Don't Be a Victim: Prevent Cargo Theft

One of the perks of being an expediter with the right credentials is that you get to haul exotic and often highly sensitive freight that pays really well. But that also makes your truck a high-value target for thieves. And if you're not careful, you could be putting your career in jeopardy.

That's because if you're a victim of cargo theft but found to be negligent in the incident--such as for leaving the truck unattended or unlocked--not only would you be responsible for paying a $1,000 to $2,000 insurance deductible, but you'll also be at risk of having your contract with the carrier terminated.

So, what can you do to better protect your cargo--and your career? Tom Evans, a long-time expedite owner-operator and fleet owner with his wife Tina with TNT Expedited Services Inc., offers these five important tips to keep you from becoming a victim.

Tip #1. Be smart about your surroundings.
"We tell our drivers to park in a well lit area, preferably up front at truck stops. Try not to park the truck anywhere too far out of sight when it has a load. For example, if you pull into a Walmart, park the truck out in front of the Walmart at the very end of the parking lot. Don't park it around back behind the store. And don't park it way out on the side of the store in the dark, where thieves can feel free to do whatever they want without too many eyes on them."

Tip #2. Make it difficult for thieves.
"In addition to making sure the cargo door is always locked when you have to stop, look for something that you can back the truck up against to make it harder for thieves to gain access to the box. Back the truck up as close as possible to something like a telephone pole, a fence, a wall, or the back of another truck in order to help protect the load.

Tip #3. Keep a visual on the truck.
"As a general rule, never leave the vehicle alone without somebody in it. If you do leave the truck without somebody in it, park where you always have have a visual of the truck, especially the back of the truck. We usually park the truck where we have a visual of the rear door. If you're looking at the cab, you can't see what's going on with the back--where the cargo is."

Tip #4. Keep moving.
"Always keep moving when you have a high-value load. Only stop for your rest break or for fuel. Don't make a bunch of stops. Try not to stop and be down for long hours. If you are, make sure someone stays with the truck."

Tip #5. Be vigilant.
"Just never think you have all the bases covered. Always be aware that there is a way for thieves to get anything, and you just always have to be on top of it. Always be aware of your surroundings. If you think something is going on, it's better to be proactive instead of reactive. But if you see somebody messing around with your truck, don't confront them. Just watch them and call the police. Tell the police, 'I'm not sure, but I think somebody's trying to break into my truck to steal my freight.'"