The holiday season presents the trucking industry with great opportunities. The unfortunate reality, however, is that with the increase in loads on the road comes an increase in freight theft. Luckily, there are ways to protect from and even entirely prevent loads from being stolen. While many may already know all of these methods, now is a great time for a quick reminder.
The first and easiest way to ensure that your trailer is safe from being broken into is to make sure it is locked with a secure lock. Air cuff locks and high-security rear door locks tend to be the best. Another way to prevent theft is to back your truck up to a gate or wall. Just like with the previous method, if a thief cannot gain access to the entrance of the trailer, they can’t steal your load. One should also know areas with high rates of theft. Cities like Los Angeles and New York have some of the highest recorded rates of theft in the country. One more, and perhaps the easiest way to prevent cargo theft, is to stay by your trailer. Thieves are much less likely to approach your trailer if they know that you are nearby. Finally, know your commodity. Certain commodities have higher theft rates than others. The largest of these is electronics, which made up a staggering 24% of all cargo theft in 2024. If you are hauling freight that has a high theft rate, make sure you take careful steps to ensure you aren’t the victim of cargo theft.
While the holiday season brings a welcome surge in shipping demand for carriers, it also raises the risk of cargo theft. Staying vigilant and taking simple, proactive steps can make a big difference. Using high-security locks, parking strategically, staying close to your trailer, and knowing which areas and commodities are most at risk all go a long way toward protecting valuable freight. As the industry gears up for a busy season, these precautions can help ensure that the increase in loads doesn’t come with an increase in losses. We here at the Allen Lund Company hope you have a successful and happy holiday season!
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