Protecting your cargo is vital!
Whether or not you realize it, cargo theft is one of the most pressing financial threats to many fleets. Many cargo thieves are very skilled at what they are doing, so prevention is key. How can you stop cargo theft from wreaking havoc on your fleet?
Know What You’re Carrying
Cargo thieves like to get the most bang for their buck, so the higher the value of your cargo and the quicker it can be easily re-sold on the streets, the more likely it will be stolen. The most vulnerable types of cargo include computer hardware, computer software, tablets, smartphones, and consumable goods. Consumable goods might not seem like they are worth much, but since they come without serial numbers or any tracking, once they are gone they are essentially impossible to recover.
Pay Attention to Hot Spots
Any large metropolitan area can be susceptible to cargo theft, but certain cities are known as being worse than others. There are cargo theft rings in about 10 major metropolitan areas that are known for the very high amounts of freight that travel through them, interchanges of major interstates, and unsecured truck stops. Many times, these thieves will steal just about anything convenient, instead of putting the effort into stealing more targeted cargo.
The hottest cargo theft spots across the United States are known as California, Texas, New Jersey, Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. If you are traveling to a known hot spot for cargo theft, make sure that you only use secured parking. A whopping 80% of cargo thefts occur within an unsecured truck parking lot while the driver is away. Pay careful attention to truck stops and plan your route out in advance to avoid any particularly vulnerable places. This could mean the different between a safe arrival and an empty fleet!
Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star for All of Your Trucking Needs
Whether you are looking to upgrade your fleet to tow trucks or simply interested in the latest trucking technology, you can rely on Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star. We have provided top-notch service for the trucking industry for 30 years and would love to assist you in buying a new top-of-the-line truck, finding the specialty parts you need, or repairing your truck. Give us a call toll-free at 800-832-7278 or locally at 410-685-4474, or contact us online. To find out more about what we are up to, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+.
Tags: baltimore freightliner, cargo, cargo theft