Are Your Rail Cars Properly Secured in Your Yard?

Nina ConnerEnergy

Posted by Tara Crisp-Schwartz, AssuredPartners Did you know that 55% of locomotive and/or rail car movers are not properly secured, 61% of rail cars in yards are not properly secured, and 38% of rail yards have a grade that was a factor in a hand brake count? Proper rail car securement is crucial to ensure the safe transportation of goods by rail. It involves properly placing and fastening rail car restraints to prevent shifting, tipping, or derailing during transit. The securement process varies depending on the type of cargo being transported, but here are some general considerations and practices: Understanding Regulatory Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the regulations and guidelines set forth by the governing bodies responsible for rail transport, such …

Adapting to Change: Mastering the Shifting Landscape of Casualty Insurance

Nina ConnerReal Estate

Posted by AP Real Estate Team, AssuredPartners Navigating today’s casualty marketplace can be daunting, but with a proactive and strategic approach, it is possible to thrive in this challenging environment. Here are some strategies to consider: Proactive communication is crucial in the casualty marketplace. Maintain regular contact with your insurance advisor about any changes, challenges, or opportunities. By fostering transparent communication, it’s possible to address issues promptly and make informed decisions. Data is king in the casualty world. Analyzing data provides valuable insights into market trends and risk profiles. Leveraging data analytics tools help make data-driven decisions, identify areas of inefficiency, and optimize operations. Manage expectations to avoid surprises. Setting realistic expectations and discussing potential outcomes with your insurance advisor …

Navigating Insurance Transitions: Our Commitment to Your Business

Nina ConnerTransportation

Posted by Andy Engardio, AssuredPartners Finding the right insurance coverage for your business is essential. In light of the recent news about Nationwide E&S/Specialty leaving the commercial auto market, it is crucial to acknowledge the impact this decision may have on your business. We understand the significance of this development and the challenges it presents. As a leader and trusted partner in the transportation industry, AssuredPartners Transportation is here to offer comprehensive insurance solutions and provide a seamless transition for your business. Continuity and Reliability We recognize the importance of closely monitoring the market to provide uninterrupted coverage and exceptional service. That’s why we proactively develop strong relationships with top insurance providers, ensuring we always have the right options to meet your …

Surety Bonding 101: Understanding the Basics

Nina ConnerBonds

Posted by AP Construction & Surety, AssuredPartners Surety bonding is a crucial aspect of many industries, from construction to finance. But what exactly is surety bonding, and why is it so important? This article will explore the basics of surety bonding and provide valuable insights into how it works. What is Surety Bonding? Surety bonding is a type of insurance that guarantees the performance of a contract or obligation. In other words, it’s a way for businesses to ensure they will fulfill their promises to clients or partners. Surety bonds are typically required in industries where large sums of money are at stake, such as construction, finance, and government contracting. How Does Surety Bonding Work? When a business obtains a …

Top 3 Tips for Understanding What Insurance You Need as a Trucker

Nina ConnerTransportation

Posted by AP Transportation Team, AssuredPartners As a trucker, you understand the importance of protecting yourself, your vehicle, and your cargo on the road. While you’re busy buying equipment, signing customer contracts, finding loadboards, and planning routes, don’t overlook the crucial role insurance plays in safeguarding your livelihood and assets. Understanding what kind of trucking insurance is required and how much is enough can be overwhelming due to the various coverage options and regulations involved. To help you make informed decisions, we hope this article will help answer some of your questions about commercial trucking insurance requirements. 1. Know the Basic Insurance Requirements As a trucker, it is essential to understand the basic insurance requirements mandated by law. Compliance with …

Cyber Security Risk in Oil and Gas Operations

Nina ConnerEnergy

Posted by Tara Crisp, AssuredPartners Cybersecurity risks in the oil and gas industry pose a significant threat to infrastructure, operations, and overall stability. With increasing reliance on digital systems, companies are more vulnerable to cyberattacks ranging from financial gain to political motives. One major risk is the potential for cyberattacks to disrupt critical operations. Industrial Control Systems (ICS) can be targeted, leading to operational shutdowns, financial losses, and environmental hazards. Manipulation of control systems could cause explosions at refineries or leaks in pipelines, endangering human life. The theft or compromise of sensitive data is another concern. Oil and gas companies handle valuable information, including exploration data, proprietary technologies, financial records, and government contracts. Breaches can result in financial losses, intellectual …

Navigating the Hazy World of Cannabis Product Liability

Nina ConnerAgribusiness

Posted by Doug Esposito, AssuredPartners The American cannabis industry is facing a complex and constantly evolving regulatory landscape, with an incoherent patchwork of rules and regulations that can be difficult for even the most seasoned minds in compliance to navigate. This has created significant compliance challenges for cannabis companies trying to navigate product liability issues, including the ongoing blight of product recalls. The lack of uniformity in product testing requirements, packaging, and labeling has made it difficult for companies to ensure that their products are safe and accurately labeled. Insurance companies have varying definitions of what is covered, and those with broader definitions often restrict their coverage in other ways. This has created a nightmare for cannabis companies, who must …

Manufacturing and Environmental Sustainability

Nina ConnerManufacturing

Posted by Patti Gander, AssuredPartners The manufacturing sector plays a significant role in overall environmental impacts. The industry consumes natural resources on a global scale, as well as waste generation and greenhouse gas emotions. The manufacturing industry must seek methods to reduce its impact to promote long-term sustainability. Here are some key aspects and strategies related to manufacturing and environmental sustainability: Resource Efficiency: The manufacturing industry has adopted Lean Manufacturing as a business strategy. At its core, Lean focuses on waste elimination throughout the entire system. Resources consumed in manufacturing are not only human resources but include energy, water, and raw materials. Lean methods address process optimization for all resources consumed in the process, including ways to reduce excessive consumption, considered …