ClaimSMART Success Story When your work involves molten metal and heavy machinery, getting claims management wrong isn't just costly – it's dangerous. This was the challenge facing a prominent foundry when they first crossed paths with our risk management team. Critical Exposures Identified A detailed review of the foundry's workers' compensation program exposed significant vulnerabilities threatening their bottom line, including rising claim costs, a deteriorating MOD, and medical expenses that exceeded industry standards. Their existing approach to risk management was falling short, leaving them exposed to unnecessary financial burden. Our analysis revealed several critical deficiencies: An Experience Modification Factor (MOD) trending in the wrong direction directly impacting insurance costs Workers' compensation claims lacking proper oversight, leading to unnecessary claim escalation Medical costs running 20% above industry benchmarks with no controls in place Inconsistent investigation procedures resulting in misclassified claims Siloed disability management programs creating costly redundancies and gaps in coverage The ClaimSMART Solution The Cottingham & Butler team deployed ClaimSMART as an entry point for analysis of the foundry's risk profile. The initial assessment uncovered opportunities that demanded a deeper dive into their workers' compensation program and MOD structure. Concrete strategies to optimize their MOD First fill prescription programs that reduced initial claim costs and improved employee care Sophisticated investigation protocols that ensured accurate claim classification Strategic integration of FMLA and short-term disability programs to prevent claim leakage Precise guidelines for differentiating between occupational and non-occupational injuries The program's workers' compensation expertise proved invaluable in an environment where each claim classification decision carried substantial financial weight. Elevate Your Claims Management ClaimSMART delivers best-in-class claims management through comprehensive Workers' Compensation and Property & Casualty Assessments, backed by our Best Practices Training Series. Our evaluations identify your organization's strengths and opportunities to help reduce overall insurance costs. Let’s Chat! Contact Cottingham & Butler at 800.793.5235 to schedule your ClaimSMART assessment and receive a customized strategy for enhancing your claims program. WA N T T O L E A R N M O R E ? www.CottinghamButler.com/claimsmanagement

Part of risk management is preparing for unforeseen security threats and disasters. Though such situations may seem unlikely or difficult to imagine, these threats could lead to catastrophic consequences for your business. Criminal behavior, including vandalism or theft, presents a more tangible risk, but you also need to consider the risks of natural disasters or terrorism threats in your community. These threats are even greater, as you have a responsibility to protect not only your employees but also your patrons. To prepare for the unexpected, you should review your security and disaster readiness plans to help you minimize the impact of any potentially threatening situation.  Without prior planning you leave your company open to financial disaster, especially if you are forced to close operations for a period of time. In addition, without a proper plan to cope with a disaster situation, your company may face lawsuits from patrons, vendors or employees claiming negligence.  Ensure Facility Security   It is important to take action before a disaster to assess your facility security and make improvements, if necessary. Though not all security threats can be avoided, some situations can be prevented with appropriate preparation:  Advise management and employees to report any suspicious persons or activity in or around the facility. Establish security measures for patrons entering your facility. This will vary depending on your business, but may include special considerations for children or identification requirements for entry. Survey locks, fences, exterior lights and other physical security devices to ensure that they are in place where needed and in proper operating condition. Establish a monthly inspection of your security perimeter and key protective features of your facility. Pay special attention to areas where you are storing explosive, flammable or toxic chemicals. These areas should be properly secured and inventoried, with limited hands-on contact of these materials when possible. Evaluate critical locations in your facility for proper security, including the electric, telephone and gas units, building entrances, transformers, outside storage units and computer rooms. If your facility has a security/fire alarm system, be sure it is operating properly and that key personnel know how to arm/disarm it. Make sure that fire suppression systems are regularly inspected and maintained. Also be sure that a sufficient number of trusted personnel know how to activate, operate and shut them down. Install cameras to monitor areas that are especially susceptible to violence, theft or vandalism, and post notices so that patrons know the cameras are monitoring their activity. Review your procedures for issuing facility keys and access cards. At a minimum, keep lists of who has been issued keys or access cards and have a procedure for handling a situation when a troubled employee is terminated without returning them. Discuss security with your local police department. Police departments are often very willing to provide information and support to businesses. Have your local fire department conduct a pre-planned visit to your building. While there, they can identify potential hazards and plan fire suppression priorities.  