FreightWatch recorded 82 theft incidents for the month of December; the highest number of cargo thefts ever reported in a single month. 

California, Florida and Texas accounted the highest number of cargo theft incidents. There were 23 theft incidents in California, 13 in Texas and 10 in Florida.

By commodity, the food and drink industry suffered the highest volume of losses with 19.  Electronics and Auto Parts continue to remain high with 15 and 11 thefts respectively.  FreightWatch also recorded three thefts in the pharmaceutical sector.

By location, truck stops topped the list with 18 theft incidents recorded, while DC/Terminal lots (secured and unsecured) combined for 22.

 
To view this report, which includes a list of recorded cargo theft incidents for September, as well as graphs depicting cargo theft trends over the past 12 months: click here.

Additionally, stay tuned for the FreightWatch 2009 Annual Cargo Theft Review which will be published later this month.

© 2009 FreightWatch International (USA)

Source: www.freightwatchusa.com

Description: A full truckload of computers was stolen from the Pilot truck stop on Lamar Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee, between 2pm and 5:30pm on Saturday, December 19.

The trailer had an onboard/external GPS system that was disabled by the criminals at approximately 6pm.  

Two notable points about this theft:

·    This same truck stop experienced an electronics FTL theft where an onboard/external GPS system was disabled by the cargo thieves earlier this year.
·    This shipment originated in California, but was stolen in Memphis.  There have been multiple other electronics loads originating west (Texas, Mexico, etc) which have been stolen in the Memphis area.

FWI Recommendation: While it is difficult to determine if these points are more than just mere coincidence, shippers should take note of such trends and ensure common best practices are followed to ensure they do not become the next victim, such as preventing loads from being left unattended at truck stops, two man teams for high value shipments and adequate cargo security layers.

***Holiday Awareness***

Shipper, manufacturers and transportation providers must remain aware of the increased security risks during the upcoming holiday season.

Holidays can cause long delays for drivers attempting to deliver loads. These delays will increase the risk to drivers and loads in-transit by leaving them vulnerable for longer periods of time.

FreightWatch and other cargo theft tracking organizations have seen continuing cargo theft activity, specifically targeting electronics, pharmaceuticals and other high end products.  Shippers of these commodities in particular should avoid putting any loads on the road that will not travel directly to their destination.

FreightWatch recommends drivers remain vigilant and maintain communication with their dispatch when stopped at high risk areas such as truck stops and rest areas.  Loads should not be dropped or left unattended for any reason.

For warehousing operations, ensure your security alarm systems are functioning properly.  FreightWatch also recommends the following:

·    Treat all alarm trouble signals as an intrusion alarm
·    Do not rely on a backup (cellular/radio) system
·    If primary alarm fails assign security officer to patrol facility exterior.
 
© 2009 FreightWatch International (USA)

Source: www.freightwatchusa.com

In November 2009, FreightWatch recorded 28 cargo theft incidents, including four attempted theft incidents.  The State of Mexico (surrounding Mexico City) led the month with six incidents, while Puebla and Coahuila followed closely behind with five thefts and three thefts respectively.

While FreightWatch acknowledges cargo theft rates in Mexico far exceed the statistics included in this report, incidents listed are those collected and verified by FreightWatch Mexico.

Of note is the disparity between Mexico and the United States with regards to the methods utilized by cargo thieves.  While cargo theft is almost exclusively a non-violent crime in the US, in Mexico hijackings are the norm, accounting for 19 of the 28 recorded theft incidents.

By commodity, there were four thefts containing building/industrial, home/garden and food/drinks each.  FreightWatch recorded three electronics thefts and one pharmaceutical theft.   

One trend of note is that the majority of the thefts and attempts continue to occur on approach to or within major metropolitan areas. Cargo thieves are targeting larger loads and seem to prefer mid-size and larger cities where they can escape easier and dispose of their loads in local markets without having to travel extended distances to do so.

In several attempts, the shipments were evidently tailed from origin and in an increasingly worrisome quantity, some branch of the authorities appear to be involved or assisting the cargo thieves.

 
To view this report, which includes a list of recorded cargo theft incidents in Mexico for the month of November click here.

