’s really no different than if somebody called me and said there is an exit blocked,” Stowe said. “We have to check it out.”
Stowe said if the allegations were true then the ministry could face civil penalties.
“I said you can bring them in, you can have them in your pews, you can do church activities and keep them out of the cold,” Stowe said. “What you can’t do, because the North Carolina fire code and the North Carolina building code say so, is house them in the church, have beds and cots things like that.”
Stowe found the complaints to be unfounded.
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“I do think he has a heart to help people,” Stowe said. “I told him as long as he does not have nobody living in his church, I have no problem with what he is doing.”
The ministry said they have no plans to let people sleep inside the church and feel targeted.
“The letter was shocking because it’s just hearsay,” Monica said.
Moses said he is going to continue to do what he can to support the homeless community.
“We’re fighting for the rights of the people who can’t fight for themselves."
Moses added that the city and community could get further if they worked together and not against each other to find solutions to the homeless problem in Gastonia.
Gastonia Honey Hunters file for bankruptcy, stalling city’s plans for new team
Ken Lemonhttps://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/gastonia-honey-hunters-file-bankruptcy-owe-4-million/U677UAITIZHLDO4KWVXBMWQK3U/
GASTONIA, N.C. — The company behind the Gastonia Honey Hunters baseball team has officially filed for bankruptcy. The filing stalls Gastonia’s plans to take the team to court over unpaid debt.According to a court filing obtained by Channel 9 on Tuesday, NC Gas House Gang LLC filed for bankruptcy protection in Maryland. The LLC is the company that owns the...
GASTONIA, N.C. — The company behind the Gastonia Honey Hunters baseball team has officially filed for bankruptcy. The filing stalls Gastonia’s plans to take the team to court over unpaid debt.
According to a court filing obtained by Channel 9 on Tuesday, NC Gas House Gang LLC filed for bankruptcy protection in Maryland. The LLC is the company that owns the Honey Hunters.
Last month, Channel 9 learned the Honey Hunters had been forced out of the Atlantic League. In a lawsuit, the City of Gastonia said it wanted the court to force the team out of their stadium over its unpaid debts.
Court documents obtained by Channel 9 this week show that the team owes the city thousands of dollars for naming rights and utility bills.
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The unknown future of the the Honey Hunters stadium is putting local businesses on alert. Some operators called the stadium the crown jewel of Gastonia. City leaders told Channel 9′s Ken Lemon it anchors a district that has seen about $100 million in new investments.
Now that the operators of the stadium are bankrupt, the city wants a new team. But the bankruptcy filing means they have been blocked for now.
The team has a long list of creditors that it owes money to, with a balance of liabilities adding up to $4.08 million, according to bankruptcy filings.
The largest debt is to BKK Sports for $1.1 million, but the team also owes the Atlantic League a little over $291,000.
According to court filings, the team also owes the North Carolina Department of Revenue $140,000 in back taxes and the Internal Revenue Service another $126,402 in federal back taxes.
The bankruptcy filing also shines a light on the team’s operating expenses. According to the court documents, the team lost $704,610 in 2021 and lost another $478,617 in 2022. From January until October of this year, the team had already lost $299,652.
The team actually brought in significantly more revenue between 2021 and 2022, going from about $2.03 million to $2.83 million; but expenses also rose significantly, specifically in food and beverage operations.
Business operators told Lemon this is so much more than a game. Timothy Caudill is the manager of Cavendish Brewery, which is just blocks from the stadium.
“They, we, and Gastonia deserves a little better than what happened,” Caudill told Lemon.
The team’s money problems frustrate him.
“There’s a lot of confusion about what’s going on,” he said.
Over the summer, police stopped working games because the team didn’t pay the off-duty officers. Then, Lemon learned the team also owed money to paramedics and even to players.
Last month, the Atlantic League kicked the Honey Hunters out of the league for failing to pay dues. Then, the city sued to kick the team out of the stadium.
