Beware Cargo Thieves this Fourth of July
Holidays always present an opportunity ripe for cargo theft — additional crowds and traffic, lack of supervision at rest stops and warehouses due to employee vacations and increased duties for law enforcement. Add the labor shortage, the historic volume of goods on the road and sky-high commodity prices and you have the perfect storm for cargo theft. Particularly on the heels of a record year for cargo theft—according to CargoNet, the weekend of July 4th, 2020 was the highest since 2016.
Proactivity is key when mitigating cargo theft, take the below steps to help manage your risk.
Cargo Theft Prevention Tips for Shippers:
- Cargo at rest is cargo at risk. Avoid after-hours and weekend deliveries, unless you have an established receiving procedure in place.
- Partner with a reputable 3PL partner. Be clear about your security concerns and ask about their track record and capabilities.
- Use GPS tracking on all cargo so you always know the location of your freight.
Cargo Theft Prevention Tips for Carriers:
- Communicate with you dispatcher and let them know when you must leave your truck.
- Never share the details of your loads with others, thieves often pose as other carriers to gather information on cargo.
- Be aware of your surroundings when loading and arriving at your destination. Note other vehicles in the area or tailing you. Cargo theft most often occurs near pick-up and delivery points.
Cargo theft prevention is not a one-size fits all approach. Learn more about TQL and the steps our dedicated team of cargo risk experts take to keep your freight safe here.
