Sophisticated Cargo Theft Techniques to Be Aware Of

In the first quarter of 2016, FreightWatch International logistics security service provider reported that there was an increase in U.S. truck cargo theft, but with a decline in the value of each theft. The report showed a 13 percent increase (221) in cargo thefts of the 2015 fourth quarter which indicated it was up 8 percent from the previous year’s first quarter. The average loss value of each theft, however, decreased over 13 percent ($112.467) from the quarter previously as well as a 56 percent decrease from one year before that.

The impact that cargo burglaries have far exceed the reported thefts total value. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), cargo crimes are not always reported and therefore knowing exactly who much is lost is not always known. However, it’s estimated by experts in the industry that losses are as high as $30 billion per year.

What does this mean? Well, it could indicate that thieves are now going after lower value and less security protected shipments to avoid the risk and are increasing the amount of shipments they steal in order to compensate for the decrease in value. At least this is what FreightWatch reported.

Not to mention, the thieves’ theft tactics are evolving constantly in an effort to steal from drivers and carriers and although they are still employing the regular tactics like going after stopped trucks in rest areas, they are also using other methods to pull off the burglaries such as:

• Providing fake documentation to distribution centers to pick cargo up
• Giving out fake drop-offs to redirect the shipments
• Planting thieves on the inside

Because of these advanced tactics and the higher risk companies face, they are now incorporating stronger anti-theft measures on higher-value shipments and beginning to focus on adding more security to shipments of less value.

And since thieves are going after lower value shipments now more than ever, transportation companies that haul cargo like clothing, food and other lower-valued items need to step up their security measures as well. The best way to do this is to use GPS tracking.

GPS tracking devices can:

Help Prevent More Loss Due to Theft

Companies can use GPS tracking technology to locate their stolen cargo faster and provide law-enforcement with real-time data to the exact location of their cargo which increases the chances of their stolen assets being recovered.

Keep Track of Activity

Companies can use GPS tracking to log in events such as a driver not sticking to the route they are assigned or trailers being opened or disconnected at times that are not the norm. This kind of data can help give companies a heads up that there might be a burglary in progress.

Lower Insurance Premiums

GPS tracking technology that is installed on your cargo and your vehicles can reduce the risk of loss and because of this; you might be offered lower premiums or discounts by your insurance provider.

Since there is an increase in burglaries against cargo shipments of lower-value, now is the time for you to protect all your cargo. Not only is it important that you ensure your cargo is covered through your insurance, but you can also get them equipped with GPS tracking so you always know where they are in the event of a burglary.

Looking to be able to track and recover cargo? Contact us here at LiveView GPS to learn how GPS tracking can help. 1-888-544-0494

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