Your trucking company is able to function due to the reliable sellers, shippers, and employees you work with. But have you ever thought about your cargo being an important part of the process? No matter how expensive or inexpensive an item is, you should treat it like a million dollars. It is important to be prepared for the worst when it comes to the cargo you carry so you don’t experience theft and other types of financial ruin.
Don’t think your trucks will be targeted for theft? Think again. Recently, a woman in the local area has been suspected for at least one theft at Flying J’s truck stop. In addition, she may be behind a number of auto burglaries at the stop. The truck driver told officials that he was asleep in the back of his parked truck. Then, he heard someone in the front area of the vehicle, but when he went to investigate, he noticed a woman running across the parking lot. Afraid this sort of incident may happen to your truckers? To avoid such a costly mishap, make sure your drivers take ownership of the truck and follow standard safety practices every time they stop.
The location of your parked trucks and how your drivers behave in truck stops can influence the risks you are exposed to for cargo theft. Therefore, you should teach your employees to use their surroundings to their advantage by backing trailers up against buildings, fences, or other vehicles. This way, it becomes harder for thieves to open the doors and get inside. Also, have your employees park in a well-lit, heavily traveled area near buildings and restaurants. They should be aware of security cameras in the parking lot in case an incident does occur. Finally, if a driver suspects he is being followed, have him change speeds and slow down to see if the vehicle passes him. If not, he should take the next exit for safety.
At Jeffers Insurance, we know many measures can be implemented for security when it comes to protecting your cargo. Perhaps one of the most important tips to remember is that communication is key. Using a variety of communication systems between your truckers and the home office will help you keep track of your cargo during a shipment. An additional protective measure you can take is having our cargo insurance by your side. This policy covers loss or damage to freight in transit. There are two main motor truck cargo coverage forms written today, named peril and legal liability. Find peace of mind knowing that your agent has the knowledge and expertise to place the right coverage with your company.
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