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The Challenge A South Carolina transportation company was stuck. Their current insurance agent couldn't secure higher cargo limits, struggled with coverage for their freight brokerage operations, and took a reactive approach to renewals. When they asked about captive insurance programs, their agent had no solutions. The company knew they needed more than just insurance - they needed a strategic partner who understood transportation and could fuel their growth. Why Cottingham & Butler Their broker research led them to Cottingham & Butler, drawn by our deep transportation expertise and proven track record with specialized carriers. When we first sat down with this company, we didn't just pitch services - we evaluated their program structure and showed exactly how we could solve their coverage challenges. We demonstrated our strategic renewal process, shared benchmark data from similar fleets, and outlined a clear path to captive insurance participation. Most importantly, we proved we had the carrier relationships to deliver results their previous agent couldn't. The Results Within one month of partnering with Cottingham & Butler: 20% reduction  on auto liability renewal Doubled cargo limits  while reducing overall rates Expanded coverage  for their freight brokerage New carrier relationships  bringing competition to their renewals Clear roadmap  for captive insurance transition What Made the Difference Industry Expertise : Our deep knowledge of transportation risks helped us identify opportunities others missed. Market Relationships : Our established carrier connections opened doors that were previously closed. Strategic Approach : Instead of reactive renewals, we implemented a proactive strategy that delivered measurable results. Analytics & Benchmarking : We provided data-driven insights showing how they compared to industry peers, validating their safety investments. The Takeaway The right insurance partnership doesn't just manage risk - it enables growth. This client went from feeling limited by their insurance program to having a competitive advantage in just 30 days. When your insurance agent becomes your ceiling instead of your foundation, it's time for a change.

Cargo theft has evolved from opportunistic pilferage into sophisticated, digitally-orchestrated schemes costing the trucking industry billions. New research from the American Transportation Research Institute reveals just how serious this threat has become. How Thieves Operate Today Strategic Theft : Sophisticated schemes involving load board manipulation, identity theft, and double-brokering. Criminals pose as legitimate carriers and intercept loads digitally. This is now the most common threat facing logistics service providers. Pilferage : Partial cargo theft from trailers at rest stops or parking locations. These incidents add up quickly and are rarely recovered. Straight Theft : Physical theft of entire loads, often including trucks and trailers. What's Most at Risk Food and beverages top the list (they're consumable and untraceable), followed by electronics, automotive parts, and retail goods. Three Critical Defense Strategies 1. Build a Security Culture Educate drivers on theft prevention and situational awareness Establish strict parking and trailer drop protocols Vet carriers thoroughly and use multi-factor authentication Make security everyone's responsibility 2. Leverage Technology GPS tracking with virtual boundaries and real-time alerts when vehicles deviate from planned routes High-security locks and custom seals Facility surveillance systems Redundant tracking systems 3. Report Strategically  While 82% of carriers report theft to law enforcement, only 56% report to insurance - often due to concerns about premium increases. However, underreporting makes recovery harder and allows criminals to continue operating. How Cottingham & Butler Can Help Our transportation specialists understand the unique challenges facing motor carriers and logistics providers. We can help you: Assess your cargo theft vulnerabilities Implement prevention strategies that may reduce insurance costs Structure coverage to balance protection with budget Navigate the claims process efficiently Don't wait until you become a statistic. Contact your Cottingham & Butler representative today to discuss your cargo security and insurance strategy. Source: "The Fight Against Cargo Theft: Insights from the Trucking Industry," American Transportation Research Institute, October 2025

