One thing that no one is thankful this Thanksgiving is cargo theft. Unfortunately, while many are celebrating the holiday season, others are dealing with the problem of a full cargo loss.
Last year, 14 cargo thefts were reported during Thanksgiving, making it the number one holiday weekend for cargo theft activity, according to FreightWatch International.
As FreightWatch demonstrates in its reports, US cargo theft rate increases 28 percent during holidays. This is because cargo sits during the holiday weekend. Those members of the trucking industry are well aware of the golden rule that applies here, “cargo at rest is cargo at risk.” That’s why Road Scholar Transport is on the road 24/7 365 days a year, so your cargo is not just sitting, waiting to be stolen.
As a result of previous holiday theft statistics, shippers and carriers are asked to remain on guard this season and take preventative measures. Below are a few tips offered by CargoNet to help keep your freight secure (tips provided by http://www.americanshipper.com/Main/News/Tips_to_combat_holiday_cargo_theft_47716.aspx).
*Over half of holiday cargo thefts took place in unsecured areas with a few occurring in a secured lot, which is why CargoNet stresses the need to park in protected areas only. FreightWatch further emphasizes the need for cargo to never be left alone and for drivers to remain vigilant and maintain communication with their dispatch when stopped at high-risk areas such as truck stops and rest areas, the way that Road Scholar’s drivers do (http://www.landlinemag.com/todays_news/Daily/2011/Nov11/112111/112211-01.shtml ).
*Utilization of tracking devices on both cargo and trailers. Road Scholar Transport, a member of CargoNet, takes this a step further with independent tracking on both tractors and trailers.
*“Secure all trailers (loaded and unloaded) with high-security ISO 17712 compliant barrier seals in combination with hardened padlocks. Utilize king pin locks for unattached trailers.” Road Scholar not only utilizes Navalock, a strong, resistant, tamper-evident steel locking bar that acts as a barrier against thieves, but is also alerted of any door openings/closures, proving that your freight was not tampered with during transport.
*Facility maintenance/security. Road Scholar Transport has just that with a digital surveillance system of our entire property that is monitored 24/7, protecting our trucks and your freight from intruders.
*Never leave keys inside the vehicle. In fact, with Qualcomm, Road Scholar drivers can utilize the panic button feature to prevent operation of their vehicle.
The above steps are suggestions on what companies should do to prevent theft…now this is what Road Scholar is doing…
-Provide satellite and reefer tracking for live monitoring of your freight down to the street level. You’ll always know where your freight is and who has it.
-Qualcomm distress/panic messaging allows disablement of the vehicle to prevent your cargo from taking off with the wrong person(s).
-Navlock, bolts, and seals protecting the contents of your freight.
-Background/drug checks and online driver verification to ensure that only the safest drivers are transporting your freight.
-Brightly colored awareness trucks that make our trucks easily recognizable and harder to steal.
And that’s not all. Road Scholar is constantly improving our security features to have only the most innovative and resourceful tools accompanying your freight. Visit www.roadscholar.com to learn more.
Will your freight be safe this holiday season?
