Cargo theft is a problem that plagues the entire trucking industry. Trucks carry millions of dollars in goods across the country so drivers need to make themselves aware of hazardous locations and at-risk cargo. With the average loss incident costing around $100,000, reports of losses of $1,000,000 or more aren’t uncommon.

Areas Prone to Theft

The states that report the most cargo theft include:

  • California
  • Illinois
  • Florida
  • Texas
  • Georgia
  • New Jersey

The news isn’t all bad, though. California in particular saw a dramatic decrease in cargo theft due to successful law enforcement investigations. Even so, drivers need to remain vigilant when transporting cargo through high-risk areas. Avoid parking in unsecured locations such as truck stops or the side of the road when driving through these areas.

Targeted Cargo

Some targeted cargo makes sense. It’s high value and can yield a significant profit. For example, thieves often target electronics for their profitability. However, the second most stolen types of cargo are consumables—foods and beverages. While they may not be worth much individually, they aren’t monitored as closely. They don’t possess RFID tags and fleets can’t trace their sale over the internet. The evidence also vanishes rapidly since buyers eat and drink it.

Tips to Prevent Theft

Decreasing the likelihood of stolen cargo doesn’t have to be difficult. The following simple tips can reduce the likelihood of losses:

  1. Train and educate employees. Fleets should educate their drivers on how to prevent theft as well as what to do in the event of a loss. Local police often have several resources available and are willing to contribute to training efforts.
  2. Keep vehicle on the move. Cargo theft often occurs in the red zone—the first 200 miles or four hours from the departure point. Thieves target vehicles that stop in the red zone because they follow them from their starting point. If a truck gets too far out, it’s no longer worth the effort to haul its contents back. In addition, if a truck is in motion, it’s much harder for a thief to make off with its contents.
  3. Perform due diligence. Knowing which states are prone to theft is helpful, but a state like California is vast. For example, northern California reports significantly fewer thefts than southern California. Research the incidents of theft along drivers’ routes so they can remain vigilant and avoid bad areas.
  4. Use anti-theft technology. GPS tracking devices and trailer trackers can help fleets monitor goods and trailers. In the event of a loss, the fleet can track down their stolen cargo and involve local police to help secure it.

As fleets implement more anti-theft measures, thieves are having less and less success. To learn more about protecting your cargo, contact the experts at DriverCheck.