Sick of long weekend security reminders from me yet? I hope not. Unless someone pays me to stop sending them out, I will continue to send them out. If you are in the United States, the 4th of July Holiday is upon us, arriving this Friday. I love the 4th of July, not just because the holiday marks the birth of a nation, but also this year, it makes for a long weekend. Since the 4th falls on a Friday this year, I suspect that I won’t find people at their desks after Wednesday morning.
Cargo thefts spike over major holiday weekends, and this 4th of July weekend will be a good example of the trend. As it has in the past years, theft activity is expected to rise for all the long weekend holidays, including this weekend. Last I checked, cargo thefts spike 40% over holiday weekends. Assuming that trend continues, and there is no reason not to, if you treat this coming weekend like you would any other, you should not be surprised if thieves steal your freight. If you don’t want that, it is time to make changes.
For traditional truck freight thefts, be aware of the ‘big three’ locations. The three most active theft locations are;
Parking Lots Truck Stops Warehouses and DC’s
The criminals know there will be as much, or more, unattended freight over the upcoming extra-long weekend than there will at any time this year. If you have a choice, adjust your shipping schedule to have your freight delivered before the holiday or picked up after the holiday. If your truck freight must move during the holiday period, practices such as ISO-compliant barrier seals in combination with hardened padlocks, air brake valve locks, and kingpin locks will deter some thieves.
Ensure your driver has sufficient fuel and driving hours remaining to travel several hours away from the pickup location, which can help deter hijackings. Also, ask your carrier if the trailer your freight will ride in will be parked in a secured terminal for any layovers. The lion’s share of freight theft involves whole trailer container loads, with the largest portion being unattended trailers or containers. Remember, a trailer in a secured area is your best weapon if your freight is in transit. The best trailer lock is of no value if the doors are removed from the trailer.
Unattended warehouses will also be the prime targets. Double-checking the proper function of all security cameras, door and window locks, and verifying the good working order of all barrier protection, such as fences and gate locks, is essential. If criminals do get in, there is no need to help them once they are in. It is wise to remove the keys from all material-moving machinery, such as forklifts and yard dogs. Padlock all trailers in the yard, even if they are empty, and lock as many interior warehouse doors as possible. One tool I used to employ when there was room was backing the trailer’s rear end to rear end, making access to the trailer’s doors difficult. I also tried having the drivers back up against the building wall, but that didn’t go very well if the driver was inexperienced.
There is no such thing as a false alarm over a holiday weekend. One small tool many people miss is police drive-by patrol help. Unless you yourself are a wanted meth-cooker, call your local police department and let them know the warehouse will be empty and for how long. The police would rather prevent a crime than investigate a crime. Letting them know that your warehouse will become a prime target over the holiday will help the police prevent a crime. Officers have to sit somewhere filling out reports in their cruiser. Why not near or at your facility? If you are a wanted meth cooker it may be better to have someone else call.
Don’t forget this is the year 2025. Don’t overlook organized, targeted theft. Thieves, sometimes hacked into your or your customer’s system, posing as legitimate truckers, will always try to take advantage of shippers in a hurry to get freight booked and loaded.
Comprehensive due diligence in booking trucks is more important than ever when holidays approach. Verify the trucking company name on the door and the tag number. Ask for, and make a copy of, the driver’s license. Making sure the picture matches the person is important. Make sure the agent or dispatcher’s phone number you booked the freight with matches the trucking company’s phone and fax number of record. If not, call the carrier to confirm the agent. Watch for fuel advance requests and lower than market quotes for your freight. Taking the lowest bid may be handing your freight to a criminal.
That’s the end of your July 4th security reminder. Do your contacts a favor and remind them this is a high-risk holiday. Re-send, share, or re-Tweet this reminder to anyone you believe could use it. I won’t charge royalties.
Have a Happy and Safe July 4th Holiday Weekend
TJO Cargo
Tom O’Malley