February 1, 2010


Because of the increased frequency and severity of cargo thefts over the past several years, it’s crucial that carriers take all the right steps when protecting their loads. Here are some suggestions to help you begin.

1. Offload cargo into secure warehouses whenever possible. Avoid overnight or weekend load retention. 
2. Park units in secure facilities only. Install lighting, control access gates, cameras, etc. 
3. Use high-quality pin locks or leave tractors pinned to trailers. 
4. Back trailers together or close to buildings to limit access to the trailer doors. 
5. Use electronic tracking devices with geo-fencing and automated messaging capabilities. 
6. Conduct regular criminal background checks on all employees that may come in contact with cargo. Limit the availability of information such as CB talk, exposed paperwork, etc. 
7. Provide anti-theft/anti-hijacking training to staff. Develop a communication plan that includes time intervals, distress code words, etc.

For more information on cargo theft and how you can protect your fleet, see the following related articles:

Articles are available in English only. 

Cargo Crime. Truckings other dirty little secret. Today’s Trucking, February 2010. http://www.todaystrucking.com/mag.cfm?page_view=37&year=2010&date=2010-02-28

Heists Targeting Truckers on Rise. Wall Street Journal, February 1, 2010. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704722304575037241392821742.html

Stay tuned for the March 2010 edition of Truck News magazine, which will feature an Ask the Expert article on specific methods you can use to protect yourself against cargo theft.