Cargo theft is one of the risks that truckers may face while transporting goods on the road. High-value items like expensive industrial equipment and hi-tech appliances are more likely to be the target of theft. Cargo theft incidents not only affect the truckers but also create a massive ripple effect that impacts the whole transportation industry. Every year, thousands of incidents are reported across the country in which a cargo theft attempt has resulted in damages to freight, financial losses, or even personal danger to the truck drivers.
In this situation, it has become imperative for truckers to adopt effective practices to avoid cargo theft during transit. Here, we have discussed some helpful tips to help you deal with cargo theft more effectively.
1. Careful route planning
Before starting your trip to deliver freight, make sure you have planned the route carefully. Your route mustn’t have any high-risk areas where theft activities are easier. Don’t forget to communicate with local authorities to get knowledge about cargo theft hotspots while planning your route.
2. Increase the use of technology.
Modern technology can be the most effective tool for you against cargo theft. Incorporate the latest freight tracking and tracing technologies, such as GPS-based real-time tracking systems, into your trucking equipment to ensure visibility into freight for you during transit. You can also use tracking devices on your freight to get information about its real-time location during transportation.
3. Use security devices
Before starting a trip, properly secure the cargo with advanced, high-quality security devices, like digital locks, seals, and alarms. Modern alarms inform you if anybody even touches the freight during transit.
4. Communication is key
The risk of cargo theft can be mitigated to a larger extent if all stakeholders, including the shipper, carrier, and truck driver, stay in touch consistently during transit. Communication is vital, especially between the truck driver and the dispatch center, so appropriate measures can be taken immediately if a threat of theft is looming.
5. Truck drivers must stay vigilant.
Truck drivers must be aware of their surroundings and any suspicious activities happening around their trucks or cargo. If they notice anything suspicious, they should immediately report it to the authorities for further protective measures.
6. Train your drivers
Train your drivers on how to prevent cargo theft, how to recognize potential theft situations, and what to do in case of an emergency. Give them training on how to use modern security apps and devices. They should also know about the cargo theft hotspots in the country.
7. Regular security audits
Conducting regular security audits of your transportation processes and operations allows you to identify vulnerabilities and rectify them before anything wrong happens. These audits also suggest additional security measures to make your systems fool-proof against theft activities.
8. Strategic parking
Isolated parking areas are considered cargo theft hotspots. Therefore, parking your truck in such areas is always risky. You should also avoid parking at uncrowded locations where thieves have easy access. It’s also important to train your truck drivers on strategic parking in which trucks are parked in a way that their tail end faces a hard surface or a wall to block off the opening of their gates. If such a facility is not available, parking against a light pole or pillar can also be helpful. Strategical parking makes it harder to access the cargo, even if it’s left unattended.
Although cargo theft is a growing problem, following these tips can help you deal with it effectively.