© 2009 FreightWatch International (USA)

Source: www.freightwatchusa.com

List of top ten stolen vehicles highlights need for renewed efforts to combat auto theft and export of stolen vehicles. Read the full article released by the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) here.

Source: Insurance Bureau of Canada www.ibc.ca

FreightWatch has recorded 64 theft events for the month of November.  California, Georgia, and Illinois led the country in volume of cargo theft; recording 18 theft incidents in California, seven thefts in Georgia, and seven thefts in Illinois.  Texas recorded six thefts and Florida recorded four.
 
Theft of electronics has experienced the highest commodity theft for the month of November, recording seventeen theft incidents.  Building/Industrial and Home/Garden cargo thefts are remaining high as well.  Below is a list of theft by commodity:
 
Theft by Commodity

Electronics: 17
Building and Industrial: 13
Home and Garden: 6
Consumer Care Products: 6
Auto Parts: 5
Pharmaceutical: 3

Two months ago FreightWatch noted that cargo theft incidents are occurring from terminal and carrier lots, as well as public access parking lots.  This trend has continued through November, where almost 45% of known theft locations were in terminal or carrier lots, in lieu of truck stops (approximately 20%), which are traditionally where cargo theft is known to occur in the highest amounts volume.
 
These trends coincides with intelligence reports and activity that show cargo thieves are becoming more proactive in targeting specific loads or products, conducting surveillance and stealing the loads at their first opportunity.  Pre-loading and staging trailers, or dropping in lots prior to shipment, are prime theft opportunities being seized by cargo thieves.
 
To view this report, which includes a list of recorded cargo theft incidents for September, as well as graphs depicting cargo theft trends over the past 12 months click here

© 2009 FreightWatch International (USA)

Source: www.freightwatchusa.com

WASHINGTON, DC —The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) today announced that it will launch a new Driver Pre-Employment Screening Program which will allow commercial motor carrier companies to electronically access driver inspection and crash records as a part of the hiring process. The program is expected to begin in December 2009.

The view the full article click here.

Source: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration 
www.fmcsa.dot.gov

See information provided below by Chuck Forsaith of Purdue Pharma:
 
1)   One of our group's members recently received a call from a consumer. The consumer provided the member with several names of people who are believed to have stolen one of their shipments sometime last month, as well as where the product was being stored. The member had no such loss. Has any member had a loss in Fresnillo, Zacatecas (Mexico) in the last couple of months?  If so, please contact me.
 
2)   Last night at around 10:00 PM the Plainfield Indiana Police stopped and questioned three Cuban males that were traveling in a red Chevrolet "Traverse" with Tennessee license plates. The vehicle was seen parked at the intersection of Perry and Airwest Blvd in that community. One subject had a fictitious Florida driver's license and was arrested. According to PPD the men appeared to be observing different distribution centers in that area.
 
3)   Another one of our members has suffered two "last mile courier" thefts in Florida, most recently in the community of Palatka. In both instances the driver was a female.  In both instances it involved a physical force type robbery. We are looking to see if any other members have suffered a similar loss - that would specifically involve a female courier and/or a strong arm type robbery. If so, please let me know.
  
Additionally, Chuck informed us that the known cargo thief interviewed by the Indiana State Police had a piece of paper with the name and address of a pharmaceutical distributor in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
 
FW Recommendation:  FreightWatch recommends anyone with operation in or around Oklahoma to be on alert for suspicious activity.

© 2009 FreightWatch International (USA)

Source: www.freightwatchusa.com

Fifty-six per cent of Canadian employers do not have a mobile device and driving policy, and 38% are considering creating or modifying a policy, reports Aon Consulting Canada.

Click here to view the details

Source: CIP Society Advantage Canadian Underwriter

Incident #1: A full truckload theft occurred in Memphis, Tennessee, early Wednesday (October 28) morning.  The suspects, unable to bypass the tractor security system, separated it from the trailer by lowering the trailer's landing gear and pulling the tractor out from under the trailer.
 
The trailer contained newspaper advertising inserts, which would not appear to be a target of cargo thieves.

