Cargo theft prevention may not be on the top of mind for most #Fleetowners and #Truckdrivers. But, these loss event could cost you dearly come insurance renewal time. In fact, preventing cargo losses can be a great way to reduce your insurance spending!
Additionally, most shippers and freight brokers don’t like to do business with #trucking companies that suffer cargo theft events. Without a good plan in place, you could be seriously putting your business at risk. Check out these 3 prevention ideas to help avoid these terrible losses:
1) Cargo At Rest is Cargo at Risk!
Sounds simple enough and it is. Basically, when a #truckdriver stops at a rest area or another “unsecured parking location”, this is an especially good time for cargo theft to occur. Greater situational awareness is key to preventing #cargo loss here. Also, installing an “Air Cuff Lock” on the dashboard when a #driver leaves the cab is a great preventative measure. This is especially true over long holiday weekends!
2) Stay Out Of “The Red Zone”
Cargo theft specialists suggest that #truck drivers should not stop within 200-300 miles of picking up a load (especially if it is a high value load or if the load has a target commodity like consumer electronics). Cargo thieves will have tail cars follow the #trucker in hopes that they will take a break soon after loading. Once the #driver does, the thieves pounce.
Check out this article for more theft prevention tips!
3) Lock’em Up!
Physically preventing cargo thieves from accessing a trailer is usually the best and most cost effective cargo theft prevention strategy. High security padlocks on trailer doors and parking in secured areas are great ways to deny access to would be criminals. The locks are especially great at preventing pilferage (stealing just part of the load) which is a growing trend across the US!
Cargo theft is especially present in California, Texas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois and New York. Basically anywhere there is a major seaport or inland port.
Following these tips won’t guarentee that you won’t suffer a cargo theft loss. But, implementing them in your loss and risk management program should help you avoid them. If you need more help with cargo theft prevention, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at www.MySafetyManager.com.
My Safety Manager is a leading provider of fleet safety and trucking compliance services for fleets of all sizes. Our specialized safety management solutions help deliver results—safe drivers out on the road who are staying compliant with FMCSA regulations.
We work with you to create customized solutions that meet your unique needs, taking what’s typically far too much work off your plate so you have more time to grow your business.
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