New tool scores routes based on cargo theft risk

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Trucking news and briefs for Friday, Jan. 24, 2025:

New cargo theft route scoring system launched

As cargo theft losses continue to rise, Verisk has launched launched the CargoNet RouteScore API, a solution aimed at significantly minimizing the risk of cargo theft.

RouteScore API uses a proprietary algorithm to generate a cargo theft route risk score that provides a relative measure of probability that crime and loss will occur along any route in the U.S. and Canada.

Verisk CargoNet is uniquely positioned to deliver an industry-leading cargo theft scoring algorithm that provides unparalleled accuracy and insight with the use of best-in-industry data and analytics, the company said.

RouteScore measures the probability of a loss for individual risks by assigning a score of 1 to 100 – with 1 representing the lowest likelihood. RouteScore is based on critical factors such as cargo type, value, length of haul, origin, destination, day of the week, and the theft history of truck stops. In addition to generating a score, the model also observes the key variables that most influenced the score and provides a list of the riskiest truck stops along the route.

“RouteScore exemplifies our commitment to helping the industry manage and mitigate risk,” said Ryan Shepherd, general manager of Verisk’s CargoNet. “By providing actionable insights through advanced data analysis, Verisk is empowering the insurance and the transportation industry to protect their assets and ensure a safer delivery of goods.”

Empowering companies to protect their cargo proactively, a high-risk score of 98, for example, may prompt the implementation of additional security measures such as tracking devices, driver teams, relays, escorts or securing parking spots in advance and more. 

Additionally, users can align high-risk lanes with best-in-class carriers, helping to ensure optimal security measures are in practice. RouteScore is available in an API format, facilitating integration with third-party transportation management systems (TMS) and proprietary systems. Additional third-party platforms, such as supply chain risk management, fintech, insurtech and telematics platforms, will also be able to source the solution and make it available for customers. 

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[Related: Cargo theft surged 27% in 2024]

ATRI seeks carrier feedback on advanced safety systems

The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) is initiating research on the role that advanced safety systems can have in improving safety and productivity in trucking. 

The research is part of the ongoing TechCelerate Now program, which is sponsored by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The TechCelerate Now research team includes ATRI, ATA’s Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) and the OOIDA Foundation.

To better understand the issues and opportunities for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in the trucking industry, the research team is distributing a motor carrier survey that identifies which technologies are in use by motor carriers, and what issues and perspectives they’ve encountered relating to truck driver acceptance, repair and maintenance, and safety benefits – among other topics. The survey should take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.

The survey is posted on the new TechCelerate Now website, which provides more information on the program, and will house the soon-to-be released TechCelerate Now “Return on Investment” calculator, which will allow users to see direct benefit-cost information specific to each carrier and driver. 

The survey can be found on the TechCelerate Now website here

Love’s plans further expansion in 2025

Love’s Travel Stops is coming into 2025 with plans to continue its expansion.

The travel stop network aims to build 20 new locations this year, while beginning to update 50 existing locations under the company’s Strategic Remodel Initiative (SRI). With new locations and SRI efforts this year, more than half of Love’s 655 locations will be newly constructed or remodeled by 2035. 

The company also plans to add approximately 1,000 new truck parking spaces to its network to take it above 50,000 spaces nationwide, either with new builds or adding spaces at existing locations. Love’s also plans additions to its network of Truck Care locations with 12 new maintenance bays and six new roadside-emergency trucks.

For its truck wash business that launched last year, Love’s will add three-five to its 11 existing locations this year, and the company will double down on veteran hiring, pledging to increase by 10% the number of military veterans hired in 2025. Likewise, Love's will be launching a hiring program for military spouses.

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