Thwart Thanksgiving Thieves With Proactive Steps

Family, friends, football and food make Thanksgiving fun, but don’t let a turkey coma lull you into a false sense of security as you ship your goods this holiday.
 
Thieves ramp up activity over long weekends knowing not only lots of cargo will sit idle for several days, but also the value of that cargo increases during the high-demand holiday season.
 
CargoNet statistics indicate Wednesday will be the busiest day of the week for breaking into unattended trucks this Thanksgiving, with an average loss valued at more than $170,000.
 
The best way to avoid a theft? Don’t leave freight in your trailer. Or, if you must, don’t leave it unattended. Warehouses, parking lots and truck stops are the top three areas criminals target, so be aware of your surroundings.
 
Other simple tips to ensure your load’s safety include:

• Only park loaded trailers in secure lots that have barrier to entry, access control, lighting, surveillance and monitoring.
• Securely lock both tractors and trailers and request the driver report as soon as they drop and as soon as they come back to pick it up. 
• Ask the local police department to make additional patrols around warehouses or secure lots and make sure all lights, back-up generators, alarm systems, and surveillance equipment are in good working order prior to leaving for the weekend. 

With Black Friday and Cyber Monday on the horizon, electronics may be in high demand on the retail market, but food and beverages are the top-targeted items to steal from a freight perspective.
 
But with a little common sense and planning, you and your shipments can rest easy.
 
Enjoy a safe and happy Thanksgiving. TQL is here for you 24/7/365, nights, weekends, and holidays.