Cargo theft bounced from “High” to “Extreme” on CargoNet’s Cargo Theft Threat Level indicator at the end of 2022. So far in 2023 it has stayed in the “High” or “Extreme” category.  What’s driving the surge in cargo theft?

Holidays: The end of year holidays are traditionally a time cargo thieves strike. More freight tends to be moving and in-demand gifts are targeted.  Trucks are often left unattended during the holiday season and warehouses/distribution centers are closed or running on shortened hours, allowing thieves additional time to steal or pilferage.

Scarcity and Cost Driving Illicit Market Demand: Many consumer items have become hard to get or their cost has risen substantially due to inflation. Cargo thieves target these types of items knowing there is a market for a quick sale after the theft has occurred. Currently we are seeing this happen to higher cost food items such as meat as well as electronics including computer graphics cards.

Fleets and Drivers Without a Plan: Benjamin Franklin's quote: “By failing to plan, you are preparing to fail” is accurate in the security industry. Those without a layered security plan in place to prevent theft may find themselves scrambling after an event occurs.  Plan ahead by making sure parking for trips is secured and layers of security are in place to protect the equipment and load.

Theft Activity at Major Intermodal Hubs: According to CargoNet’s 2022 Supply Chain Risk Trends Analysis, “California remained the top state for reported events in 2022 and theft in the state increased 41% year-over-year. Computer and green energy components were some of the most frequently stolen items of the year and California is a major logistics hub for these items. Theft in Georgia increased by 34% year-over-year, due in part to organized crime groups that took advantage of increased traffic to the Port of Savannah.”

Shrinkage in Cargo Theft Task Forces: Many states have reduced or shut down their task force focused on cargo theft. Those that have remained now have fewer resources leading to less manpower to investigate theft and organized crime groups.

Fictitious Cargo Pickups: Fictitious pickups are a highly specialized, internet-based form of cargo theft that requires skill in document forgery.  The fraud occurs when a thief subcontracts the shipment to a legitimate motor carrier and then has the shipment misdirected to another address. According to CargoNet’s 2022 Supply Chain Risk Trends Analysis, “CargoNet recorded 96 more fictitious pickups in 2022 compared to the year prior, a 600% increase year-over-year.“
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What can fleets do to protect cargo and equipment?

Utilize Heavy Duty Physical Security:  Depending on the type of semi-trailer you or your fleet own, there are various security devices to prevent theft and pilferage. ENFORCER products include ABLOY® heavy duty padlocks and security devices that incorporate ABLOY lock cylinders or padlocks. ABLOY locks function reliably in extreme environments and allow for various master keying systems.
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Multiple locks should be used to secure cargo and equipment. To prevent break-ins and pilferages of swing door trailers seek a robust lock such as the ENFORCER Adjustable Lock or hasp and padlock assembly. If you have a roll up door trailer several options are available including the CargoGuard which completely covers and protects the handle and padlock assembly from pry bar or cutting tools. To prevent unauthorized hook up to dropped trailers, consider a king pin lock. To secure an unattended truck, utilize an easy to install Air Cuff Lock.

Install Warehouse/Distribution Center Security:  According to CargoNet’s 2022 Supply Chain Risk Trends Analysis, the top targeted location for theft was Warehouse/Distribution Centers.  Install a full-perimeter fence around your location to protect any equipment or goods that are stored outdoors. Electric fences are a good deterrent to stop theft and should be considered. Add surveillance cameras as an additional layer. 

Implement Driver Education:  Theft can be reduced by educating drivers on current theft statistics and trends. Providing drivers with information on where theft is occurring and safe parking locations is becoming increasingly important. Consider joining industry organizations that provide details on where and how thefts are occurring. In addition, educate your drivers to not discuss the load they are hauling or other route information at truck stops, etc. Additionally, drivers should remain in contact with dispatch if they are stopped somewhere with an increased likelihood of cargo theft.

Mitigate Fictitious Cargo Pickups: According to CargoNet, “Logistics brokers and shippers can help prevent fictitious cargo pickups by verifying any bids on shipments with the motor carrier through their contact information on file with the FMCSA and verifying the name of the motor carrier and driver matches who the shipment was tendered to. Motor carriers should be wary of new customers that offer payment through peer-to-peer money transfer apps if their business would haul a blind shipment delivering to an address different from the bill of lading, especially if the address is a public warehouse or cross-dock in California.”

Indications are cargo theft will remain elevated in 2023. Be proactive in protecting your equipment and cargo. 

