Infographic: July 4 Cargo Theft Trends

Long holiday weekends give cargo theives ample opportunity to strike, as they take advantage of reduced security and longer lead times.

According to CargoNet, a division of Verisk Crime Analytics, implementing these three best practices before the holiday weekend can reduce risks and cargo vulnerabilities:

• Keep the freight moving. Cargo thieves follow drivers with loaded trailers for several hundred miles and wait for them to stop to eat or rest and then jump at the chance to steal the loaded trailer. Keep freight moving through driver relays or an educated driver team.

• Make sure vehicle information is accurate. Security managers and drivers should have correct license plate, vehicle identification number (VIN), and descriptive information for tractors, trailers, containers, and container chassis. 

• Prepare drivers and carriers. Ensure that drivers have been informed to arrive at the point of pick-up rested, showered, fed and with a full tank of fuel.

CargoNet, a division of Verisk Crime Analytics, created an infographic that details the rise in reported theft during the Fourth of July weekend during the past two years. (Click to enlarge.)