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CARGO THEFT: MITIGATING YOUR RISK
lost. That marks a demonstrable rise since the start of the pandemic. According to data from CargoNet, the theft prevention and recovery network, only $49 million in cargo was stolen throughout all of 2019. In 2020, $68 million was reported lost. A SHIFT IN FOCUS Although the first quarter of 2022 saw an astronomical 73% increase in reported losses over 2021 (with a total of $19 million), the actual number of reported thefts remained exactly the same; 319. That’s because thieves are now targeting more expensive items. Unlike 2020, when hard-to-find products like toilet paper and personal protective equipment were the most targeted goods, consumer electronics became the most sought-after items in the third quarter of 2021. That costly trend has continued into 2022; while the average value of a theft in the first quarter of 2020 was $106,000, an average theft for the same time period in 2022 has ballooned to $232,000. MITIGATING YOUR RISK Due to ongoing supply chain disruptions, cargo theft risks are predicted to increase in 2022. That’s why it’s vital that companies implement a comprehensive strategy to ensure that their supply chain is protected. The NICB, which is the nation’s premier not- for-profit organization dedicated exclusively to fighting insurance fraud and crime, offers a list of recommendations to help transportation companies limit the impact cargo theft has on their bottom line: • Screen employees . Oftentimes, cargo thieves receive help from someone within the targeted company itself – including such information as the content of shipments, their destination, route, etc. Companies should conduct a background check on all employees, including drivers, warehouse workers, and those with access to the shipping information. • Train employees . Theft prevention begins with proper training. Companies should provide security training for employees throughout the organization, making certain to educate truck drivers in hijack awareness and prevention. • Choose your transportation partners wisely . Investigate your potential transportation partners
before hiring them. In addition to assessing their record and reputation, make sure they share your emphasis and philosophy on freight security. • Use in-transit security measures . It’s not uncommon for thieves to wait outside known shipping facilities, trail a driver, then wait for the truck to stop. Drivers should be aware of their surroundings, alert to the possibility that they may be followed, and park only in known or secure locations. • Be vigilant . Trucks and cargo are most vulnerable to theft when sitting idle. Be sure your security guards are actively patrolling and protecting the freight on your premises. • Make the most of technology . In addition to installing surveillance and alarm systems, consider investing in vehicle and cargo tracking and advanced security seals. Also, make sure your perimeter, entrances, building doors, and windows are all well-lit. • Conduct regular safety audits . Cargo thieves never sleep – they’re always coming up with new ways to sidestep security systems. Conduct regular supply chain audits to identify gaps in your shipment protection. While there’s no way to eliminate the risk of cargo theft, using some proactive tactics like those listed above can greatly reduce the chance that your freight will become a statistic. It also helps to partner with a carrier with a reputation for safe, intact, on-time delivery. With one of the industry’s lowest cargo claim rates year after year, and an on-time delivery record of better than 99%, Averitt has the experience and expertise to help your cargo arrive safely at your destination each and every time. Freight security is one of our team’s top priorities, including regular safety audits of our facilities, video and monitoring technology, in-depth cargo and in-transit security training, pickup and delivery procedures that limit fraud, and thorough background checks for our associates. If you’d like to learn more about how you can protect your shipments from falling prey to cargo theft, contact your Averitt transportation specialist. P to P
It’s an unfortunate reality of the business – cargo has always been vulnerable to theft.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) estimates that on average, cargo theft accounts for between $15 billion and $35 billion in losses every year, much of which goes unreported. And ongoing supply chain issues – from bottled-up ports to a lack of drivers – are only exacerbating the problem. When a supply chain backs up, cargo sits idle. When freight is left at an unsecured port, a yard, or even a truck stop, it creates an ideal opportunity for thieves. It also creates protection nightmares for shippers – with all that stationary cargo sitting in multiple places through a supply chain, it becomes harder to accurately predict where an attack is likely to occur. In the first quarter of 2021, reported thefts in the United States increased by a remarkable 42%. Through September, roughly $45 million was reported
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