Experts warn of increased cargo theft activity during July 4 holiday period

As the country prepares to celebrate Independence Day tomorrow, a major freight tracking and recovery company is warning trucking fleets and drivers about a potential surge in cargo theft over the long holiday weekend.

CargoNet said its analysis of U.S. and Canadian cargo theft data from July 1 to July 7 for the past six years reveals that food and beverages, electronics and major appliances are still among the most stolen items. There were 25 states or provinces in total that experienced some cargo theft worth more than US$13 million during the reporting period, the company said.

“In the analysis period, 107 cargo theft events in the United States and Canada were reported,” it said, adding that cargo was most commonly stolen on Fridays.

CargoNet urged truckers to avoid leaving goods unattended in high-theft areas such as Los Angeles, Dallas-Fort Worth, Chicago, Atlanta and Miami.

“And they should park in high-security locations with security services, secure fences and high-visibility lighting,” it said.

The company also called on freight brokers to be extra vigilant during the holiday season as fictitious pickups increase.

“A trucker (who) is willing to take an undesirable load for a lower rate than the industry standard may be setting you up for a theft,” CargoNet warned.