July 17, 2014 Published by Paramount Freight Systems
Cargo theft continues to create challenges for the transportation industry and affects every stage and participant in the cargo chain. While insurance companies carry a majority of the risk, carriers, shippers and drivers all suffer when cargo is stolen. Not even the end consumers is left unaffected by cargo theft. Manufacturers and retailers are beginning to build in the cost of theft to their products and that is passed on to the consumer. Carriers feel the negative consequences by way of insurance deductibles and ever rising premiums, which causes increased shipping costs.
Mitigating the Risk
Cargo theft can be dealt with by both awareness and preparedness in each step of the supply chain. Manufacturers, shippers, warehousing and carriers must have theft mitigation protocols in place. Being aware of the risk and being educated on mitigation techniques are key to be being prepared.
Drivers are Front Line Defense
Communication is key for drivers. Theft cargo happens when routines are disrupted. Drivers should make it a habit to notify dispatch and operations staff when unexpected stops or detours take place. Pre-planning stops and breaks should be part of the route planning process. This allows the drivers and operations to map out safe stops. This advanced planning includes fuel, showers, meals and rest stops. Planning prevents drivers being forced to stop at insecure locations due to HOS restrictions. When drivers take time for safety checks during each stop, and are aware of their surroundings, theft is deterred.
4 Simple Steps to Cargo Theft
The easiest way to keep the cargo safe is to follow these 4 steps: Lock it, watch it, report it and move it. Making sure your truck and trailer are always secure is the first step. Secondly, keeping an eye out around other trucks and alerting authorities of suspicious behavior helps everyone. Most truck and fuel stops have security on the lot, speaking with them is never a bad idea. Even if it is not your freight, yours might be next. In the absence of security or the inability to reach police, move your freight to a safer location. Remember someone who is watching and loitering could be watching for an unsecured trailer or empty unlocked cab.
Don’t Broadcast
In today’s social media age, it is easy to inadvertently share cargo information. Tweet this.
In today’s social media age, it is easy to inadvertently share cargo information. Be sure you are not over sharing load information, customer information or destination details. Not only on Twitter, Four Square or Facebook, but also in conversations at the fuel desk or over lunch.
Drivers are not Alone
Cargo security is everyone’s responsibility. However, having a good protocol and training in place for your drivers will assist them in keeping the freight and assets safe. When all parts of the shipping lane work together, cargo is safer, thieves are thwarted and freight moves cheaper to the customer.
Paramount Freight
Paramount is committed to partnering with our 100% Owner Operators and Lease Purchasers fleet to protect our customers cargo. Our operations team is available to all of our drivers to help them make sucessfull deliveries every time. If driving for our fleet interests you, take a minute to learn more about us on our careers page and learn what it takes to join the PFS family. Like us on Facebook to learn more about our company and the programs that make us one of the Best Fleets to Drive For.
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About Paramount Freight Systems
Categorized in: Safety, Truck Drivers
July 17, 2014 Published by DrivePFSAdmin
Cargo theft continues to create challenges for the transportation industry and affects every stage and participant in the cargo chain. While insurance companies carry a majority of the risk, carriers, shippers and drivers all suffer when cargo is stolen. Not even the end consumers is left unaffected by cargo theft. Manufacturers and retailers are beginning to build in the cost of theft to their products and that is passed on to the consumer. Carriers feel the negative consequences by way of insurance deductibles and ever rising premiums, which causes increased shipping costs.
Mitigating the Risk
Cargo theft can be dealt with by both awareness and preparedness in each step of the supply chain. Manufacturers, shippers, warehousing and carriers must have theft mitigation protocols in place. Being aware of the risk and being educated on mitigation techniques are key to be being prepared.
Drivers are Front Line Defense
Communication is key for drivers. Theft cargo happens when routines are disrupted. Drivers should make it a habit to notify dispatch and operations staff when unexpected stops or detours take place. Pre-planning stops and breaks should be part of the route planning process. This allows the drivers and operations to map out safe stops. This advanced planning includes fuel, showers, meals and rest stops. Planning prevents drivers being forced to stop at insecure locations due to HOS restrictions. When drivers take time for safety checks during each stop, and are aware of their surroundings, theft is deterred.
4 Simple Steps to Cargo Theft
The easiest way to keep the cargo safe is to follow these 4 steps: Lock it, watch it, report it and move it. Making sure your truck and trailer are always secure is the first step. Secondly, keeping an eye out around other trucks and alerting authorities of suspicious behavior helps everyone. Most truck and fuel stops have security on the lot, speaking with them is never a bad idea. Even if it is not your freight, yours might be next. In the absence of security or the inability to reach police, move your freight to a safer location. Remember someone who is watching and loitering could be watching for an unsecured trailer or empty unlocked cab.
Don’t Broadcast
In today’s social media age, it is easy to inadvertently share cargo information. Tweet this.
In today’s social media age, it is easy to inadvertently share cargo information. Be sure you are not over sharing load information, customer information or destination details. Not only on Twitter, Four Square or Facebook, but also in conversations at the fuel desk or over lunch.
Drivers are not Alone
Cargo security is everyone’s responsibility. However, having a good protocol and training in place for your drivers will assist them in keeping the freight and assets safe. When all parts of the shipping lane work together, cargo is safer, thieves are thwarted and freight moves cheaper to the customer.
Paramount Freight
Paramount is committed to partnering with our 100% Owner Operators and Lease Purchasers fleet to protect our customers cargo. Our operations team is available to all of our drivers to help them make sucessfull deliveries every time. If driving for our fleet interests you, take a minute to learn more about us on our careers page and learn what it takes to join the PFS family. Like us on Facebook to learn more about our company and the programs that make us one of the Best Fleets to Drive For.
Did you enjoy this post? Share it!
About DrivePFSAdmin
Categorized in: Safety, Truck Drivers
