Goods transported along our nation's highways are abundant and accessible, offering cargo thieves low risk of detection and a potentially lucrative career. Law enforcement and industry officials estimate cargo theft costs the U.S. shipping industry $25 billion a year. Trends Vehicles carrying pharmaceuticals, building supplies, consumer electronics, computers and food and drugs are the most frequently targeted cargos in the shipping industry. The rate of theft of these types of cargos tends to increase during a depressed economy because the products retain strong market demand and value. The majority of cargo theft occurs in cargo terminals, transfer facilities and cargo consolidation areas. Other high-target areas include truck stops, parking lots, warehouses and trucks parked on the street. Although cargo theft occurs throughout the U.S., the most highly targeted theft states include Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, California and Florida. Methods There are a wide variety of methods used to steal cargo. It's important to understand the various methods to protect against them.
- Terminal robbery
- Hijacking
- Burglary
- Driver/insider information
- Counterfeit shipping documents
- Grab and run
- Warehouse stolen cargo
- Tracking devices
Prevention Measures
Cargo theft is a crime of opportunity. Prevention measures play an important role in limiting opportunities. Areas of focus for prevention measures that limit exposure to theft include:
- Personnel - Pre-employment screenings, substance and alcohol testing and restricted access for authorized personnel.
- Operations Management - Unattended vehicle policies, high risk and valuable cargo policies, route scheduling considerations and information security policies.
- Equipment - Inspection procedures, equipment security precautions and cargo loading surveillance and documentation.
- Driving rules - Driver credentialing, photo identification and communications equipment policies.
- Facility requirements - Terminal security plans, including property lighting, fencing, fire, burglar and video cameras, as well as automated gate and yard locks.
Now more than ever, it's important for you to protect your cargo and your business. Our motor truck cargo insurance can help. Coverage can be combined with auto liability, auto physical damage and general liability for
most trucking risks or can be written monoline, with a wide range of rates available based on commodity type being hauled and maximum value shipped. For information about eligible risks, coverage highlights and submission requirements for the motor truck cargo program contact us.
1. FreightWatch International, 2009 Global Cargo Theft Summary Report, FreightWatch International February 11, 2009.
2. California Highway Patrol, Commercial Vehicle Section, Cargo Theft Interdiction Program,
http://www.chp.ca.gov/programs/ctip.html, 2009.
Source: Zurich