Cargo security professionals often recommend a layered security approach to reduce thefts, but what does that mean? There are various solutions to protecting goods and equipment in transit and at rest. Security minded companies utilize multiple solutions, therefore having several layers of security in place. Below are six examples of security layers fleets should consider especially as cargo theft continues to rise.

GPS: Permanent or portable GPS tracking devices can be used to prevent theft and, if needed, quickly recover stolen assets. Choose a reliable solution that can be easily monitored with location information quickly accessible. Consider using geo-fencing when the truck or trailer is parked to be alerted when unauthorized movement occurs.

Locks: Utilize heavy duty, high quality locks on trucks and trailers.  Depending on the type of semi-trailer you or your fleet own, there are multiple security devices to prevent theft and pilferage. ENFORCER products include ABLOY® heavy duty padlocks and security devices that incorporate ABLOY lock cylinders or padlocks. ABLOY locks function reliably in extreme environments and allow for various master keying systems.

Multiple locks should be used to secure cargo and equipment. To prevent break-ins and pilferages of swing door trailers seek a robust lock such as the ENFORCER Adjustable Lock or hasp and padlock assembly. If you have a roll up door lock, the ENFORCER Roll Up Door Lock is a high quality solution. To prevent unauthorized hook up to dropped trailers, consider a king pin lock, landing gear lock or glad hand lock. To secure an unattended truck, utilize an easy to install Air Cuff Lock. 

Lighting: According to CargoNet’s 2021 Supply Chain Risk Trends Analysis, the top targeted location for theft was truck stops.  Drivers should stop at truck stops with floodlights and park near or under those lights. Parking in a well-lit location will make it harder for a thief to steal or pilferage a trailer unseen. Pre-planning the routes and stops can help ensure drivers are parked at safe stops. 

Fencing: The second most targeted location for theft according to CargoNet’s 2021 Supply Chain Risk Trends Analysis, was Warehouses/Distribution Centers.  Install a full-perimeter fence around your location to protect any equipment or goods that are stored outdoors. Electric fences are a good deterrent to stop theft and should be considered. Add surveillance cameras as an additional layer. 

Driver education:  Theft can be reduced by educating drivers on current theft statistics and trends. Providing drivers with information on where theft is occurring and safe parking locations is becoming increasingly important. Consider joining industry organizations that provide details on where and how thefts are occurring. In addition, educate your drivers to not discuss the load they are hauling or other route information at truck stops, etc.

Escort Services: Escort services are a separate car that trails a high value load as extra protection. They help to plan out required stops and are an extra set of eyes when the driver needs to leave the truck and trailer. Escort services help ensure a delivery gets to it intended destination safely and securely.

To have a strong cargo security program, fleets should review their current security layers and consider adding any of the above if they are not being utilized at this time. These layers can help mitigate theft and costly disruptions to your supply chain.

​Cargo theft occurs year round, but the threat rises during peak season as the volume of goods being shipped increases. Many companies bring in additional trucks, trailers and/or portable storage units to handle the additional cargo. During peak season, merchandise such as electronics, household goods and food and beverages that can be quickly resold are targeted. Through proper planning, fleets can protect the extra freight and equipment utilized during this time. Below is your guide to a secure peak season:
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• Order extra physical security devices. Remind company drivers of any locking hardware requirements for their equipment and ensure they are using them during peak season. Have heavy duty locks on hand for extra delivery trucks, portable storage containers and trailers you’ve rented for peak season.  An inventory check can help determine any needs.
• Avoid the red zone: Require drivers to fill their fuel tanks before picking up loads. Often times cargo thieves will wait outside known shipping points  (ports, warehouses, plants and distribution centers) and follow trucks as they depart, waiting for the drivers to stop. Have drivers drive 200 to 250 miles right after loading to get out of the “red zone” where cargo thieves like to hit. Additional tip: Don’t stop in major metropolitan areas that are experiencing high crime rates. Cargo thieves are less likely to follow trucks far from the city they are based in.
• Utilize technology. Tracking technology can be used for supply chain visibility, to track high value cargo and, if needed, quickly recover stolen assets.  Also available are portable tracking devices that can be embedded in packages as an additional layer of location knowledge.
• Preform unannounced security audits. During peak season, employees get busy and distracted. Consider changing the audit timing or frequency to be sure staff is providing the expected level of security. 
• Use multiple locks. Put heavy duty locks on the air brakes and the trailer’s back door. The ENFORCER Air Cuff ® Lock is an affordable, proven security device to protect tractors. Constructed of thermoformed, high impact resistant polycarbonate material, the lock completely covers and locks the dash mounted air valve levers to prevent the truck and trailer brakes from being released. For back doors, the ENFORCER Adjustable Lock #1217 is a great, heavy duty choice. The lock is portable and ready to use out of the box. It can be moved between trailers as necessary to secure back doors. The lock secures both the passive and active doors at the same time. The Adjustable Lock has a cast steel block that protects the included ABLOY® 350 padlock for maximum security from physical attack. Half inch adjustable locking increments secured around the locking rods make for a tight fit on all trailers and portable storage containers no matter the manufacturer. If the trailer will be parked, consider a king pin lock or landing gear lock. With a master system from Transport Security, all of these locks can be keyed alike, one key opens all locks. 