Planning for a Disaster  Improving your business’ security it vitally important, but you should also plan for disaster that can’t be avoided:  Keep copies of insurance policies and other critical documents in a safe and accessible location (e.g. a fireproof safe). Evaluate which disasters are most likely to occur in your area, remembering to include the possibility for terrorist activity. Be sure you are prepared for all of the risks you identify. Establish a disaster response plan, which could include evacuation or building lockdown depending on the situation, and have the plan posted for all staff and patrons to access. Develop a Disaster Recovery or Business Continuity Plan. If you already have one make sure that it is up-to-date. This entails preparing for anything that disrupts your business operations and planning for a backup option when feasible. You also need to plan how you will recover from any business disruptions and re-open as quickly as possible. Have telephone call lists available, including cell phone and pager numbers, for all key personnel so required staff members can be contacted during non-working hours from any location. Review procedures for notifying employees that your facility is closed. Remind employees that they should never attempt to enter areas that are closed by police or other emergency responders. Consider establishing an alternate method for your phone service if the switchboard becomes unusable (e.g. forwarding incoming calls to a cell phone or remote number). Check available emergency supplies such as flashlights, batteries, emergency generators/fuel, patching materials such as plastic sheeting, wood 2x4s, duct tape, spare fire extinguishers, first aid kits, etc.  Brian Popelmayer Hotel Vertical Leader bpopelmayer@cottinghambutler.com 847.370.0379 / Follow me on LinkedIn With over two decades of dedicated Insurance and Risk Management expertise, Brian Popelmayer brings deep hospitality industry knowledge to every client relationship. As a trusted advisor to hotel owners and management companies, Brian specializes in developing customized risk retention and transfer solutions that protect your business interests and bottom line. To learn more about our specialized Hotels & Resorts services, visit: www.CottinghamButler.com/hotels-resorts

Our recent webinar featuring market strategist Donald Broughton provided transportation professionals with crucial insights on how recent tariff announcements are reshaping the logistics landscape. Unlike typical economic analyses, this session cut through market panic to deliver clear, actionable intelligence specifically tailored for transportation companies navigating these uncertain waters. Donald's Takeaways: Strategic Tariff Approach : Many tariffs on trading partners other than Chinese will likely be temporary and used as negotiation tools, while Chinese tariffs will persist. Any remaining tariffs will increase consumer costs and inflation over the next 12-18 months. Service Sector Strength : U.S. service exports remain unaffected by tariffs, and our energy sector continues to excel due to superior fracking technology, securing our position as a global petroleum leader. Economic Outlook : While there's increased risk of a mild recession in the short term, markets will adapt as they did after previous tariff implementations, potentially creating future economic stimulus opportunities. Donald's Emerging Thoughts: Treasury-Mortgage Benefits: Reduced Chinese Treasury sales due to lower exports could decrease bond supply, raising bond prices and lowering yields. This would drive mortgage rates down, potentially below 5.5%, sparking a boom in housing and consumer spending. China’s Strategic Pivot: Increased tariff pressure may push China away from Taiwan and potentially toward North Korea instead. This is because Taiwan is too risky due to tech destruction and US military response. This could serve China's multiple interests: eliminating a nuclear threat, gaining trade concessions, addressing its demographic imbalance, and distracting citizens from economic challenges. While we can't provide definitive predictions in this volatile environment, our presentation will equip you with a framework to understand specific risks and make more logical, informed decisions as tariff terms evolve. To request the webinar recording, please fill out the form below.

The 2025 Cottingham & Butler Collegiate Sales Invitational was an opportunity for top sales-focused college students to compete and test their skills. We welcomed 75 students and faculty, representing 10 different colleges, to our headquarters in Dubuque, IA. Beyond the competition, participants had a chance to sharpen their new skills, network with peers and professionals, and learn from leading sales professionals.  See below for photos from this incredible 2-day event. Feel free to download and share any of the pictures to your social media channels – please tag Cottingham & Butler! Want to learn more about our internship program or post-graduation opportunities? Discover the career opportunities that await at Cottingham & Butler!

