Freight theft is soaring. How can you protect your cargo?
Check out cargo security tips in preparation for peak retail season
The last 18 months have been the worst in industry history for cargo theft, and the trend is unlikely to decrease as we enter peak retail season for holiday goods.
Strategic thieves have increased cargo security incidents by using stolen identities to act as brokers and carriers to reroute freight. Some thieves lurk in warehouses, distribution centers and truck stops and pull off heists with alarming sophistication. Others frequent drop lots, parking lots, secured and unsecured yards, the side of the road, airports, ports and railyards.
They use misdirection to steal cargo from the intended receiver.
CargoNet, which combats cargo theft by sharing information from multiple task forces, police agencies and the logistics industry, reported a 33% increase in cargo theft in Q2 2024 compared to Q2 2023. The losses exceeded $34 million. Over half of the crimes occurred in California, Texas and Illinois, but thieves targeted shipments of food, beverages and household goods nationwide.
By working together, we can reduce cargo theft statistics, prioritize vigilance during peak retail season and keep more freight out of thieves’ hands.
Check out TQL’s tips for cargo safety
More cargo theft is anticipated between now and the year’s end as retailers receive holiday shipments for the busiest shopping season of the year. The increased volume of cargo comes with greater security risks.
So, how can you keep your cargo safe? TQL, a four-time winner of CargoNet’s “Best In Cargo Security” award, helps shippers and carriers protect their cargo against thieves year-round and especially during our September Cargo Security Awareness Month.
Check out these tips and best practices to avoid becoming another cargo theft statistic.
Best practices for shippers
Create a safety plan. Ensure your carrier or broker has a cargo security plan, use secure hardware and limit the number of personnel permitted to handle pickups in secure locations.
Know who’s picking up the cargo. Verify carriers’ identities through DOT-required documents or photos and a check-in procedure. Be vigilant for forgeries and fakes, as criminals use sophisticated freight theft schemes.
Don’t cut corners. Relay load expectations to the carrier/broker. Monitor pickup requests, check shipment information and train your staff to recognize fraud.
Build relationships. Work with law enforcement and security companies to protect your cargo and prevent freight theft. We’re all in this together.
Best practices for carriers
Ask questions. If your paperwork has a delivery location but you’re told to go elsewhere, verify the destination with valid contact information.
Communicate. Tell your dispatcher if you must leave your truck. Then back your truck against a wall to block trailer entry.
Take precautions. Thieves often pose as carriers to breach cargo security, so never share the details of your load with others.
Be vigilant. Pay attention to others when loading and arriving at your destination. Freight theft most often occurs during pickup and delivery posts.
Prevent cargo theft with TQL
Cargo theft prevention during peak retail season is not a one-size-fits-all problem. Learn more about TQL and the steps taken by our dedicated Cargo Risk experts to keep your freight safe while minimizing cargo theft statistics. Visit TQL.com or speak to your dedicated Logistics Account Executive today.
