Recently, a disturbing incident occurred when a truck dispatched to pick up a load of avocados from a warehouse in Laredo, Texas, vanished along with the load shortly after departure. This type of strategic cargo theft, where fraudsters use stolen identities or false credentials to misdirect freight, is becoming increasingly common.
In 2023, cargo theft surged by 68% in the fourth quarter compared to the same period in 2022, according to CargoNet, a subsidiary of Verisk. This trend has shown no signs of slowing down, with projections indicating even higher theft rates in 2024. There is a very clear upward trend in overall logistics fraud.
Strategic cargo theft, involving tactics such as identity theft, fictitious pickups, and double brokering scams, is on the rise. Thieves target high-value commodities like food and beverages, electronics, and household goods. Hotspots for these crimes include California, Texas, Florida, Georgia, and Kentucky.
At Sure Shot Logistics, we understand the devastating impact cargo theft can have on businesses. Fraud Fight, our comprehensive fraud prevention program, is designed to protect shippers from such incidents. We utilize advanced security measures, including multi-factor authentication, stringent verification processes, and continuous monitoring of carrier information for any suspicious changes.
Our proactive approach includes educating our clients about the red flags to watch for, such as recent changes in carrier information listings and dormant operating authorities suddenly becoming active. By staying vigilant and connected with the cargo security community, we help ensure that our clients are better protected against the evolving tactics of cargo thieves.
We are committed to safeguarding your shipments and providing peace of mind in an increasingly complex logistics landscape. Partner with us and benefit from our robust fraud prevention strategies to keep your cargo safe and secure.