Don’t Leave Your Vehicle and Your Company’s Transported Products Susceptible to Theft.
Using a powered trailer mover in the yard protects from damage and injuries, but what about threats to safe transport of goods? Valuable loads carried in commercial trucks make them appealing targets of cargo thieves.
Trailer load theft isn’t a new problem, but improvements in technology give the bad guys new tools that make them even more dangerous. Here’s what you need to know about cargo theft along with tips to protect drivers and product.
Types of Trailer Load Theft
“Straight” thefts occur when cargo is stolen directly from an unattended trailer, often at a truck stop or parking lot. These incidents are generally crimes of opportunity where the thief takes advantage of a situation, sometimes on the spur of the moment.
“Strategic” thefts are planned crimes where the thief uses sophisticated methods to fraudulently obtain possession of the cargo.
What Is Social Engineering?
Social engineering is an increasingly popular technique in which thieves search Internet sources such as public load boards for possible targets. Sometimes they may even post fake loads and solicit bids to get carrier information.
Tips to Prevent Cargo Theft
According to experts, educated and alert drivers are the best defense against trailer load thieves.
– Be well-rested and attentive to surroundings at all times.
– Conduct a walk-around inspection of the truck before and after every stop.
– Fuel up before loading.
Shippers can also take steps to reduce theft risk:
– Work only with licensed brokers who implement thorough vetting of carriers.
– Always verify driver, truck and pickup confirmation numbers at the pickup point.
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