The transportation industry is facing unprecedented challenges that traditional insurance approaches simply can't handle. While freight demand remains strong, the financial risks have evolved dramatically. Here's what you need to know, and why it matters to your bottom line right now. 1 - NUCLEAR VERDICTS: THE $50M REALITY The days of "good enough" coverage are gone. Nuclear verdicts aren't just increasing—they're exploding at a pace that threatens the viability of many carriers. A Florida fleet was hit with a $411M verdict in 2024 for a preventable accident involving a distracted driver. The average verdict against trucking companies jumped to $22.7M last year, up from $17.5M in 2023. The insurance market has responded by restricting coverage, raising premiums by 35-70%, and in some cases, exiting the transportation sector entirely. This leaves carriers with a dangerous combination of higher premiums and increased exposure.   WHY TRADITIONAL APPROACHES FAIL: Standard policies now contain exclusions specifically designed to limit carrier coverage in nuclear verdict scenarios 83% of carriers are unknowingly operating with critical coverage gaps Most safety programs lack the systematic documentation needed to defend against aggressive litigation The majority of brokers lack specialized transportation litigation expertise   TAKE ACTION NOW: Strengthen your safety program documentation—consistent, thorough records are critical for defense Ensure driver qualification files exceed FMCSA minimums—courts scrutinize hiring practices heavily Review your current policy limits and exclusions—many policies contain new limitations Consider excess liability coverage to protect against catastrophic verdicts 2 - CARGO THEFT GONE PRO: YOUR LOCKS WON'T SAVE YOU ANYMORE Organized crime has fundamentally changed cargo theft in ways most security protocols haven't addressed. The average loss per incident now exceeds $232,000, with pharmaceuticals, electronics, and consumer goods targeted through sophisticated cyber-physical attacks that bypass traditional security. According to CargoNet, thieves now research specific loads through online broker systems, use advanced signal jammers to disable tracking devices, and employ fictitious pickup tactics that make recovery virtually impossible with outdated security approaches.   THE NEW THEFT LANDSCAPE: Strategic cargo identification through digital channels Social engineering of warehouse and logistics personnel Sophisticated identity theft and carrier impersonation Coordinated multi-state operations with quick cargo redistribution Cyber attacks on load boards and transportation management systems   WHAT WORKS NOW: ·         Implement multi-layered security protocols beyond traditional methods ·         Deploy GPS tracking technologies with backup systems ·         Establish rapid response procedures for theft incidents ·         Verify carrier identity through multiple authentication methods ·         Consider specialized cargo insurance for high-value shipments   3 - HOW YOUR TECH UPGRADES JUST CREATED A MILLION-DOLLAR BLIND SPOT Your new technology investments create exposure your current policy doesn't cover. Period. When a hacked ELD system caused a major pileup in Texas, the carrier's standard policy left them with a $3.7M gap. The rush to adopt telematics, AI route optimization, and semi-autonomous systems has created a coverage gap that plaintiffs' attorneys are actively exploiting. The hard truth: 91% of transportation cyber policies were created for office systems, not operational technology. They simply don't address the unique risks created when digital systems control physical assets moving at highway speeds. THE TECHNOLOGY VULNERABILITY CYCLE: New technology adoption creates immediate exposure Standard policies exclude most technology-related incidents Specialized coverage typically lags 18-24 months behind innovation Technology vendors rarely accept liability for system failures CRITICAL COVERAGE CONSIDERATIONS: Standard cyber policies may not cover vehicle systems and telematics ELD and telematics data security requires specialized attention Technology liability may fall outside traditional coverage Review policies carefully for technology-related exclusions Consider specialized coverage for transportation technology risks   4 - THE DRIVER SHORTAGE LIE The real crisis isn't just finding drivers—it's the hidden costs of lowering standards to fill seats quickly. Companies sacrificing quality for quantity are seeing insurance costs rise by 34-78%, completely eliminating any operational gains from higher fleet utilization. The American Transportation Research Institute reports that just one preventable accident increases a driver's future crash likelihood by 87%, creating a dangerous spiral of increasing risk and cost. Meanwhile, companies maintaining strict hiring standards are actually seeing premium decreases despite the hard market. THE HIDDEN ECONOMICS: Driver quality impacts insurance costs more than any other single factor Inexperienced drivers cost 4.3x more to insure than veterans with clean records Comprehensive background checks prevent 95% of high-risk hires Systematic training reduces accident frequency by 47% in the first year THE HARD FACTS: Preventable accidents dramatically impact insurance costs for years Investing in driver retention often costs less than recruiting new drivers Comprehensive training programs reduce accident frequency Regular safety meetings and feedback sessions improve driver performance   5 - STOP PAYING FOR YESTERDAY'S INSURANCE The transportation insurance market has fundamentally changed, but most brokers are selling the same packages with higher premiums. The traditional annual renewal cycle leaves carriers perpetually behind the risk curve, paying for coverage designed to address last year's problems while facing this year's evolving threats. As America's largest transportation-focused broker, we've developed solutions that deliver tangible results in this new reality. CONSIDER A DIFFERENT APPROACH: Partner with a broker who specializes in transportation risk Look for partners who offer ongoing risk assessment, not just annual renewals Evaluate insurance programs that include proactive risk management Consider customized coverage options designed for your specific operations Request carrier-specific benchmarking data to understand your position in the market TAKE THE NEXT STEP:   Contact a Cottingham & Butler transportation insurance specialist to review your current coverage, identify potential gaps, and develop strategies to address these emerging industry challenges. As the transportation industry continues to evolve, so should your risk management strategy. This document provides industry insights based on proprietary research and client data. It is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel or an insurance professional for appropriate advice.