Incident #2: FreightWatch RMOs observed three Hispanic males in a green Honda Accord with a red decal on the rear window (NJ plates NBT 72E) near a pharmaceutical staging lot in Bethel, Pennsylvania, this morning.
 
The three were described as being of average build and in their mid to late 20's
 
This subject and vehicle information matches the description of subjects, who recently attempted to gain access to a nearby pharmaceutical DC in Mechanicsburg (allegedly looking for employment) and observed watching trucks transporting pharmaceutical product on another occasion, in Bethel.

FreightWatch Recommendation: Those with operations in the Memphis, TN and Bethel/Mechanicsburg, PA, areas should be on high alert, especially those in the electronics and pharmaceutical sectors in Memphis as it is likely this same gang is in the area seeking a high value load.
 
FSB 091029
© 2009 FreightWatch International (USA)

Source: www.freightwatchusa.com

California and Florida led the country for cargo theft volume, recording 20 and 19 thefts per state respectively.  Illinois recorded four, while Texas, Ohio and Indiana all recorded three each.
 
By commodity, there were 16 electronics thefts recorded by FreightWatch, eight food/drinks, nine pharmaceuticals, nine clothing/shoes, and six auto/parts.  While the increase in pharmaceutical incidents is of note, none of these constituted significantly high value loads, with the average loss per incident at $212,000 for the month.
 
One trend of note is that FreightWatch is seeing an increase in the number of thefts from secured lots (DC lots and carrier lots) and a decrease in the number of thefts occurring at truck stops.  This trend coincides with intelligence reports and activity that shows cargo thieves are becoming more active in targeting specific loads or products, conducting surveillance and stealing the loads at their first opportunity.  Pre-loading and staging trailers, or dropping in lots prior to shipment, are prime theft opportunities being seized by cargo thieves.

To view this report, which includes a list of recorded cargo theft incidents for September, as well as graphs depicting cargo theft trends over the past 12 months click here.

© 2009 FreightWatch International (USA)

Source: www.freightwatchusa.com

TORONTO -- The union representing Ontario's striking driving examiners and the company that operates provincial Drive Test facilities need to resume labor talks, says the Ontario Trucking Association.

The OTA is calling upon the United Steelworkers, which represents the more than 500 employees who work in Ontario Drive Test centres, and private operator Serco DES to return to the bargaining table.

To read more click here

Source: www.Today'sTrucking.com

Cargo theft rates have been holding strong above 2009 averages.  Thus far, FreightWatch has recorded 57 theft incidents for the month; however we expect that number to rise with late reporting through the months of September and October.  By state, California leads with 20 recorded thefts thus far, Florida, Texas and Tennessee with seven each and Georgia with five.
 
By commodity, Electronics had the highest number of thefts with 14, Food/drinks 10, Pharmaceuticals five, and Clothing/shoes four.  August saw an uptick in pharmaceutical thefts, which was averaging three per month in 2009 through July. 
 
Special thanks to Merri Hawkins at CTIPs for sharing their invaluable theft intelligence.  As we know, California has the highest rates of cargo theft in the country.

To view this report in its entirety click here (you will need Adobe Reader to view this report)

© 2009 FreightWatch International (USA)

Source: www.freightwatchusa.com

FreightWatch wants to remind shippers that high value loads, if at all possible, should be prevented from loading and departing over the Labor Day holiday.  Loads left unattended for any period of time are at risk of theft, but with the extended weekend, cargo thieves know they have a significantly greater window to steal loads and move them before the incident is discovered and reported.
 
This week alone, there have already been three electronics thefts, including:
 
Aug 31: El Paso, Texas. A full truckload of televisions was stolen en route to Memphis.
 
Sept 2: Joliet, Illinois.  A full truckload of cell phones was stolen at a truck stop while the driver was inside showering.
 
Sept 3: St. Augustine, Florida.  A full truckload of gaming consoles valued at over $1 million was stolen.
 
This constant tempo of thefts serves as a reminder that cargo thieves remain proactive and will only increase their activity during the holiday weekend.


FSB 090904
© 2009 FreightWatch International (USA)

Source: www.freightwatchusa.com

Shippers, manufacturers and transportation companies must remain aware of the increased security risks during the upcoming Labor Day weekend.
 
