$57.9 million—that’s how much cargo theft cost carriers across the U.S. and Canada in 2021, according to CargoNet. The average price tag per incident was nearly $175,000. But that staggering figure is actually on the low side. The number does not include the mental toll on drivers, eroded trust with customers, and resources spent working with insurers on the claims.
Thieves are getting more sophisticated. So too must the trailer and cargo security practices that fight against them.
Common Cargo Theft Tactics
Yard Shopping – CargoNet reports that warehouse and distribution centers sit in second place atop the list for cargo theft.Improperly secured yards are attractive places for thieves to make a quick profit. Thieves look for patterns in the trailers coming in and when they are offloaded. Pre-season deliveries that may sit in a yard longer represent prime targets.
Truck Stop Pit Stop – The top location for theft according to CargoNet is truck stops. Even 15 minutes for a bite to eat or a quick shower gives cargo thieves plenty of time to offload a trailer. A common tactic is tracking shippers near certain truck stops. When thieves cannot steal cargo directly from the yard, they simply follow the trailer to the nearest stop.
Trailer Theft – Criminals are not just looking for cargo.They often want the trailer storing it. Many switch out the VIN and resell the equipment. This creates a double hit for carriers who lose both the cargo and trailer.
Cyber Risks – An emerging trend in cargo theft starts online. The popularity of online broker sites has given thieves a new way to target freight. They visit the website to find a scheduled load, fake their credentials to get information, and then steal the goods before the real carrier arrives.
Strategies for Thwarting Thieves
High Security Locks – Lock things down.Consider using a kingpin, landing gear, and air cuff locks. At a minimum, ensure locks securing cargo doors cannot be removed easily.
Identify High-Risk Zones – Set up high-risk protocols for theft-prone areas. California, Texas, and Florida represented 49% of all 2021 cargo thefts. Establish rules like entering facilities with a full fuel tank, ensuring 200 miles of driving after pick-up before breaking, and verbally providing drivers with security procedures.
Collaborate with Shippers – Assess security at shipper yards. For those with minimal protections, discuss appointment or transit times to minimize time trailers remain loaded.
Practice Safe Parking – Coach drivers to practice safety over the road. They should communicate with dispatch on parking locations and timing, seek well-lit areas, and stay alert to suspicious vehicles.
Install Trailer Tracking – Asset and cargo monitoring solutions help companies know where trailers and freight are at all times. The best tracking devices are tamper-proof, battery-powered, and deliver real-time alerts. Smart cameras can even capture thieves in action.
Boost Security with SkyBitz
SkyBitz is the industry’s leading asset tracking and monitoring provider.
Kuantum combines location intelligence with integrated cargo sensing to secure assets, save time, and maximize trailer utilization.
Interested in learning more?
Download The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide for Trailer Telematics.