In today's evolving trade environment, Cottingham & Butler is committed to providing transportation leaders with actionable economic insights. Recent tariff policies represent a major shift that will reshape freight patterns, client relationships, and business planning for trucking companies nationwide. Our analysis highlights several critical economic signals transportation executives should monitor when developing strategies for the coming 12-18 months: The Freight Volume Challenge Key insight: Reduced imports will decrease freight volume in an already challenged industry. Tariffs function as a tax on imported products, raising prices and reducing consumer demand. This creates a direct impact on the transportation industry: Fewer imported goods means less freight arriving at ports Reduced loads for trucking companies to transport Intermodal shipping likely experiencing the most immediate volume decreases While transportation companies navigate these immediate challenges, some domestic manufacturing may eventually increase to offset import reductions. However, in our current low unemployment environment, U.S. businesses will likely struggle to increase production rapidly enough to counterbalance declining imports in the near term, creating a transitional period that requires careful navigation. Consumer Spending Ripple Effects Key insight: Higher prices on goods will reduce consumer spending power, affecting the entire supply chain. As tariffs increase prices on imported goods, consumers experience diminished spending power across the economy. This spending shift affects: Companies directly handling imported goods The entire domestic shipping network as overall consumer activity slows Retail and consumer-focused businesses' revenue streams Businesses importing goods typically must pass additional costs to consumers, leading to reduced demand that ripples throughout the supply chain. Financial Market Implications Key insight: Changing Treasury dynamics may create both challenges and opportunities. The tariff situation extends beyond direct freight impacts into broader financial implications: As foreign countries sell fewer products to the U.S., they accumulate fewer dollars to invest in Treasury bonds This relationship typically leads to higher interest rates on equipment financing and commercial real estate However, reduced Chinese Treasury sales could decrease bond supply, potentially driving mortgage rates below 5.5% If mortgage rates fall below this threshold, it could trigger increased housing construction, generating demand for materials, appliances, and home goods transportation. Companies recognizing this early can position their fleets to service this emerging sector while other traditional lanes adjust. Strategic Planning Framework Differentiated Tariff Timeline Key insight: Not all tariff situations will follow the same timeline. Many tariffs on trading partners other than China will likely be temporary negotiation tools, while Chinese tariffs appear positioned to remain in place longer. This creates a planning framework for evaluating which lanes and customers may face prolonged versus temporary disruption. Breaking development:  The tariff timeline has become even more complex with the April 23rd announcement of a national security investigation into imported trucks. The U.S. Commerce Department launched a Section 232 investigation that could form the basis for imposing new tariffs on commercial vehicles. Key points: Public comments are being sought through mid-May on domestic production capabilities and import dependencies Mexico, as the largest exporter of these trucks to the U.S., stands to be particularly affected Potential tariffs could increase imported truck prices by up to $35,000 per vehicle This represents a potential $2 billion annual cost increase for the industry Resilient Economic Sectors Key insight: Even as some sectors face challenges, others remain strong. Certain sectors remain insulated from tariff effects: U.S. service exports continue unaffected by current policies Our energy sector maintains global leadership due to superior fracking technology Transportation companies serving these industries may find stability while other sectors adjust Companies with established relationships in these resilient sectors may find themselves less affected by broader market shifts. Market Adaptation Strategy Key insight: Prepare for both short-term contraction and longer-term opportunities. While economic indicators suggest increased risk of a mild recession in the short term, historical patterns show markets adapt to new tariff regimes over time. Transportation companies should: Prepare operations for potential market contraction Simultaneously position for the subsequent recovery period Maintain operational flexibility while developing targeted strategies for both phases Moving Forward Cottingham & Butler remains dedicated to helping transportation clients navigate these economic shifts successfully. Our team of industry specialists is available to discuss how these tariff impacts might specifically affect your operations and help develop strategies tailored to your business. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact your Cottingham & Butler representative today.