Holidays can cause long delays for drivers attempting to deliver loads. These delays will increase the risk to drivers and loads in-transit by leaving them vulnerable for longer periods of time.
 
FreightWatch analysis of recent cargo theft activity, particularly in the Dallas/Fort Worth and Memphis areas, has shown specific targeting of electronics and pharmaceutical loads.  Shippers of these commodities in particular should avoid putting any loads on the road that will not travel directly to their destination.
 
FreightWatch recommends drivers remain vigilant and maintain communication with their dispatch when stopped at high risk areas such as truck stops and rest areas. Loads should be staged at secure company yards whenever possible.
 
For warehousing operations, ensure your security alarm systems are functioning properly.  FreightWatch also recommends the following:
 
�      Treat all alarm trouble signals as an intrusion alarm
�      Do not rely on a backup (cellular/radio) system
�      If primary alarm fails assign security officer to patrol facility exterior.

FSB 090902
© 2009 FreightWatch International (USA)

Source: www.freightwatchusa.com

In the early morning hours of August 27^th 2009 a Celadon Trucking driver was held-up at gunpoint at the outside gates of the destination Distribution Center in Brampton, ON, Canada.  Sometime between 2AM and 8AM, several masked men approached the tractor, smashed the driver's window and brandished weapons. The thieves detained the driver in the sleeper of the tractor and apparently disabled the equipment asset control GPS systems.

The thieves drove the rig to Toronto and released the driver, who then notified the police.

The Peel Regional Theft Task Force (PRTTF) was able to locate the stolen product with the assistance of a LOJACK SCI Multi-Mode tracking device embedded in the load. The PRTTF obtained enough information to execute a search warrant on a facility believed to be connected to the crime.

Police arrested seven members of a known cargo theft gang, made a full recovery of the tobacco load and also recovered over $2 million dollars in additional stolen products from a number of other cargo high-jackings.

Det. David Matheson of Peel Regional Theft Task Force is the investigative lead and can be reached at 905-453-3311 x 8830

The following information was provided by the Miami TOMCATS:

The TOMCATS Cargo Theft Task Force was formed in 1995 and has continually operated as a full-time task force which aggressively investigates and prosecutes major burglary and cargo theft organized gangs. TOMCAT cases are prosecuted by the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office's Organized Crime Section as well as the U.S. Attorney's Office. 
 
Many of these organized cargo theft gangs are based within Miami-Dade County and operate throughout Florida and across the United States. The TOMCATS Cargo Theft Task Force continually recovers merchandise and equipment stolen in large scale warehouse burglaries and full truck load thefts from jurisdictions across the country.
 
Additionally, the Tomcats share intelligence and active subject information with those jurisdictions. Most importantly, the Tomcats in association with the Miami-Dade Police Department's Training Bureau, conducts annual training seminars in Miami to share emerging trends, intelligence and general information with private industry and other law enforcement entities. 
 
Since its inception, TOMCATS has maintained several databases on Florida based cargo thieves.  These databases now contain information on more than one thousand subjects who have been involved in cargo related crimes. 
 
Currently the TOMCATS consist of Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD), Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). 
 
Selective information can be shared with private industry in a continued cooperation between law enforcement and the private sector. Any request for information can be forwarded to TOMCATS@mdpd.com or by calling (305) 471-3400.
 
Willie Morales, Detective
Miami-Dade Police Department
Cargo Crimes Section, TOMCATS
Cell (305) 986-5495
Office (305) 471-3427
Fax (305) 471-3410 wmorales@mdpd.com
williemo522@yahoo.com 24hrs

Source: Dan Burges | Director of Consultancy and Intelligence| FreightWatch International (USA) – A Division of the Freightwatch Group

In July 2009, FreightWatch recorded 53 cargo theft incidents, including three warehouse burglaries.  For full truckload thefts, food/drinks comprised 15 incidents, 11 electronics, five consumer care products, four pharmaceutical thefts and five home/garden. 

By state, Florida led the nation again with 11, five in Texas and Pennsylvania each, four in Georgia and Arkansas each, and three in North Carolina.

