What Can Drivers Do To Prevent Cargo Theft?

Whenever anything of value is transported from Point A to Point B, there’s always the risk of that cargo being damaged or worse– stolen.

Cargo theft is something all truck drivers worry about. After all, you feel responsible for the loads you carry and do not want anything to go wrong, naturally.

So what can truck drivers do to prevent cargo theft?

Unattended loads risk being stolen. Therefore, the less time a trucker spends away from his or her truck, the better. Watchful eyes go a long way in preventing theft. Thieves are less likely to steal from a trailer which has a person “guarding it” who makes their physical presence known.

Whenever it’s dark outside, always look for a well-lit, non-deserted place to park. It’s even better if you know the parking lot has security cameras, further ensuring that someone somewhere is keeping a watchful eye on what’s going on in the lot.pd2

At truck stops, lounges or other places where truckers congregate, it’s best not to talk about the load you’re carrying because you don’t want everybody within earshot to know what they (or someone they know) could be stealing, especially if the cargo is something that’s in high demand and very expensive. It’s also not a good idea to talk about your cargo on the CB radio, as you never know who’s listening these days.

Good quality locks are essential. Use kingpin locks to properly secure your trailer, and close/lock doors whenever you’re not physically around to keep track of who’s who and what’s what.

Finally, it’s wise to mix it up a bit when it comes to your routes. You don’t want to be the trucker who is so predictable that thieves can plan their cargo theft down to the day, time and exact location.

Truckers always need to be one step ahead of those who might try and steal their cargo.