Trucking news and briefs for Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024:
Labor Day cargo theft warning issued
During the last five Labor Day weekend periods, CargoNet has recorded 179 thefts worth nearly $9 million.CargoNet
CargoNet is issuing a critical advisory to the trucking and logistics industry regarding the increased risk of criminal theft activity during the upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend.
In a comprehensive analysis of supply chain risk events over the past five years, CargoNet has identified concerning patterns that demand immediate attention from industry professionals, the company said. The study, which examined 179 incidents occurring between the Thursday before Labor Day and the Wednesday after, reveals a landscape of heightened vulnerability for cargo during this holiday period.
CargoNet found that theft incidents peak on the Friday before Labor Day. This trend suggests that loaded conveyances, left unattended as workers begin their holiday weekend, become prime targets for opportunistic thieves. The risk is further compounded by the fact that many of these thefts may go unnoticed until business resumes after the holiday.
[Related: ATRI asks carriers to weigh in on cargo theft]
CargoNet's findings indicate that theft activity hit record levels in 2022 and maintained this elevated state through 2023.
Geographically, California, Texas and Florida were the hotspots for criminal activity. Specifically, San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties in California, Dallas County in Texas, and Cook County in Illinois were identified as the most frequently targeted areas.
High-value electronics such as televisions and displays, major appliances, computers and computer parts, and vehicle maintenance products like motor oils topped the list of most sought-after items. Warehouses, truck stops, and large retail parking lots, rather than truck yards, were found to be the most common sites for these thefts.
Despite the rising sophistication of cargo theft operations, CargoNet's data shows that traditional cargo or conveyance thefts still outnumber complex fraud schemes, even in 2023.
CargoNet cautions the industry that cargo thieves are increasingly savvy and well aware that extended holiday closures work to their advantage.
[Related: How carriers can respond to the rash of cargo thefts hitting the industry]
Some tips for protecting cargo during the holiday weekend include:
CargoNet
PGT expands with new Mississippi terminal
PGT Trucking (CCJ Top 250, No. 87) has purchased the King Transportation Services terminal in Jackson, Mississippi.
King Transportation Services is an Integrated Fleet with PGT Trucking and is owned and operated by Thomas and LaTresa Robb. With this purchase, PGT Trucking and KTS look to share continued growth opportunities in the Southeast.
PGT Jackson was built in 2022 by KTS, offering truck parking, a maintenance shop, office space and restroom/shower facilities. This facility joins three other locations that PGT Trucking has opened this year, including Ghent, Kentucky; Spartanburg, South Carolina; and Laredo, Texas.
PGT Trucking and KTS look to expand their flatbed trucking solutions, fully utilizing the pool of quality driver talent in the region, the company said.
“PGT Trucking has always found great flatbed truck drivers in the Southeast, and we look forward to growing our fleet of Proud Professionals through PGT Jackson,” said Gregg Troian, PGT Trucking President. “In addition, we will be able to better service our valued customers by offering higher capacity, reliable delivery service and localized management through our partnership with KTS.”
RXO launches prepay fuel option for carriers
RXO announced Wednesday the launch of a prepay capability through the RXO Fuel Card. The new prepay offering allows drivers to plan their fuel spend and more effectively maintain their budgets, RXO noted.
Carriers can preload funds to the RXO Fuel Card using their personal credit or debit card. Additionally, the new pay-as-you-go option has a quick approval process, no setup fee and allows drivers to take advantage of RXO’s Fuel Card discounts.
Carriers can access the prepay interface via RXO Connect, RXO’s proprietary platform for shippers and carriers.
“RXO is committed to providing our carrier network with solutions that make their business more efficient and profitable,” said Lou Amo, president of RXO’s truck brokerage business. “The prepay capabilities give carriers added flexibility to save even more on a significant cost component of their business.”
Other benefits of RXO’s Fuel Card include fuel discounts, with an average of $0.48 per gallon. The card is widely accepted at more than 9,000 locations nationwide without any minimum gallon requirements. Fuel card members also benefit from the RXO Extra discount marketplace, which included savings on maintenance services and tires.
Former XPO exec named CEO of AFS Logistics
Third-party logistics provider AFS Logistics has named Andy Dyer as its new CEO. Dyer has more than 25 years of supply chain and transportation experience, including over 20 years at XPO Logistics where, as Senior Vice President of Managed Transportation, he was accountable for operations, sales, and all support functions for $2.36 billion in annualized freight under management.
Andy Dyer
"We have focused on building the AFS brand and our managed transportation services over the last few years, and the visibility and traction we've gained has been invaluable," said Brian J. Barker, founder and chairman of AFS. "Andy has been an integral part of our ascent during his tenure here. I'm confident that his extensive experience in the industry will help us take AFS to the next level."
In the four years prior to being appointed CEO, Dyer applied that experience as President of Transportation Management at AFS.
"Data will only get you so far in this business. It takes dedicated, talented people to interpret that data," said Dyer. "Our team is the reason our customers consider AFS a trusted transportation advisor. I've seen, firsthand, what this team can do, and I look forward to working with them to chart a path to even greater success and growth for AFS as we move forward."