The winter months bring more than just cold weather and shorter days; they bring the possibility for winter storms that may result in a snow- and ice-covered landscape. While it may be a winter wonderland for some, as a property manager, snow and ice buildup means a hazard with the potential for costly liability. If you deal with either commercial or residential property, you are responsible for the side effects of winter. In legal terms, snow and ice are the same as any other hazard presented on a property, and just like any other hazard, property managers can be held liable if they cause injury. To avoid litigation resulting from winter injuries, it is important that you are vigilant in your snow and ice removal efforts. Recognizing and Preventing Hazards  Winter brings a variety of hazards that you need to prepare for; slips and falls are by far the most common injury associated with winter weather conditions. Diligent snow and ice removal can go far in keeping walkways and parking lots safe. Remove snow quickly after snowfalls, and salt regularly to keep ice from building up. Not all winter hazards are under foot, however. Icicles, along with other accumulations of frozen or heavy snow above walkways and building entrances, can cause serious injury if they fall on those below. Remove icicles and other buildup as soon as possible. If it still appears to present a hazard, consider rerouting foot traffic around the area. Performing preventative maintenance in the summer and fall can also keep you prepared for winter storms. Make sure eaves are properly installed, and check that downspouts are aimed away from walkways. If eaves leak or downspouts direct water onto walkways, snow that melts in the heat of the day has the potential to freeze and create a hazard with cooler nighttime temperatures. Transferring Responsibilities to Tenants  For smaller residential rentals, such as single family homes or duplexes, the responsibility for snow and ice removal is commonly accepted by the tenant. To make sure responsibility is clearly established in this situation, the lease should include a provision citing the tenants as responsible for any snow and ice removal. This section of the lease should also establish how long after a snowfall the tenant has to clear public areas such as sidewalks, as most municipalities have laws requiring prompt snow removal. It is important to be as specific as possible to avoid any unnecessary liability or disputes after heavy storms. Contracting Snow Removal  Based on the size and number of properties you manage and the average snowfall in your area, you may be inclined to contract out snow removal to an independent company. While this can save you the time and costs associated with managing snow removal yourself, it is important that you choose wisely to avoid complicating matters. First, make sure the contractor has sufficient resources to meet your demands. It is important that they can be onsite quickly after, or even during, a snowfall to make sure walkways and parking areas are cleared. It is also important that they have the equipment and manpower to finish the task quickly to reduce any disruption to tenants’ lives or businesses. Second, make sure the company you hire carries the proper insurance, covering both its operations and its employees. The last thing you want is to end up being liable for a worker’s injury when liability for injury is the very thing you were trying to avoid. Also, much like the lease agreement with a residential tenant, it is important to specify the conditions and time constraints for removal in writing. When contracting any type of service, it is essential to have a written contract that will guarantee you receive the services you pay for. It should be noted that hiring a removal service does not absolve you of liability. If the company you hire provides poor service, or simple does not show up at all, you are still the party responsible for any injury resulting from a winter hazard. Make sure to pick a reputable company that you can trust to do a good job, and always have a plan of action for removal if they are unable to complete the work as quickly or effectively as you require. How Cottingham & Butler Can Help Winter weather liability doesn't have to keep you up at night. At Cottingham & Butler, we specialize in helping property managers protect their businesses from seasonal risks and year-round exposures. Our risk management experts can review your current insurance coverage to ensure you're properly protected against slip-and-fall claims, property damage, and contractor-related incidents. We'll help you identify coverage gaps and recommend solutions tailored to your portfolio. Whether you manage residential or commercial properties, our proactive approach helps you minimize risk, reduce liability, and protect your bottom line when the temperature drops. Ready to winterize your risk management strategy?  Contact Cottingham & Butler today to speak with one of our property management specialists.

