As the Trucking Industry ramps up to handle the increase in volume for the holiday season it is important to remember and guard against the real threat of cargo theft. As more valuable, and in demand goods hit the road, parking lots become a much more risky environment for drivers looking to take a break from the rigors of the job. Cargo theft has seen an increase in its prominence recently as it often comes with lesser criminal penalties than other burglaries and since it usually is done in less secure areas. With the rise in cargo theft Trucking Companies and Insurance Agencies have begun piecing together driver protocols that can lessen the impact of cargo theft throughout the year, let alone during the peak season.
The very first step to avoiding cargo theft is a thorough pre-planning of the route a driver intends to take and which lots might offer the best security conditions for truckers to rest. This precaution is especially important for drivers that are planning on having to spend a night in their cab in a lot or rest area. Ideally Driver’s should hope to find a lot with some type of surveillance system as not only are video cameras a significant deterrent themselves; they also help the most in convicting thieves and having them caught. Secondly, drivers should look for lots that are well lit. A well lit lot can ward off thieves and more importantly make it easier for other drivers to get a good look at any of the braver ones.
Secondly, to ward off thieves a high tech lock should be employed as a deterrent. Locks such as a Kingpin Lock or a Gladhand Lock are strong enough to withstand the most punishment and typically are enough to ward off a would be thief at first glance as they will typically look for easier opportunities. These types of locks can cost close to $100 for the high end ones but the added protection is worth it.
Finally, and most importantly, should you happen to find yourself in the middle of a truck jacking, try to exit the situation as quickly as possible and with as little confrontation required. No cargo load is worth suffering injury or worse. Any identifiable pieces of information that you can remember or document is the best route you can go, but do so only from a safe position.
Overall, most cargo thefts can be prevented through careful preplanning and a few precautionary measures to strengthen the rig itself. By taking a few pre-meditated measures on the road and before the trip many drivers can nearly halve their threat of cargo theft.