One of the hottest transportation topics is cargo theft. Carriers are paying their portion of this 30 billion dollar annual robbery in higher costs for everything from tires to insurance. It is estimated that 20% of the price that you pay for products and services are the direct result of the additional costs related to theft. What is law enforcement doing to slow down this trend and what can carriers do to avoid becoming a victim of these highway robbers?

The criminal masterminds behind these thefts have become better organized, more sophisticated and even more violent. In an effort to counter their efforts, law enforcement has set up special task forces to break up these theft rings. The reality is there are more then 2 million trucks on the road in the United States and about 63% of all freight travel in trailers. Thieves exploit the weak links in the supply chain. They know when and where to strike, with the knowledge that even if they are arrested, the sentences are often so light that many county attorneys don't even bother prosecuting. To these robbers, the risk is low and the rewards are almost limitless. The public awareness of this problem and the costs associated with it are resulting in various levels of law enforcement working together to eliminate these criminal enterprises.

Allen Lund Company is a member of the Southeast Transportation Security Council. This organization is a partnership for the prevention and recovery of stolen goods. SETSC works as a joint partnership between corporate security and law enforcement. The information collected by SETSC members has resulted in arrests and recovery of stolen goods. The most effective way to slow down these thefts has to start with prevention and that must start with the carrier. What can you do?

·     Park in secured areas. Leaving your tractor/trailer even at a busy truck stop makes your cargo and rig vulnerable to thieves.  You have to shower, fuel, eat and sleep but be vigilant. If you see any suspicious behavior, call authorities. Within two minutes hijackers armed with a dent puller and a flat head screw driver can be driving off with your rig and cargo.

·     GPS devices can be effective, but can be easily disabled or jammed.

·     Installing a hidden kill switch is effective and difficult to by-pass.

You work hard making a living out on the road...don't become a victim and part of this 30 billion dollar illegal industry!

Director Carrier Development

Bill Bess has recently accepted a new position, director of Carrier Development. Previously, he was the manager of the Orlando, Fla. office, and has been with the Allen Lund Company for 26 years. With 38 years of experience in the transportation of perishable products, Bess' expertise includes perishable supply chain protocol.