Stay compliant with the latest healthcare benefit updates, contribution limits, and important filing deadlines for employers. 2026 HSA and HDHP Limits Increase: What Employers Need to Know On May 1, 2025, the IRS released Revenue Procedure 2025-19 , providing the inflation-adjusted limits for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) for 2026. These annual adjustments help employees maximize their tax-advantaged healthcare savings. Key HSA Contribution Increases for 2026 For the upcoming year, employers and employees will benefit from the following increased contribution limits: Self-only HDHP coverage : HSA contribution limit increases to  $4,400  (up $100 from 2025) Family HDHP coverage : HSA contribution limit rises to  $8,750  (up $200 from 2025) Catch-up contributions : Remains at  $1,000  for individuals age 55 and older (not subject to inflation adjustments) HDHP Plan Design Changes for 2026 Employers sponsoring HDHPs should note these important cost-sharing limit adjustments: Minimum Deductible Requirements: Self-only coverage : Increases to  $1,700  (up $50 from 2025) Family coverage : Increases to  $3,400  (up $100 from 2025) Maximum Out-of-Pocket Expense Limits: Self-only coverage : Rises to  $8,500  (up $200 from 2025) Family coverage : Rises to  $17,000  (up $400 from 2025) Action Item : Employers should review their HDHP cost-sharing limits when preparing for plan years beginning in 2026 and update employee communications with these new contribution limits. Important Compliance Deadlines Approaching in 2025 RxDC Reports Due by June 1, 2025 The prescription drug data collection (RxDC) reporting deadline is quickly approaching. This mandatory annual filing requires detailed information on prescription drug and healthcare spending for the previous calendar year. What Employers Need to Know: Who must file : All group health plans including fully insured, self-insured, and level-funded plans Deadline : Sunday, June 1, 2025 (covering 2024 data) Reporting requirements : Plan-level information, enrollment data, premium data, and detailed medical/pharmacy benefit information Submission process : Reports must be submitted through the CMS online portal Most employer-sponsored health plans rely on their carriers, TPAs, and PBMs to provide necessary data and often submit reports to CMS on behalf of employer group health plans. Action Item : Contact your benefits administrator now to ensure your RxDC reporting is on schedule. Form 5500 Filing Deadline: July 31 for Calendar Year Plans Employers subject to ERISA must file an annual report ( Form 5500 ) for each employee benefit plan unless a filing exemption applies. Key Form 5500 Information: Deadline for calendar year plans : July 31, 2025 (for 2024 plan year) Extension option : 2.5-month extension available (until October 15, 2025) by filing Form 5558 by July 31 Filing exemption : Small welfare benefit plans (fewer than 100 covered participants) that are unfunded or fully insured Filing method : Electronic submission through the DOL's EFAST2 system Action Item : Employers with calendar year plans should begin gathering necessary documentation and work with service providers to ensure timely filing. Need Assistance with Healthcare Compliance? Contact your Cottingham & Butler team today for expert guidance on: Implementing the new HSA/HDHP limits Preparing your RxDC reports Completing Form 5500 filings Obtaining necessary information from carriers/TPAs Stay ahead of compliance requirements and maximize your healthcare benefits strategy for 2026.

