Preventing Cargo Theft
There are approximately 15.5 million trucks operating in the United States, 2 million of which are tractor-trailers. Trucks make up an astounding 4.3 percent of all highway vehicles. There are currently around 1.2 million U.S. trucking companies. Of these companies, 97% operate 20 or fewer trucks.
The trucking industry provides a variety of jobs for individuals with a wide range of skillsets. In the United States, the trucking industry employs around 7.3 million people, 3.5 million of which are truck drivers. Canada employs more than 250,000 truck drivers.
Tractor-Trailers Transport a Wide Range of Goods
Trucks transport nearly 70% of all freight transported in the United States. An average of $671 billion worth of goods are transported in the U.S. by truck every year. In addition, $295 billion is transported by truck from the U.S. to Canada and $195.6 billion is transported from the U.S. to Mexico annually. This equals 58.3% of the trade between the U.S. and Canada and 70.9% of the trade between the U.S. and Mexico.
An average of 192,000 trucks and 280,000 trailers are sold each year in the United States. Over the past ten years, approximately 2.8 million trailers were added to U.S. highways. Trucking companies typically acquire several trailers for transporting goods. These trailers are moved from location to location.
Throughout the course of business, it’s not uncommon for trucking companies to swap or interchange trailers. Doing so can save a significant amount of time, money and hassle.
Tractor-Trailer Theft is Common
A total of 741 cargo thefts were reported in the U.S. and Canada in 2017. Of these thefts, trucking companies experienced an average loss of $196,109. In addition to cargo theft, 1,479 trailer, intermodal chassis or tractor thefts were also reported last year.
In-transit thefts were most common in 2017, followed by pilferage. 75% of these thefts occurred in unsecured parking lots. Typically, food and beverage items top the list for most stolen cargo. However, home and garden supplies beat food and drinks by 1% last year.
Protect Your Investment
In order to prevent trailer theft and protect your investment, trucking companies must take a proactive approach to theft. Our trailer tracking solution provides superior protection of tractor-trailers. Our solution provides real-time views and alerts of potential problems. No other system is better or more effective. Please click here to learn more.