• Do proper due diligence when sourcing additional carriers. Your company may need to re-broker loads to different carriers due to supply issues. Ensure all companies you are working with are utilizing high security locking devices and understand the level of security your loads require. 
• Keep cargo moving. The old adage is “Freight at rest is freight at risk”.  Have drivers park in well lit, busy areas. According to CargoNet’s 2021 Supply Chain Risk Trends Analysis, the top targeted location for theft was truck stops.  The second most targeted location was Warehouses/Distribution Centers. Drivers need to be made aware of this current trend and use caution at these locations. Consider team drivers when you can so trucks only need to stop for refueling. 
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Implementing a reliable security plan with this guidance can help fleets avoid many of the peak season shipping and storage threats.

Flatbed carriers haul a wide variety of cargo. Fleets protecting that cargo from theft require different solutions than those hauling goods in an enclosed trailer. While there are no rear or side doors to protect, flatbed fleets do have some of the same security vulnerabilities, including unattended trucks and dropped trailers. All heavy duty trailers require various layers of security to protect them – physical hardware such as padlocks and other locking devices are one of these layers. 

Secure unattended truck: Unattended trucks can be protected by parking in a well-lit location where it is more difficult for a thief to steal a tractor unseen. According to CargoNet’s 2021 Supply Chain Risk Trends Analysis, the top targeted location for theft was truck stops.  The ENFORCER® Air Cuff® Lock is a proven security device to protect unattended tractors. Constructed of high impact resistant polycarbonate material, the lock completely covers and locks the dash mounted air valve levers to prevent the truck and trailer brakes from being released. This lock is an additional layer of security for trucks that are unoccupied, parked or idle. The unit is portable and easy to install with no drilling or permanent installation parts required.  An ABLOY® heavy duty lock cylinder is included. The cylinder keyway face spins freely to prevent drill bits from penetrating the lock.  Air Cuff Lock #3000 fits most trucks. The Air Cuff Lock #3030 has an angled back to fit the dashboard on International ProStar trucks and other models. This is an affordable security device to thwart flatbed theft. Consider outfitting your fleet with this lock to prevent cargo theft and a loss of equipment that is currently difficult to replace.

​Secure dropped flatbed trailer: Whether your flatbed trailer is being dropped at a jobsite or another location, make sure it is protected from an unauthorized hook up. There are a variety of lock options to protect a dropped flatbed trailer such as the King Pin Lock, Landing Gear Lock and Glad Hand Lock. The ENFORCER King Pin Lock is made of solid cast steel alloy. This heavy duty options covers and locks the king pin to prevent unauthorized trailer hook ups.  An ABLOY® high security lock cylinder is integrated into the lock. A second option is the Landing Gear Lock. The Landing Gear lock is a heavy gauge high carbon steel lock box that covers and locks the landing gear handle. When in the locked position, the handle cannot raise or lower the landing gear. The third option is the Glad Hand Lock. The Glad Hand Lock (also known as the Trailer Air Brake Lock) is designed to completely cover the glad hand mounting bolts to secure the trailer brake lines from unauthorized tampering. This prevents flatbed trailers from being moved. The lock installs quickly and easily with a high security push button locking cylinder. The Glad Hand Lock can also be used for lockout/tagout purposes as well.

Secure chains, headache racks and sides boxes: ​In addition to locking your tractors and trailers, be sure to utilize high security padlocks where necessary. Secure chains, headache racks and side boxes with a heavy duty ABLOY padlock. The ENFORCER ABLOY lineup of padlocks includes various sizes including a shrouded option. Each padlock uses a series of disc tumblers that function like the tumblers in a bank safe. Only the correct key turned 90 degrees will align the discs and gates. The key can only be removed by reversing it to a stop that automatically rescrambles the discs. These heavy duty padlocks are designed for all weather and rugged conditions.