At Cottingham & Butler, we understand the growing threat identity fraud poses to businesses today. As this type of crime continues to rise, we're committed to helping our clients implement effective prevention strategies. Our expertise can help your business identify vulnerabilities and establish robust security protocols to protect your operations. The Numbers Don't Lie Computer Safety Your computer is a gateway to sensitive information. When working at your computer: Never write down passwords where others can see them Lock your screen when you step away Use encryption when sending emails with personal information Credit Card Handling Payment transactions require extra vigilance. Always verify customer identity when accepting credit or debit cards as payment. This might mean checking signatures or asking for additional identification. Taking a few extra seconds during this process can prevent significant fraud issues later. Customer Information How we gather and share customer data is critical to preventing identity theft. Phone requests deserve special attention, as they're a common method used by identity thieves. Only collect personal data through approved company channels Verify identity before sharing or changing customer information Be careful with phone requests - these are common for fraud Keep your computer screen private during transactions When helping customers in person, position yourself so others can't view your screen. Never read personal information aloud where others might overhear. Paperwork Management Physical documents can be easily overlooked in security planning, but they're just as important to protect: Keep all receipts and documents with personal information secure Shred sensitive papers instead of throwing them away Don't leave customer paperwork out in the open Papers containing personal information should never be left unattended on desks or in common areas. Why This Matters By implementing these data security practices consistently, we create a strong defense against identity fraud. These measures protect not only our customers but also our company's reputation and trust in the marketplace. Everyone plays an important role in keeping information safe, regardless of their position. Security isn't just IT's responsibility - it belongs to each of us. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, ransomware-related cyberattacks have doubled during each of the last two-year periods. This means now is the time for employers and HR teams to prepare for eventual cyberattacks by training employees and solidifying contingency plans. Contact a Cottingham & Butler representative today to strengthen your business's information security defenses.

Our recent webinar on hot work safety provided essential strategies for implementing effective programs that prevent incidents during welding, cutting, and brazing operations. Participants learned about OSHA's standards, best practices for hazard identification, and proven control measures to mitigate risks. The session highlighted critical components of a robust hot work program, including permit systems, fire watch procedures, and emergency response planning - all designed to protect personnel and facilities from potentially devastating losses. Key Takeaways: Hot Work Safety Essentials OSHA's hot work standards are regulations and requirements that ensure fire prevention, protection, and workplace compliance Common hazards associated with hot works activities are fire, explosions, toxic fumes, and electric shock By implementing effective safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks during your hot work operations Implementing a proper hot work permit system is essential for operational safety An organization-wide safety culture creates consistent adherence to protocols Click here to view the presentation.

In the complex regulatory environment, maintaining compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) Hours of Service (HOS) regulations presented significant challenges for fleet operators. Our recent webinar offered invaluable guidance for navigating Part 395 of the FMCSR and Factor 3 of a Compliance Review. The session provided practical strategies for identifying deficiencies in fleet HOS programs, preventing costly roadside inspection violations, and properly documenting accidents. By analyzing industry benchmarks and offering data-driven insights, this webinar equipped fleet managers with the knowledge needed to improve compliance scores and maintain operational efficiency even under the scrutiny of an audit. Key Takeaways: Drivers needed to certify their logs "immediately after the final required entry has been made" to maintain proper compliance with HOS regulations. Fleet managers could significantly mitigate high accident rates by fully utilizing the FMCSA's DataQ system and Crash Preventability program. Understanding commonly overlooked "on-duty time" violations was essential, including time spent during drug and alcohol testing, logging crashes, roadside inspections, and fueling. The Federal Register served as an authoritative resource for resolving complex regulatory questions that weren't easily answered through standard guidance. Providing drivers with visual training tools and comprehensive hours-of-service reference materials dramatically reduced roadside inspection violations and improved overall compliance. Click here to view the presentation.

