Tag: cargo theft

The Unspoken Rules of the Road

Posted on May 20, 2021 by - Trucker Lifestyle

As every trucker knows, there are many rules and regulations laid down by the DOT, CVSA, FMCSA, and every carrier. However, truckers themselves have been laying down their own rules of the road for some time now.

Don’t Take Your Time At The Pump

Every minute counts for truckers. Whether or not your load is on time ultimately falls on you. This is why taking your time at the pump to grab a ‘quick’ snack or venture off to the restroom for ‘a second’ matters. The trucker waiting to fuel-up is on a time crunch, like you.

Be Careful Where You Park

Taking up multiple overnight spots is just as inconvenient as using two sinks to was both of your hands. If you want respect as a trucker, you are going to have to give it.

What’s In Your Haul Stays In Your Haul

If you grew up with conservative parents you have heard the saying ‘what happens in this house stays in this house’. When you’re on the road, it’s no different. Discussing what you’re carrying may sound like a great way to make small talk with fellow truckers, but cargo theft is a real thing. You don’t want to make yourself a bigger target than you already are. To you, your cargo may not be all that exciting, but thieves can see plenty of opportunity in ‘free’ goods.

Make Friends, Play Nice

No, this isn’t grade school, but being courteous to a fellow trucker should be a given. Truckers spend long hours on the road and getting just a glimpse of positivity when traveling can make someone’s day/trip. Whether you are a veteran or fresh meat on the CDL, small gestures like helping another driver safely switch lanes is what makes trucking a real brotherhood.

Always Toot Your Horn

Someone pumping their arm a trucker hoping to hear an air horn may be the biggest trucking cliché there is. However, no matter what mood you’re in, it has to be done. It shows the public how fun truckers truly are. It’s called public relations and it’s a part of the job.

Give Your Jake Brake A Break

There are many truckers who don’t mind hearing ‘the song of their people,’ but we guarantee that there’s not one trucker who will commend you for using your Jake brake at 2 am.

If you’re in a parking lot at 2 am, more than likely you’re surrounded by restless truckers attempting to get some shut eye before starting their long day over once again. It’s okay to give the Jake brake some rest as well. We know you’re a trucker there’s no need to tell people at the crack of dawn.

Develop these habits and you’ll be on your way to veteran trucker status in no time.

Save Money And Protect Your Cargo With These Methods

Posted on November 9, 2020 by - Cargo theft

It is reported that less than 20 percent of stolen cargo is ever recovered, making cargo theft one of the most expensive incidents that drivers face on the road. On average, it costs anywhere from $15 to $30 billion.

Crime and theft specialist, Scott Cornell notes that in recent years cargo thieves are becoming more likely to target mixed retail loads or less-than-truckload shipments because they are perceived as being less secure than larger truckloads.

Improving load security is easy if you understand how thieves choose their targets and the methods behind their madness. There are several cargo theft tactics including straight cargo theft and cyber-attack methods.

Types of Cargo Theft

Thieves are constantly updating their methods and, in the computer age, they have been forced to become smarter. Drivers need to be aware of every method that could be used against them.

Straight Cargo Theft

Straight cargo theft can happen anywhere cargo is left unattended. Truck stops, parking lots, and roadside parking areas are the most targeted. A great way to combat this tactic is investing in high-security rear door locks.

Strategic Cargo Theft

Strategic cargo theft is constantly evolving. This is typically defined as theft involving unconventional methods. Identity theft, fictitious pickups, forged documents, fraudulent carriers and brokering scams all fall in line with strategic cargo theft. Always do your research on your contacts and make sure everything matches up. Always confirm positive identification at pickups and drop-offs.

Other Effective Ways To Combat Cargo Theft

When it comes to protecting your fleet, it is best to develop a layered approach. With a layered approach, there are step-by-step methods and ‘in case’ tactics put into place if security technology happens to fail. Regular procedure training should be done to ensure that everyone understands the latest tactics theives are employing.

Aware Drivers

Become aware of theft ‘hot spots’ on your route. By studying your route beforehand you can pick safe areas to stop along the way.