Cargo theft results in billions of dollars of loss every year in the United States, but taking precautions and having motor truck cargo insurance will help protect your business.
There are ways to help safeguard your supply and reduce cargo theft. Here are a few recommended precautions.
Background Investigations
Driver turnover is an enormous vulnerability for those in the trucking industry. Businesses should conduct due diligence initiatives when sourcing transportation requirements, and hold thorough background investigations on anyone involved in the shipping process.
Prepare your Facility
Warehouse burglaries are the highest-value incidents due to the large volume of product stored in a single location. Routine inspections will deter complacency and identify emerging vulnerabilities.
Conduct Security Awareness Training
Drivers are the first level of defense in the fight against cargo crime, therefore their participation in the matter is crucial. They must be aware of threats and implement best practices to avoid them.
Keep Current on Theft Trends
You’ll want to keep up with hot spot locations and products frequently stolen. Track the trends pertaining to cargo theft, including timing and circadian frequency, seasonal fluctuation, and high threat areas. Remain aware of theft trends across commodity to make informed decisions during their risk analysis process.
Prepare for Holidays
Cargo theft increases significantly during holiday weekends for transportation companies, shippers, and manufacturers. Maintain a delivery-without-delay system, add extra physical security and audit current emergency management processes.
Keep in mind as we head into fall and winter that extended holiday weekends are the most vulnerable.
In-Transit Security Policy
Creating an in-transit security procedure will vary based on commodity, location, and weather. Apply careful analysis to your enterprise’s logistics footprint in order to determine the most feasible and applicable in-transit security policy.
Reduce Unattended Load Times
Commonly, cargo theft occurs at an unsecured or unattended location away from the origin. Truckstops dominate this scene as truckers often leave their loads unattended for hours at a time. Cargo at rest is cargo at risk!
Vary Routes & Lanes
Organized cargo thieves are methodical and patient. They invest time in planning, and a key part of their planning is surveillance. Varying your lane and shipping schedule is critical.
Assisted-GPS Covert Tracking Technology
Electronic Freight Security is a helpful tool to maintain full visibility of cargo for the shipment’s duration. Immediate response and resolution to non-compliance incidents reduce opportunities for theft.
About Tobico Trucking Insurance
Trucking insurance is one of the most difficult types of insurance to obtain, but it doesn’t have to be. At Tobico Trucking Insurance, we are experienced and knowledgable about the trucking insurance market and the needs of trucking operations of all types and sizes. You need an agent who has the specialized knowledge of this ever-changing industry, and we have the products and the dedicated customer service to provide you with what you need. For more information, contact us any time of day at (469) 731-0707 to find out how we can help you.
