Equipment and cargo thefts are constant risks for motor carriers. Thieves are always on the prowl, looking for easy targets. Read the information below and ask yourself if there are actions you can take to protect yourself from being a victim of theft.
RECOGNIZE THE HAZARDS
ENVIRONMENT
Hauling freight into known hot spots for cargo thieves is one hazard truck drivers should be mindful of. Dimly-lit and unfenced locations, parking areas without surveillance cameras, truck stops, and public rest areas are common hubs for cargo thieves.
EQUIPMENT
Trailer doors that are not sealed and padlocked are ripe targets for thieves. Likewise, stepping away from an idling truck for too long or not using a king pin lock to secure a dropped trailer increases the risk of theft.
PERSONAL BEHAVIORS
Discussing cargo with strangers can invite would-be thieves to hijack your load. Additionally, failing to lock the truck when away, not conducting a pre-trip inspection, and a general lack of awareness of one’s surroundings can increase the risk of theft
KNOW THE DEFENSE
BE VILIGANT
Cargo theft could happen any time or anywhere, so be proactive and be mindful of your surroundings, especially over weekends and holidays. The longer you remain parked in one area, the easier it is for thieves to target you.
CONDUCT VEHICLE INSPECTIONS
A pre-trip vehicle inspection should be performed before each day and at every stop. Verify that seals and padlocks are secure and untampered.
REPORT THEFTS IMMEDIATELY
If you are the victim of theft, report it immediately. Follow your company guidelines on notifying your employer, the police, and insurance company. The more quickly the theft is reported, the faster the response to recover the equipment and cargo.
Note: These lists are not intended to be all-inclusive.
This material is intended to be a broad overview of the subject matter and is provided for informational purposes only. Joe Morten & Son, Inc. does not provide legal advice to its insureds or other parties, nor does it advise insureds or other parties on employment-related issues, therefore the subject matter is not intended to serve as legal or employment advice for any issue(s) that may arise in the operations of its insureds or other parties. Legal advice should always be sought from legal counsel. Joe Morten & Son, Inc. shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss, action, or inaction alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the information contained herein. Reprinted with permission from Great West Casualty Company.