WEBINAR Nuclear Verdicts: How to Protect Your Organization from Catastrophic Jury Awards Tuesday, February 10th | 11AM-12PM CST Nuclear verdicts show no signs of slowing down while the financial stakes for businesses continue to escalate. Join our claims management experts on February 10th for an interactive discussion breaking down what's fueling massive jury awards and sharing proven strategies to protect your operations. Learning from real-world case studies and field-tested approaches, you'll gain practical tools and actionable steps to reduce risk exposure and build a stronger defense against nuclear verdict outcomes. February 10, 2026 11:00 AM VIRTUAL Key Takeaways: Recognize the primary drivers behind nuclear verdicts and pinpoint potential risk areas in your own operations. Apply proactive safeguards that reduce your organization's vulnerability to excessive jury awards. Develop strategic response protocols to minimize exposure when facing high stakes claims. Your Hosts Adam Rathje Senior VP - CBCS Jeremy Goodall Claims Manager - CBCS Upcoming Events IN-PERSON December 2-5, 2025 NATMI Training & Certification According to NATMI, recipients who enrolled in a NATMI training and certification lowered their organization's accident rate by 86%, achieved a lower occupational injury rate by 83%, and controlled costs associated with accident litigation by 100%. The cost of participating in NATMI is minimal compared to the company’s day-to-day operational savings. The Certified Director of Safety (CDS)/Certified Safety Supervisor (CSS) course is designed to help safety personnel attain a greater professional knowledge base that should, in turn, provide greater confidence to improve operations, prevent and control injury and damage, as well as the ability to provide strong representation such as during a court case. Register Now! Register Now! WEBINAR December 18, 2025 Year-in-Review & Looking Ahead Throughout 2025, HR and employee benefits professionals have continued to navigate an evolving compliance landscape for health and welfare benefit plans. As the year draws to a close, this session will highlight the most significant compliance developments and regulatory changes that shaped 2025 and what they mean for your organization. We’ll also look ahead to 2026, previewing upcoming rules, deadlines, and trends that could impact your benefit strategies in the year to come. Whether you're wrapping up year-end compliance or planning for what’s next, this webinar will help you stay informed and prepared. Examples will be provided to help employers manage different types of common employee positions. Register Now! Register Now! MICRO-STRATEGY SESSION December 2, 2025 The Care Traffic Controller: Directing Patients to High-Value, Low-Cost Healthcare In this 15-minute webinar, we’ll explore how care navigation can be a powerful tool for guiding patients toward high-value, lower-cost providers—without compromising quality. You’ll learn how to build a framework that proactively steers care decisions, leverages second opinions when they matter most, and breaks away from the conventional referral model to create a more strategic, cost-effective healthcare experience. Learn More! Learn More! WEBINAR February 10, 2026 Nuclear Verdicts: How to Protect Your Organization from Catastrophic Jury Awards Nuclear verdicts show no signs of slowing down while the financial stakes for businesses continue to escalate. Join our claims management experts on February 10th for an interactive discussion breaking down what's fueling massive jury awards and sharing proven strategies to protect your operations. Learning from real-world case studies and field-tested approaches, you'll gain practical tools and actionable steps to reduce risk exposure and build a stronger defense against nuclear verdict outcomes. Register Now! Register Now! WEBINAR December 17, 2025 OSHA Compliance and Recordkeeping: Fine Tuning Your OSHA 300 Logs to Make a Good First Impression In this session, safety expert TJ Greenwood will provide a comprehensive overview of OSHA 300 log recordkeeping requirements. Participants will learn how to accurately complete the OSHA 300 log to ensure it makes a positive impression during site inspections, as it is often the first document requested by OSHA. Additionally, this discussion will cover strategies for staying compliant with OSHA 300 log recordkeeping requirements. Register Now! Register Now! View All Events Connect with a C&B Representative Today!

