Tag: Cargo Liability

Truck Stop Cargo Thefts: What Can Be Done

Bob Holtzman

Cargo theft of freight trucks on the road has always been a prevalent threat to freight companies. And even though numbers are down, with the uptick in e-commerce and electronics pose a potential threat for trucking companies and their clients. Drivers will park their truck at a stop, go inside to rest, and then come out to an empty parking spot.

According to data, there were 157 cargo thefts reported in the second quarter of 2018 in the United States and Canada. The average cargo value per theft event came in at $187,000, totaling $29.3 million in losses in that quarter alone. With this in mind, it’s important to note how to minimize these risks. Here are some tips to do so.

Understand How Cargo Theft Occurs

The most important part of preventing cargo theft is by understanding how it occurs. With new ELD regulations set, truck drivers have to take more frequent stops, opening up more opportunities for theft to occur when they’re stopped. There are things drivers can do to protect cargo when they are stopped. Another thing to consider is understanding what is targeted, such as pharmaceuticals, food, and electronics.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Employers should provide training to prevent cargo theft and to know how to respond if drivers are put in a situation where freight is stolen. There should be a culture of education and security in every freight company, and all employees should be aware of cargo theft and hijacking.

Drivers should pay attention to their surroundings when they are stopped at a rest stop or truck stop. Be aware while your truck is parked and inquire with truck stop management as to the security on premises, including surveillance cameras and guards. Keep your truck in sights of the cameras as any footage may be able to capture the license plate or face of a thief or thieves.

Insure Your Truck

Trucking companies can protect not only the goods they are hauling but the drivers and the actual trucks themselves. Comprehensive motor truck cargo insurance is a full-spectrum approach to protecting these entities in the event of a theft. After you’re left picking up the pieces, so to speak, having motor truck cargo insurance in place will provide financial restoration after a loss.

Use Technology

GPS tracking devices and security seals are becoming more commonplace and prices are becoming more and more reasonable. GPS tracking devices can be placed on the vehicle and trailer as well as the goods inside the truck. If your truck falls victim to theft, it’s likely that a full loss won’t be taken and you may be able to recover some of all of the items that were taken.

It’s also important to use technology to boost communication between drivers and security in the company. If cargo is left unattended for a period of time, this should be made known. There are many different available resources available to keep trucks and trailers secure.

About Western Truck Insurance Services

Western Truck Insurance Services is a commercial truck insurance agency with roots dating back to 1954. We have evolved into a highly respected, professionally managed, truck and transportation insurance brokerage. The hallmark of our organization is our desire to provide unparalleled service. We go way beyond what you expect to receive from an insurance brokerage. Equipped with state of the art automation, Western Truck Insurance can provide you with lightning fast truck insurance quotes, customer service, Insurance certificates, and coverage changes.

Who’s Liable for Damaged Cargo?

Bob Holtzman

Trucking freight from location to location can come with many different risks. From losing cargo to damaged packages, getting in an accident to missing a stop, there are many different liabilities that come with hauling cargo.

But, since the job must be taken care of, trucking companies and their drivers need to get on the road and make sure they’re protected from stop to stop. When damaged cargo does occur, it’s best to have the right motor truck cargo insurance in place to protect not only the financial loss gained through damaged goods but the reputation of a company trying to keep things rolling.

A Look at Carrier Liability

Carrier liability is used to describe when a carrier is responsible for shipment losses, damages or delays. Shipment losses, damages and delays that may have been a result of an act of the shipper or an act of the inherent nature of the goods that was not a result from the carrier’s negligence are considered here.

For a carrier to be held liable for loss or damaged goods on board, the shipper must prove that their freight was in good condition before it was loading into the carrier’s possession. Shippers have to file their claims within nine months of the delivery or the date upon which delivery should have been initially made.

Bill of Lading

If the shipper can prove without a doubt that a carrier received the goods in an undamaged state and delivered them damaged or even lost, the carrier will be liable unless there are exclusions attached. Damage should be documented through images and documentation and is required by the carrier. The notations made on the bill of lading at the time of pickup and delivery become vital to make everything accounted for.

Liability and Freight Insurance

Carriers should be holding some type of insurance designed to cover cargo loss, such as motor truck cargo insurance. The coverage amount is determined by the carrier and is usually dependent on the type of commodity the carrier usually transports on a regular basis. There is cargo loss or damage insurance that can cover the full value of the goods being shipped, but in some instances, it is possible that the amount covered is less than the actual value of the goods being hauled.

About Western Truck Insurance Services

Western Truck Insurance Services is a commercial truck insurance agency with roots dating back to 1954. We have evolved into a highly respected, professionally managed, truck and transportation insurance brokerage. The hallmark of our organization is our desire to provide unparalleled service. We go way beyond what you expect to receive from an insurance brokerage. Equipped with state of the art automation, Western Truck Insurance can provide you with lightning fast truck insurance quotes, customer service, Insurance certificates, and coverage changes.