Richard Cogdill is the manager of R.O.’s Bar-B-Cue restaurant. He said business is up about 25% on game day.
“Hopefully they’ll get somebody else in there and just keep going,” he told Lemon.
It worries Cogdill that the team has lost hundreds of thousands of dollars each year.
“It’s brought growth here,” he said. “People starting to build houses on this side.”
He said home prices have almost tripled for property near the stadium, but he fears that could change if there is no one to manage the ballpark.
The team’s chief operating officer sent a statement to Lemon saying the team is “filing for reorganization in order to continue our operations. We remain committed to providing family-friendly and affordable entertainment in the region.”
City leaders apparently don’t trust them to do that because they want a new team moved in as soon as possible. It’s not clear when they resume efforts to get that done.
Channel 9 has previously reached out to the Honey Hunters for comment, but the team’s representatives say they won’t comment on legal affairs.
(WATCH: Savannah Bananas sell out Kannapolis with iconic Banana Ball game)
Savannah Bananas sell out Kannapolis with iconic Banana Ball game
Owners announced for Gastonia’s new baseball team
Ken Lemonhttps://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/gastonia-honey-hunters-want-be-able-sell-team/ITLVJKSHMBA35KZHIH4WXKQSEU/
GASTONIA, N.C. — The owners of Gastonia’s new baseball team have been announced.On Wednesday, the president of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball announced the new team will be owned by Zawyer Sports & Entertainment, which was founded by CEO Andy Kaufmann.Kaufmann spoke in a news conference Wednesday. He said they want input from the community on what the new team name should be. For now, the team is being called t...
GASTONIA, N.C. — The owners of Gastonia’s new baseball team have been announced.
On Wednesday, the president of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball announced the new team will be owned by Zawyer Sports & Entertainment, which was founded by CEO Andy Kaufmann.
Kaufmann spoke in a news conference Wednesday. He said they want input from the community on what the new team name should be. For now, the team is being called the Gastonia Baseball Club.
You can submit your idea for the team name, along with the story behind it, at this link.
Despite the announcement, the old team, the Honey Hunters, is hoping to get back into the stadium they were locked out of last year. The Honey Hunters were shut out of their home field on a financial technicality. They didn’t pay league dues and owe thousands to vendors.
However, attorneys for the Honey Hunters say the city conspired with the Atlantic League to kick the team out and limit their ability to lease the stadium for events. They filed suits against both, the most recent of which was just Monday against the Atlantic League.
The city of Gastonia was prepared to replace the Honey Hunters with a new team.
READ MORE:
Attorneys for the Honey Hunters are crying foul.
“It’s a bad deal for the city and for the citizens of Gastonia,” said Trevor Fuller, attorney for the Honey Hunters.
In a virtual meeting, they said the city shouldn’t do this before a judge decides if the Honey Hunters can keep control of the stadium.
The Honey Hunters is $2.5 million in debt and even if a new team comes in, team owners want to plan concerts and special events to recoup money.
“The case is about trying to pay the employees and the small business in the Gastonia area,” said attorney Donald Drescher.
He named a few.
A digital team in Gastonia is waiting for $65,000. Paramedics are waiting for $7,000. A family print-screening team is waiting for $2,500.
At one point, the team had serious issues paying several employees from players to bat boys.
The team attorneys said they had an angel funder with $1 million and hope to sell the team for $4 million. However, they said the city and the Atlantic League ignored those plans and found their team.
“The city clearly has lost its way and as a result, it has taken action out of desperation, out of spite, out of arrogance? I can’t say,” Fuller said.
The city didn’t respond directly to the claims.
The council was expected to make things official with a formal announcement Tuesday night.
“Government should not be involved in this type of behavior at all,” Fuller said.
The attorneys say they hope the city will reconsider and talk to them.
Meanwhile, they recently filed a suit against the Atlantic League and have a pending suit against the city.
(WATCH BELOW: Gastonia’s plan to boot Honey Hunters from ballpark gains support)
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