WEBINAR Nuclear Verdicts: How to Protect Your Organization from Catastrophic Jury Awards Tuesday, February 10th | 11AM-12PM CST Nuclear verdicts show no signs of slowing down while the financial stakes for businesses continue to escalate. Join our claims management experts on February 10th for an interactive discussion breaking down what's fueling massive jury awards and sharing proven strategies to protect your operations. Learning from real-world case studies and field-tested approaches, you'll gain practical tools and actionable steps to reduce risk exposure and build a stronger defense against nuclear verdict outcomes. February 10, 2026 11:00 AM VIRTUAL Key Takeaways: Recognize the primary drivers behind nuclear verdicts and pinpoint potential risk areas in your own operations. Apply proactive safeguards that reduce your organization's vulnerability to excessive jury awards. Develop strategic response protocols to minimize exposure when facing high stakes claims. Your Hosts Adam Rathje Senior VP - CBCS Jeremy Goodall Claims Manager - CBCS Upcoming Events IN-PERSON December 2-5, 2025 NATMI Training & Certification According to NATMI, recipients who enrolled in a NATMI training and certification lowered their organization's accident rate by 86%, achieved a lower occupational injury rate by 83%, and controlled costs associated with accident litigation by 100%. The cost of participating in NATMI is minimal compared to the company’s day-to-day operational savings. The Certified Director of Safety (CDS)/Certified Safety Supervisor (CSS) course is designed to help safety personnel attain a greater professional knowledge base that should, in turn, provide greater confidence to improve operations, prevent and control injury and damage, as well as the ability to provide strong representation such as during a court case. Register Now! Register Now! WEBINAR December 18, 2025 Year-in-Review & Looking Ahead Throughout 2025, HR and employee benefits professionals have continued to navigate an evolving compliance landscape for health and welfare benefit plans. As the year draws to a close, this session will highlight the most significant compliance developments and regulatory changes that shaped 2025 and what they mean for your organization. We’ll also look ahead to 2026, previewing upcoming rules, deadlines, and trends that could impact your benefit strategies in the year to come. Whether you're wrapping up year-end compliance or planning for what’s next, this webinar will help you stay informed and prepared. Examples will be provided to help employers manage different types of common employee positions. Register Now! Register Now! MICRO-STRATEGY SESSION December 2, 2025 The Care Traffic Controller: Directing Patients to High-Value, Low-Cost Healthcare In this 15-minute webinar, we’ll explore how care navigation can be a powerful tool for guiding patients toward high-value, lower-cost providers—without compromising quality. You’ll learn how to build a framework that proactively steers care decisions, leverages second opinions when they matter most, and breaks away from the conventional referral model to create a more strategic, cost-effective healthcare experience. Learn More! Learn More! WEBINAR February 10, 2026 Nuclear Verdicts: How to Protect Your Organization from Catastrophic Jury Awards Nuclear verdicts show no signs of slowing down while the financial stakes for businesses continue to escalate. Join our claims management experts on February 10th for an interactive discussion breaking down what's fueling massive jury awards and sharing proven strategies to protect your operations. Learning from real-world case studies and field-tested approaches, you'll gain practical tools and actionable steps to reduce risk exposure and build a stronger defense against nuclear verdict outcomes. Register Now! Register Now! WEBINAR December 17, 2025 OSHA Compliance and Recordkeeping: Fine Tuning Your OSHA 300 Logs to Make a Good First Impression In this session, safety expert TJ Greenwood will provide a comprehensive overview of OSHA 300 log recordkeeping requirements. Participants will learn how to accurately complete the OSHA 300 log to ensure it makes a positive impression during site inspections, as it is often the first document requested by OSHA. Additionally, this discussion will cover strategies for staying compliant with OSHA 300 log recordkeeping requirements. Register Now! Register Now! View All Events Connect with a C&B Representative Today!

We help clients lower their total cost of risk by challenging the status quo, solving complex business problems and delivering creative insurance solutions. Our technical expertise and proprietary programs, combined with our commitment to client service is the foundation of the value we bring to our clients every day. Article Mastering Your Resume: A Guide for College Graduates Read More On-Demand Webinar OSHA Reporting and Recordkeeping Compliance Updates Read More Article Managing a "Hard" Insurance Market Read More Case Study Leveraged best practices and good loss experience to return $80,000 year after year Read More Article HR’s Role in Mergers and Acquisitions Read More Article Coverage Basics: Cyber Insurance Read More Case Study Providing a Better Open Enrollment Solution Read More Case Study A 33% Decrease to Health Insurance Spend in 3 Years Read More Article Bond Producer vs. Surety Advisor: Beyond the Bond Read More