The next two holiday weeks provide a big window of opportunity for cargo thieves, according to a supply chain risk management company.
As the holiday season looms, shippers across the U.S. should be prepared for the impact of limited operating hours during the extended holiday weekends and how this may affect their shipments, accordiong to Austin, Texas-based Overhaul.
Before allowing loads scheduled for delivery between Monday, Dec. 23 and Wednesday, Jan. 2, Overhaul said it is critical to confirm the holiday hours of all receiving facilities. During this time, thieves know that cargo will be left unattended for extended periods, creating an opportunity to target high-value merchandise. Specifically, receiving facilities for large retailers may see trailers staged outside the premises targeted for pilferage or outright theft.
In 2024, Overhaul said it is seeing a continued rise in strategic thefts across the country, as well as a growing trend of medium to large scale thefts targeting rail shipments. Additionally, phishing and cybercrimes are on the rise as shippers implement stricter policies and compliance checks, prompting criminals to seek ways to bypass these enhanced security measures. The holiday season offers criminals a longer window of time before thefts are detected.
Distribution centers and warehouses will also be at increased risk during this period. With extended holiday breaks, many facilities will operate with reduced or minimal staff, lowering security and oversight. This extended downtime provides thieves with more time to carry out thefts before they're discovered, according to Overhaul.
Shippers dealing with high-risk cargo — such as consumer electronics, luxury clothing and footwear, alcohol, tires, and costly food items — should be especially diligent in preparing for the upcoming holiday period. Overhaul said enhanced vigilance and proper security measures are essential to mitigate the risk of theft.
Overhaul recommends that in addition to thoroughly vetting all brokers, carriers, and drivers, and documenting all necessary details for each shipment, shippers should confirm in advance if the receiver’s hours of operation will be affected by the holiday and adjust any schedules as needed to avoid unnecessary staging.
For over the road shipments, any stops made over the holiday period should be in well lit, secured areas with trailer doors backed to a solid surface, if possible, while facilities should ensure all security systems are functioning properly. Immediate escalation with a path to effectively engage law enforcement is critical to recovering stolen cargo.
