The movie- The Fast and The Furious is one of my favorite movies of all time… but let’s be real- Cargo theft is a HUGE problem in the US. We all saw the news about the theft at the Railyard in LA- but it’s not just happening at the rail yard.
Below are some facts and tips on how to keep you and your load safe!
71% of cargo thefts occurred during transit.
Some tips…
Arrive at Your Pickup Location Fully Fueled, Fed, and Rested
In 2020 – truck stops, drop lots and public parking were the top reported locations where theft occurred. The National Insurance Crime Bureau suggests that company drivers/owner-operators arrive at the pickup location fully fueled, fed, rested, and with enough driving hours to travel for six hours. Trucks and cargo are most vulnerable to theft when sitting idle.
New high-value targets took a spotlight due to the coronavirus outbreak including hand sanitizer, PPE, and face masks
Throw as many barriers as possible at potential thieves.
- Back your trailer as close as you can to an object like a fence or barrier that can prevent a thief from opening the door(s).
- Ask the HUB for a bolt seal before you leave and swap it out.
- Keep a couple pad locks in your truck and lock you trailer if you will be parked for an extended amount of time.
2020 recap throughout the US and Canada noted a 16% increase in cargo thefts over 2019
Park in Safe Places
Several of the folks who responded to a cargo theft survey told us that they avoid parking in areas that they don’t know, or which seem unsafe, and they don’t leave their truck and trailer unattended for long stretches of time when they’re on an active load.
Use your trip buddy (or call your meet driver) to see where your trailers are at? If they are 30 min away move to a safe, secure more secure area where there are others nearby.
Document and report any suspicious activity you witness in or around any delivery or pick-up locations.
Did you know that 80 to 90 percent of freight is uninsured or underinsured? It’s true and in 2020, there were over 1,500 incidents of cargo theft that cost the trucking industry an estimated $250 million.
Keep Your Eye Open for Hot Spots
There are certain hot spots on every trucking route that truckers should be aware of. Most hot spots are in large cities and metropolitan areas where certain factors allow for more cargo-thieving opportunities. One factor is the amount of freight that moves through the area, as places that have large volumes of cargo attract thieves. Unsecured truck stops, major interstate interchanges, and seaports are all popular thieving areas, so it’s crucial for truck drivers to be extra careful when driving through or avoid these areas altogether.
Remember to stay vigilant out there! Watch the black ice this week!
