Newsletter Archive

Organized crime targets truckers, cargo

Plus: DOT funds driver training | Fmr. mayor stole from truckers

The number of cargo thefts in the first half of the year has surged as organized crime ramps up its efforts to defraud hardworking truck drivers. California is a hot spot. Plus, the DOT wants 'vehicle to everything' tech by 2038.

Today's Lineup
🔷 Department of Transportation allocates millions for driver training.
🔷 Stay alert: rise in cargo thefts expected Labor Day weekend.
🔷 Former MO mayor sentenced after stealing from truck drivers.
🔷 'In-and-out owner-operators' impact on the industry.
🔷 Feedback from female drivers could help reshape industry.
-Bianca Prieto, Editor

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INSIDE LOOK

Rising cargo theft rates cause increasing concern

Cargo thefts in North America surged by 49% in the first half of 2024 compared to the previous year. Major freight hubs were among the primary targets, with California accounting for 45% of the total thefts.

What's going on? The rise in thefts comes from increasingly organized criminal activities. Thieves are becoming more diligent in tracking shipments, often taking advantage of mandatory driver rest stops to steal cargo.

Is it only happening in the U.S.? No. Canada has also experienced a continuous rise in cargo theft, with most thefts occurring in Ontario. Regardless of where it's happening, the overall increase in cargo theft poses a serious challenge to supply chains across North America.

Why this matters: The surge in cargo thefts presents financial and operational risks and also emphasizes the importance of driver training to recognize and respond to suspicious activity.

HELPING OR HURTING THE INDUSTRY?

"[There are people] who are looking to become owner-operators for a short period of time to generate some revenue to do other ventures." - Christian Martinez, Voyager Nation Inc.

A recent discussion on the Super Trucker Podcast details a wave of "in-and-out owner-operators" who enter the industry just long enough to save up funds before moving on quickly to other ventures. While additional drivers benefit the industry, is this business model helping or hurting trucking in the long run? Watch here.

NEWS

LEGISLATION

DOT provides $3.5 million for driver training

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration awarded $3.5 million in grants to 27 community colleges across the U.S. to enhance truck driver training programs. The funding aims to address the demand for better-trained drivers and improve safety, aligning with FMCSA's mission to ensure roadway and commercial motor vehicle safety.

Why this matters: Better training creates safer operations, reducing accidents and insurance costs for trucking companies. (Freight Waves)

BUSINESS

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is hosting a virtual listening session on October 4 to hear from women truck drivers about their experiences with discrimination, harassment, and other challenges in the industry. The session is expected to help the EEOC identify ways to improve support and protections for women in the trucking industry.

Why this matters: Inequality in hiring practices and operations can negatively affect driver retention, recruitment, and your company's reputation. (Land Line)

POLICY

AB 5 law remains under scrutiny from OOIDA

OOIDA is continuing its appeal against California's AB 5 independent contractor law, which limits the traditional leased owner-operator model in the state. The organization argues that the law unfairly impacts interstate truckers, violates the U.S. Constitution, and discriminates against interstate commerce.

Why this matters: This law creates challenges for operations, particularly in meeting the demands of interstate commerce. (Overdrive)