Trucking theft on the rise

Trucking piracy has become a major issue for retailers and suppliers in the past few years. Companies face the challenges of dealing with increased gang presence, the relative ease of breaking into trucks and trailers to access goods and a seeming lack of concern from law agencies, all of which have turned trucking piracy into a huge industry.

CFO magazine reported that trucking theft results in about $30 billion in losses each year, and unfortunately, this number is only set to grow even larger. Truck cargo is continuing to succumb to theft, and it's becoming difficult to stop the rampant problem. Thieves know they can make enormous money by gaining access to a valuable load - pharmaceuticals, electronics, tobacco, alcohol and luxury goods can be worth millions of dollars,  making these trucks some of the most alluring targets for pirates.

Focusing on theft
Companies are beginning to develop new ways to deter this theft that is costing them greatly. While there are plenty of people who oversee the transportation of goods along the way of the supply chain, focusing on the truck driver is one of the most efficient and important ways to go about stopping theft.

Getting drivers on the side of a company is key to ensuring a valuable load of cargo is safe. While these employees typically undergo rigorous background checks and screenings, many businesses are looking to provide extra incentives to drivers who ensure the safe delivery of goods.

Preventing driver involvement
While retail logistics may be complicated enough, things get even more messy when it comes to keeping track of multiple cargo loads in different areas of the country. That's one reason businesses are trying to get ahead and work with drivers to prevent piracy.

The driver is often one of the most important people in a company's supply chain, as they're responsible for the safety of a truckload of goods that may be worth millions. While most drivers carefully get their products to their intended destinations safely, there have been incidents that call for concern about truckers on the part of businesses. This is especially true if a third-party carrier is transporting the products, because a company no longer has control over a truckload of material.

For those loads that can be controlled, companies are taking big steps to ensure their drivers take all the correct steps to prevent theft and don't partake in any thievery themselves. The source reported that drivers are often specifically instructed not to stop near high-theft areas, and their treks are carefully planned and closely watched to keep an eye on precious cargo at all times. By monitoring drivers and keeping an eye on logistical operations, companies can attempt to deter theft and decrease the losses incurred at the logistical level.