To view this report, which includes a list of recorded cargo theft incidents for June, as well as graphs depicting cargo theft trends over the past 12 months click here (you will need Adobe Reader to view the report).

© 2009 FreightWatch International (USA)

Source: www.freightwatchusa.com

Canadian convoy goes international. Click here for more details.

Source: www.todaystrucking.com

NIAGARA FALLS, Ont. -- Although July's Ontario-U.S. truck traffic numbers remain lower than last year, the good news is that the month-to-month downward spiral throughout 2009 seems to have stopped. 

Recent numbers released by the Public Border Operators Association show that there 482,520 commercial truck crossings between Ontario and U.S. border states in July -- down nearly 102,000 trips (25%) from the same period in 2008, but relatively flat from June 2008 (483,450).

Commercial crossings have not only plummeted from 2007 and 2008, but have also dropped almost every month this year.

The Sarnia-Windsor-Michigan area continues to see the largest truck traffic declines from last year: The Ambassador Bridge is down 18 percent in July compared to last year; The tunnel saw a 24 percent drop for the same period, while the Blue Water Bridge in Sarnia handled 16 percent less trucks.

The crossing to see the largest droop in July was the International Bridge in Sault. Ste. Marie (-29%).

The Queenstone-Lewiston Bridge and the Peace Bridge were down 12 and 3 percent respectively from 2008.

Source: www.todaystrucking.com

Description:  On August, 1, a full truckload of cellular phones was stolen from the Petro truck stop in Knoxville, Tennessee.  The driver spent a half hour inside the station eating, only to return to find his rig and the $2 million load missing.  The tractor was found at a nearby truck stop, while the trailer and load remain at large.
 
In the Miami area on July 31, a full truckload of cell phones was also stolen.  Details of the M.O. used in this theft are still emerging, however the load value is estimated at $900,000.

 
Additional recent cell phone thefts recorded by FreightWatch include:
 
On July 11, a warehouse burglary of cell phones in Fort Worth.
 
On June 23, a full truck load of cell phone was stolen in Doral, Florida, outside of Miami. 
 
On June 22, a full truck load of cell phones valued at $2.5 million was stolen from Rockwall, Texas, outside the DFW area.
 
On June 15, $2.7 million worth of cell phone was stolen in Tampa, Florida.
 
On May 3, a full truckload of cell phone was stolen outside of West Memphis; the trailer was recovered the following week in Miami.
 
In 2008, there were 18 cell phone cargo theft incidents total for the year.  At the current pace, cell phone cargo theft incidents will increase by 55% in 2009, with the average loss value increasing by approximately $1 million.
 
FWI Recommendation: As with any high value load, FreightWatch recommends using a layered security approach, ensuring security policies and procedures are in place, personnel are trained and educated, and technology is used to ensure visibility throughout the supply chain.

 
FSB 090805
© 2009 FreightWatch International (USA)

Source: www.freightwatchusa.com

Event: Cargo Thieves Targeting Pharmaceuticals and Electronics
Date: 07/24/09
Location: Bolingbrook, Illinois
 
Description:  FreightWatch International has received information that was confirmed by Chuck Forsaith that two males of Cuban decent were stopped operating a bobtail tractor (there was no trailer) by the Illinois State Police Cargo Theft Task Force at a truck stop outside of Bolingbrook, Illinois.  During the stop, police removed the individuals from the tractor and searched the vehicle.

During the search, police found Google maps with specific addresses of several pharmaceutical and electronics warehouse locations.  Chuck Forsaith reported the locations were in the States of Illinois and Georgia. The Illinois targets were in the communities of Woodstock, Carol Stream, Wood Dale, Bolingbrook, Waukegan, and Romeoville. The sole Georgia location was in the community of McDonough.
  
The police did not find any illegal items in the vehicle and released the two males and the tractor-trailer.

The tractor was a light blue, 1998 model, Kenworth, Florida license plate 280 74C.  On the tractor was lettering "Delta Trucking - Miami, Florida."


FSB 090724
© 2009 FreightWatch International (USA)

Source: FreightWatch International