Cargo theft continues to be an issue, and those committing the crimes are becoming more efficient in stealing loads. In the past, cargo thieves would target high-volume freight lanes and look for unattended loads. They would either steal the tractor and trailer or sometimes just the trailer. If they were unable to find unattended loads, they would result in threatening drivers with physical harm.
How to Avoid Cargo Theft as an Owner-Operator
To avoid cargo theft as an owner-operator is important. Avoiding cargo theft helps protect and maintain the integrity of the trucking industry. Below are some steps to follow to help prevent cargo theft.
· Secure Your Truck: You can buy locks and security systems for your truck and trailer. Ensure all entrances are well-protected and use a kingpin lock and air brake lock when you are parked.
· Safe Parking: When parking for the night, park your truck and trailer in a well-lit, secure location. When parking, look for truck stops and rest areas with security officers and surveillance cameras.
· Protect Your Information: Be cautious when you share information regarding your schedules, routes, and cargo.
· Inspect Your Equipment: Do routine checks to ensure your tailer’s seals remain intact and have not been messed with. Be sure to look for signs of damage or tampering when doing pre-trip inspections.
· Be Alert: Stay alert while on the road and when you make stops. Report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement or on-duty security officers.
· Use Technology: You can purchase a tracking and monitoring device, such as a GPS, to monitor your cargo’s location. These devices help you, as well as law enforcement, locate stolen items.
· Do Background Checks: When selecting partners or subcontractors, be cautious and do a background check on anyone you work with to help reduce the risk of inside theft.
· Follow Safety Protocols: Train yourself in cargo security protocols. Be sure you understand the importance of cargo safety and how to handle and avoid any threats.
· Insurance: Get comprehensive cargo insurance to help lessen potential losses in the case of cargo theft.
· Compliance: Be sure to comply with any laws and regulations regarding cargo security. Not complying with these laws and regulations can leave you vulnerable to cargo theft or legal problems.
· Work with Authorities: If theft occurs, be sure to work with local law enforcement and cargo theft task force to help your chances of recovering the stolen freight.
Now, thieves are relying on more strategic tactics to steal loads. The trucking industry relies on the internet to help streamline their business and help them be more efficient, but this can leave a door open to strategic theft. One form of theft is to impersonate legitimate carriers to steal loads. They would steal MC/DOT numbers to mimic original carriers by using email addresses and information resembling the carriers to fool unsuspecting shippers.
This type of theft is risky because the individual is physically involved. Thieves set up fraudulent companies to secure loads and then double broker them. Once the thieves secure the load, they will double broker the load to a legitimate carrier; once the load is picked up, the fraudulent carrier will call saying there has been a change and the load needs to be delivered to another location for the same rate even if it is a closer destination.
The thieves will pay the carrier to avoid being noticed, and in some situations, when the load is stolen, the load can be picked up and misdirected before the shipper notices a problem. With this type of cargo theft, thieves can target freight all over the country without relying on stronger freight lanes to steal freight.