Dive Brief:
- Holiday weekends are "notorious for presenting increased cargo theft risks for transportation companies, shippers, and manufacturers," according to a bulletin sent by FWI Freight Watch Monday.
- Cargo thefts over Labor Day weekend have averaged $159,654 in over 20 incidents during the past three years. Electronics were stolen most frequent during the holiday weekend, reporting five incidents.
- Nearly 90% of all Labor Day incidents occurred in California, Florida, Georgia and Texas.
Dive Insight:
FWI Freight Watch recommends ensuring security protocols in advance of the weekend, considering cargo in transit and within warehouses are the most frequently targeted during holidays. Although certain goods in certain states are more likely to be stolen, no cargo should be assumed safe.
The most notable cargo thefts for the past three years during Labor Day weekend include a $1.5 million pilferage of cell phones in Tennessee, a $680,000 full truckload theft of televisions and a $500,000 fictitious pickup of apparel in California, according to the bulletin.
In order to help logistics and warehouse managers remain vigilant of the risks, the cargo monitoring organization provides a free Route Analysis Tool to keep track of reported incidents.