In today's competitive landscape, private fleets offer companies direct control over their transportation operations. This blog explores what private fleets are, their benefits and challenges, and how C&B's approach helps businesses navigate this strategic decision. What Are Private Fleets? Private fleets are company-owned transportation networks that provide direct control over shipping and logistics operations. Unlike third-party providers, these fleets represent an investment in company-owned transportation assets serving primarily the business's distribution needs. Benefits of Private Fleets Guaranteed capacity and control:  Private fleets give businesses complete oversight of their logistics, ensuring reliable delivery schedules and reducing reliance on third-party carriers. Complete supply chain transparency:  With private fleets, companies can track shipments from origin to destination, improving operational clarity and process efficiency. Enhanced customer loyalty:  Managing your own transportation network enables superior delivery service, resulting in higher satisfaction rates and stronger customer relationships. Mobile marketing advantage:  Private fleets function as moving advertisements, providing continuous brand exposure throughout delivery routes. Risks and Challenges Nuclear Verdicts  The transportation industry continues to face the growing threat of "nuclear verdicts"—jury awards exceeding $10 million. Companies operating private fleets assume direct exposure to these catastrophic judgments, which have increased in both frequency and severity over the past decade. This trend necessitates higher liability limits, umbrella coverage structures, and sophisticated claims management strategies to mitigate the potentially business-threatening impact of a single adverse jury decision. Leadership Knowledge Gap  Private fleets offer compelling advantages but come with substantial challenges, primarily because companies operating these fleets excel in their core business domains (such as manufacturing, agriculture, or retail) rather than transportation operations. This expertise disconnect can lead to suboptimal management of crucial transportation requirements, particularly in safety protocols, regulatory compliance, and insurance matters. Insurance Coverage Gaps  Private fleets frequently rely on standard commercial auto policies that don't adequately cover their specific transportation risks. The property and casualty insurers typically used by these businesses may not specialize in transportation exposures. This situation often results in incomplete risk management programs due to limited transportation-specific expertise and unfortunately, uncovered claims. C&B Approach Cottingham & Butler delivers a consultative approach that goes beyond traditional insurance placement: Comprehensive Service Offerings  tailored specifically for the unique and volatile risks that exist in the transportation sector Cross-Functional Collaboration  between our Transportation and Risk Management teams, working seamlessly to develop holistic and intentional solutions. Deep-Dive Analysis  conducted by our specialists to thoroughly review existing programs, identify inefficiencies, and uncover potential savings Relationship-Driven Approach  that leverages industry expertise and insurance carrier partners to provide customized solutions that address your unique business challenges “For private fleets, the risks that threaten the transportation and logistics industry today are too complex, severe, and costly to be an afterthought. They demand a high level of expertise and intentionality which can only come from an agency who is “in the trenches” with transportation risks every single day. With over 300 transportation insurance specialists, $1B in transportation insurance premiums placed annually, and 2,500 fleets across the country, our team is unparalleled when it comes to resources and insight.“ - Lexi Myers, Vice President - Transportation Private fleets represent a significant strategic decision offering greater control but introducing substantial challenges. With Cottingham & Butler's expertise, businesses can confidently develop transportation strategies aligned with their unique needs, transforming transportation from a cost center into a strategic enabler of growth and customer satisfaction.

Herbicides and pesticides effectively control unwanted pests and plants but pose significant health risks. Following proper safety protocols protects you, your coworkers, and your customers. Read the Label First Always read the product label before using any chemical. The label contains critical information about: Exposure warnings and required protective gear Proper application instructions and equipment needs First-aid procedures for accidental exposure Storage and disposal requirements Taking time to understand these details prevents dangerous mistakes and ensures effective application. Wear Proper Protection Your best defense against chemical exposure is wearing the right protective clothing. Essential gear includes long-sleeved shirts and pants, non-absorbent gloves (avoid leather or fabric), rubber boots (not canvas or leather), and appropriate head protection, eye coverings, masks, and respirators as needed for the specific chemical. Before beginning work, check clothing for defects that could allow chemical exposure. Never eat, drink, smoke, or use restrooms during application. Remain aware of others' locations during spraying and avoid application during winds stronger than 10 mph to prevent chemical drift. Clean Up Thoroughly After application, proper cleanup is essential for preventing continued exposure. Rinse tools and equipment three times, pouring rinse water into the pesticide container. Wash exposed body areas immediately and shower after completing cleanup procedures. Treat all clothing used during chemical application as contaminated: Remove all gear before leaving work Place clothing in plastic bags and wash separately Clean boots, gloves, and goggles before leaving the site Store all equipment in designated clean areas Store and Dispose Responsibly Keep all chemicals in their original manufacturer's containers and store in designated areas only. Follow label instructions carefully for proper disposal. If you're uncertain about disposal procedures, ask for guidance rather than guessing. Improper handling creates environmental hazards and poses serious fire and health risks. Your Safety is Our Priority At Cottingham & Butler, we prioritize employee and customer safety. Following these practices creates a culture of responsibility that protects everyone. Smart handling of chemicals demonstrates your commitment to workplace safety and shows you value the wellbeing of your team and customers. Need to Strengthen Your Safety Program? Contact our risk management team today for a workplace safety assessment and learn how our customized safety programs can protect your team and business. [For general informational purposes only; not intended as medical or legal advice.]