How Truckers Can Avoid Cargo Theft: A Guide for Memorial Day Weekend

As the Memorial Day weekend approaches, supply chain professionals should look out for potential cargo theft. With extended business closures over the weekend it presents an opportunity for thieves to strike. CargoNet, has analyzed theft data from 2019 to 2023 to provide insights and strategies to mitigate these risks. Here’s how truckers and supply chain professionals can avoid cargo theft this Memorial Day weekend.

Rising Trend in Cargo Theft

CargoNet's data reveals a worrying trend: from the Thursday before Memorial Day to the Wednesday after, there were 146 reported theft events over the past five years, averaging 29 events annually. The value of stolen cargo averaged $264,016 per event, with some thefts exceeding $1 million. Notably, theft incidents rose significantly from 16 in 2022 to 40 in 2023. The most vulnerable days are Friday (17% of thefts), with Wednesday and Tuesday each accounting for 15% of incidents.

High-Risk Commodities

Thieves have targeted a variety of goods, with food and beverages topping the list at 24 incidents. Household items and electronics follow closely, with 23 and 18 incidents respectively.

 “The most noteworthy thefts over recent Memorial Day weekends include:

• $3,974,370 in pharmaceuticals in Clermont, Florida
• $1,600,000 in pharmaceuticals in Clermont, Florida
• $1,000,000 in electronics in Kennesaw, Georgia
• $623,913 in pharmaceuticals in San Francisco, California”

Geographical Hotspots

California remains the most at-risk state, with 43 incidents, nearly double that of Texas, which had 22 incidents. California is also a hotspot for highly technical shipment misdirection fraud schemes. These frauds often involve fictitious pickups and other deceitful tactics, leading to misdirected shipments.

Enhanced Security Measures

To combat these rising threats, companies should implement enhanced security measures, especially in high-risk states and for highly targeted commodities. Here are some recommended practices:

Verify Carriers Thoroughly: Before accepting a bid on a shipment, logistics brokers should:

• Verify with the registered FMCSA phone number or email.
• Monitor FMCSA SAFER for recent updates to the MCS-150 form, indicating possible unauthorized changes.
• Check for a positive load history to ensure reliability.

Enhance Sign-In Procedures: Shippers should improve their sign-in procedures to capture essential details about the truck and driver picking up a shipment. This can help in identifying and deterring unauthorized personnel.

Increase Vigilance: Given the spike in cargo theft around Memorial Day, all parties involved should be extra vigilant. This includes:

• Increasing security patrols around shipping yards and warehouses.
• Using GPS tracking and other technological solutions to monitor shipments in real-time.
• Ensuring drivers are aware of the risks and trained in security protocols.

Addressing Shipment Misdirection Fraud

Misdirection fraud has reached record levels, particularly in California. To mitigate this risk, truckers, dispatchers, and company owners should:

• Verify Pickup Locations: Ensure that pickup locations are legitimate and verified.
• Use Secure Communication Channels: Communicate shipping details through secure and verified channels.
• Educate Employees: Train employees to recognize and respond to potential fraud attempts.

This Memorial Day

The Memorial Day weekend presents an increased risk for cargo theft, but by implementing these strategies, truckers and trucking companies can significantly reduce the likelihood of theft. Enhanced security measures, thorough verification processes, and increased vigilance are essential to safeguarding cargo during this vulnerable period. By staying alert and prepared, the supply chain can continue to function smoothly and efficiently, even in the face of rising theft threats.

BLOOM SERVICES, INC

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