Protect your Freight: Cargo Theft Surges During Peak Shipping Season

Cargo Theft Surges

The Holiday Season: A Breeding Ground for Cargo Theft

The fourth quarter, particularly during the holiday rush, is notorious for an increase in cargo theft. As companies scramble to meet the growing demand, security is often sacrificed for speed. This spike isn't solely due to opportunistic crimes but also the result of increasingly strategic, organized theft operations.

Criminal groups are seizing the opportunity to target larger-scale shipments, particularly focusing on high-value goods such as electronics. The fast-paced nature of holiday shipping often leads to security lapses, which organized criminal rings are quick to exploit. With more goods in transit and fewer eyes on security protocols, it's a prime opportunity for thieves to strike.

Evolving Tactics of Criminals

Cargo theft has evolved dramatically over the past few years, shifting from local, opportunistic crimes to more sophisticated international operations. According to Travelers, the last five years have seen a significant shift in how these crimes are carried out, with a 1,500% rise in strategic thefts since 2021. This increase highlights how organized crime rings are adapting to and exploiting global supply chain efficiencies to carry out large-scale heists. The use of advanced technology by these criminals, along with relationships with company insiders makes it even harder for businesses to protect their inventory and raw material.

Securing the Supply Chain

To counter these evolving threats, companies must adopt stronger security practices. This includes improving vetting processes for employees, vendors and contractors, and using more rigorous tracking and monitoring systems. These steps are critical in staying one step ahead of organized criminal networks.

Shippers should only partner with freight brokers who prioritize safety and security, like Translogistics, which is a member of the TIA (Transportation Intermediaries Association) WatchDog program. At Translogistics, we actively monitor motor carriers to ensure reliability and trustworthiness. We also use advanced carrier vetting software, such as Highway, to thoroughly screen and assess carriers before assigning them to your shipments.

If your freight broker is sending carriers that haven't been properly vetted, the risks extend far beyond cargo theft. You could face issues like freight being held hostage, falling victim to a double-broker scam, or even dealing with serious liability risks such as accidents or fatalities. Saving a few pennies on unvetted carriers can expose your business to enormous liability risks—so be strategic and choose Translogistics for peace of mind, and scalable shipping solutions.

For businesses like TLI (Translogistics), protecting high-security shipments is a top priority. In addition to recommending sealed dividers for high-security loads, we strongly recommend the use of trailer seals as an extra layer of protection. Trailer seals help deter unauthorized access by providing a clear indication if a breach has occurred, making it more difficult for thieves to tamper with cargo undetected.

With cargo theft on the rise—particularly during the holiday rush—taking proactive measures is essential. Businesses must enhance security protocols to protect against theft and minimize disruptions to the supply chain. By prioritizing security alongside speed, companies can significantly reduce the risk of cargo loss and ensure their freight reaches its destination safely.