​Unattended trucks and dropped flatbed trailers can be targeted by thieves. Flatbed trailers are often carrying valuable construction equipment or materials. These items are attractive to thieves because they can be resold easily as demand is high and supply low. Conduct security training and coaching for your drivers to make sure they know how to properly protect their trucks and flatbed trailers against this threat. Adding an additional layer of security can protect your equipment and reputation. 

“My drivers won’t use the lock.” As a lock company, this is a common grievance we hear from security professionals. There are many tractor-trailers on the road and parked at rest areas and truck stops with unsecured cargo doors. Often cargo thieves are looking for a trailer they can break into quickly. If they see a lock installed, they are more likely to move on to the next trailer that isn't locked and can be opened in seconds. How can trucking companies ensure drivers have and use a high quality lock? The following are tactics we’ve seen implemented successfully at fleets in the past.

Provide the lock. If it is within your company’s security budget, consider providing locks to your drivers. You can create a lock program that fits your needs. We provide end-to-end security kits that include ABLOY® high security padlocks, king pin locks and Air Cuff ® Locks.  Air Cuff ® Locks completely cover and lock the dash mounted air valve levers to prevent the truck and trailer brakes from being released. This lock is an additional layer of security for trucks that are unoccupied, parked or idle. Locks can be keyed different, alike by kit or into a master system for fleet key control.

Pilferage is an emerging trend in cargo theft and trucking companies are seeing it become a growing issue. Pilferage is when part of a shipment, rather than the entire shipment, is stolen.  Cargo thieves have learned that breaking into a parked trailer and removing some goods is less risky than stealing the entire trailer. In CargoNet’s 2020 Supply Chain Risk Report, “Reports of cargo only theft incidents increased by 18% year-over-year - this category would consist of trailer pilferage events, fictitious pickups, and warehouse burglaries.”  

Often times pilferage is difficult to detect quickly, putting time and space between the thief and the crime. While this is viewed as low risk to the thief, trucking companies are faced with economic loss from the stolen products, insurance claims and damaged customer relationships. 

Data from CargoNet’s report also shows locations that experienced the highest amount of theft for the year were truck stops, parking lots and warehouses/D.C.’s. These locations are hotbeds for pilferage as trailers tend to be more accessible in these locations.  Stories indicate thieves pop the trailer door seal off, grab a couple of boxes and run. 
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There are various strategies to prevent and minimize pilferage including driver education and communication as well as truck and trailer locks. Theft can be reduced by educating drivers on current theft statistics and trends. Providing drivers with information on where theft is occurring and safe parking locations is becoming increasingly important. Companies are finding various ways to achieve this using technology.  Drivers need to continue to be vigilant and keep in mind that, “Freight at rest is freight at risk.”

The ENFORCER® trailer locks from Transport Security, Inc. protect rear and side doors from pilferage. The ENFORCER product line includes ABLOY® high security padlocks. ABLOY lock cylinders are designed with rotating discs, like the tumblers in a bank safe, instead of the traditional springs and pins. This type of construction allows for reliable function in extreme environments as well as various master keying systems.

​The ENFORCER Adjustable Trailer Lock protects the trailer or container's back door padlock from tampering. The Adjustable comes with a high security ABLOY padlock.  Locks can be keyed individually or to a master system.

Also available from Transport Security is the ENFORCER Seal Guard™ Lock that protects plastic, metal, bolt or cable seals from tampering. It is permanently installed on the trailer. The lock goes over the seal and is secured with an ABLOY padlock. 

Transport Security offers customized keying solutions for their products. Fleets can have locks keyed alike, different or different but to a master system with one key that can open all of the locks. Many large fleets choose to key each location or terminal to a different key code with a master key that opens locks to all locations.   

As pilferage continues to be attractive to cargo thieves, trucking companies need to ensure their trailer doors are secured with a high security locking device. Most thieves won't have tools or the time to bother it.

 By James Jaillet 

The Transportation Security Administration has issued an internal report warning of the potential for terrorists to use trucks as weapons to conduct attacks. TSA also released a list of countermeasures, mostly involving awareness of surroundings and reporting suspicious activity, that truck owners and operators should heed to help prevent such attacks from occurring. READ ARTICLE - CCJ