Cargo Theft Prevention Tips for Drivers
Cargo theft is a common dilemma that many drivers have faced. Since the first quarter of 2019, thieves have become more clever and have been taking different approaches to snatching your cargo.
Trucking is a dangerous job itself. Drivers in most cases are alone on the road, sometimes in bad weather conditions for long periods of time. Cargo theft poses an additional threat to this challenging profession.
The most attacked loads contain:
- Household items
- Computer or electronic products
- Food (beverages, fruits, vegetables, nuts, etc.)
- Cigarettes
- Pharmaceuticals
Why are these products at higher risk? It’s simple. Some of them have high prices on the black market, and some don’t have an RFID number, so it’s almost impossible to track these items after they are stolen.
There are few things you can do to prevent cargo theft and keep yourself and your load out of danger/trouble.
Always Pay Attention
This is the first and most important precaution you can take in order to protect yourself. It sounds obvious, but if you keep your eyes peeled for anything odd or out of line, you could save your life and the cargo.
If you see a car suspiciously following you, call your dispatch and the police. Try to find a gas station or police station with good lighting, and wait there. It’s essential that you park in a place where someone can see you and call for help.
Try to park your truck at the truck stops with surveillance cameras pointed at the parking lot. The footage from cameras can capture the face of the thief or the plates of the car.
You better consider spending a few bucks on a padlock and other security items. It will undoubtedly increase your safety level and ensure that you’ll deliver the cargo to its final destination.
The threat of cargo theft doesn’t disappear upon reaching the final destination. Thieves can work within the warehouse and steal the products despite your best efforts in protecting your truck. Never allow unapproved personnel to handle your cargo.
Understand Your Cargo’s Threat Level
Understand what you are hauling and its theft potential. If you haul something that has a high risk of theft, take another route without high-crime zones.
If you work for a carrier company, they are obligated to provide you with tracking devices in addition to kingpins, locks or other security measures.
Communicate
Talk to people. Law enforcement is on your side. When you feel unsafe, or see someone following you, call the police. Don’t take the risk. Police always help truckers when it comes to cargo thieves to identify their patterns.
If you work with a company, they must provide you with all the needed measures to protect you and the cargo. You have a right to talk to the upper management and point to the problem if there is one. Safety items can be low-cost and still be effective.
If you’re a solo owner-operator, speak with law enforcement and your family. Inform them about your location, what you are carrying, and where are you going.
Invest in Your Safety
As an owner-operator and a business owner, you don’t want it to get hurt. It might be expensive, but it will pay off in the future.
Be prepared for any situation. Follow these safety precautions in order to have the most secure and successful experience possible.
