The New York Post and other major publications have reported a significant spike in cargo theft. The more that the supply chain is backed up, the more cargo you’re going to have sitting which creates a more significant opportunity for thefts. With the holidays coming up, we wanted to give truck drivers some free and easy tips on how you can prevent cargo theft while on the road. Keep on reading to learn how you could protect yourself and your precious cargo!

Constantly Communicate with Dispatch

Do your best to regularly communicate with your dispatch team and update them when you make a stop. Let them know your exact location and how long you plan on being there. Ask your dispatcher for the latest cargo theft news to make sure you steer clear from those areas of high theft. Earlier this year, Truckinginfo.com reported that about 48% of all recorded thefts in 2020 occurred in California (20%), Texas (18%), and Florida (~11%).  By avoiding these so-called “hot spots,” you’ll be able to reduce the chances of running into trouble.

Keep Moving

You know what they say, cargo at rest is cargo at risk. Before loading and unloading your truck, make sure to check your surroundings for suspicious activity. Travelers Insurance said it best, “Cargo thieves are looking for whatever they can steal and sell quickly.” Do your best to avoid leaving your truck unattended. If you have to walk away for a short while, alltruckjobs.com says to try to park the rear of your truck against a wall or other obstacle that would make it difficult to open the truck’s doors

At Spectra360, we understand the many stressors that truck drivers have weighing on them. For more tips like the ones listed in this article, you should visit our blogs; visit www.spectra360.com/blog.

Park in Secure Areas

When taking rests and stopping, choose to park in well-lit areas, especially when stopping at night. And not trying to scare you, but you also want to be on the lookout for unusual activity like the possibility of a thief following you. As we head into the busy holiday season, we hope these tips were a good reminder to all of our truck drivers out on the roads. 
If you’re looking for a driving career that offers good pay, great benefits, and career growth, Spectra360 is your answer! Spectra360 is currently hiring Class A, B, and C drivers. If you have your CDL license, we would like to speak with you. To view our open driving jobs visit jobs.spectra360.com.