Another July 4th cargo theft warning issued

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Updated Jul 1, 2015

cargo theftHoliday weekends are notorious for showing increased cargo theft risks for transportation companies, shippers and manufacturers.

Cargo theft firm FreightWatch International this week issued a cargo theft warning to carriers for the upcoming July 4th weekend.

FreightWatch said organized theft rings are active and understand that shipments can often be left unattended during holiday weekends. The company added that, over Independence Day weekends between 2010 and 2014, thefts occurring had an average value of $145,267, including eight separate incidents with a declared value over $250,000.

Notable thefts from recent July 4th weekends include:

•2014 – Full truckload theft of tablets in Georgia

•2014 – Facility theft of $451,000 in cell phones in Florida

•2014 – Full truckload of $200,000 worth of meat in Texas

•2013 – Fictitious pickup of produce in California

•2013 – Pilferage of $275,000 worth of cigarettes and televisions in New Jersey

•2012 – Fictitious pickup of $263,000 worth of building supplies in California

•2011 – Full truckload theft of pharmaceuticals in Illinois

•2010 – Facility theft of $300,000 in currency in New York

Previous cargo theft reports show electronics, pharmaceuticals and food and drink loads to be the most targeted.

Another cargo theft prevention firm, Cargo Net, also issued a cargo theft warning for this week and next. Click here to see the infographic Cargo Net provided with its warning.