Trucking news and briefs for Monday, Oct. 21, 2024:
Cargo theft incidents declined slightly from the second quarter, yet still elevated year over year
The recent trend of increasing cargo theft continued in the third quarter of 2024, according to cargo theft recording firm CargoNet.
CargoNet’s analysis of third-quarter cargo theft data found a 14% increase in incidents over the same period a year ago, with 776 recorded cargo theft events across the U.S. and Canada. The total value of those stolen goods was $39 million for the quarter.
While theft activity was up significantly year-over-year, the number of theft incidents did decrease slightly, by 1.6%, from the second quarter of the year. The firm noted, however, that it expects that gap to close with delayed reporting.
Earlier this year, CargoNet reported a quarter-over-quarter decline in the second quarter from the first quarter, yet a significant year-over-year increase for Q2 2024 over Q2 2023.
[Related: Cargo theft numbers dropped, finally, in second quarter]
Compared to the third quarter last year, there has been a shift in targeted commodities. Thieves are not focusing as much on solar panels, motor oils and energy drinks as they were a year ago. There has been increased focus, however, on footwear, computers, high-end audio systems and hard liquor.
Primary drivers of cargo theft increases continue to be organized crime groups specializing in strategic forms of cargo theft that typically involve some form of document fraud, identity theft, and intent to steal the property they are being entrusted to transport, CargoNet added.
One tactic that has seen increased usage is sophisticated phishing schemes in which bad actors attempt to gain unauthorized access to motor carriers’ email accounts. They then use those emails to bid on loads and bypass compliance checks. CargoNet said this method has grown in popularity in response to much of the industry instituting policies that rate confirmation documents should only be sent to official emails.
Another strategic cargo theft tactic being used is purchasing motor carrier authorities. Previously centered around recently purchased authorities in California, organized crime groups are now primarily interested in authorities in states not thought to be high-risk for cargo theft, after many companies have instituted policies that they will not accept new carriers from California into their network.
Finally, organized crime groups are using enhanced evasion techniques, such as switching license plates, driver’s licenses, and truck and trailer numbers between pickups to combat growing reliance on publicly available FMCSA vehicle inspection data. CargoNet said multiple pickups are being arranged in multi-day crime sprees, and stolen shipments are being staged at central collection points so that malicious actors can focus on obtaining as many loads as possible before the industry is wise to the criminal activity.
[Related: How much is your MC worth? Maybe as much as $30,000]
Mirror-alternative camera company seeks waiver extension
Vision Systems North America (VSNA) is petitioning the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for a renewal of its existing waiver allowing motor carriers to operate trucks with the company's Smart-Vision high-definition camera monitoring system (Smart-Vision) installed as an alternative to the two rear-vision mirrors required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs).
VSNA was previously granted an exemption for the period of Jan. 15, 2020, through Jan. 15, 2025, and is seeking a five-year renewal.
The company said its camera system meets or exceeds visibility requirements in the federal regulations due to increased field of view compared to conventional mirrors, increased image quality, a fail-safe design and reduced driver fatigue as a result of less head movement.
In granting the original exemption, FMCSA noted VSNA’s Smart-Vision system eliminates blind spots on both sides of the vehicle, expands the field of view by an estimated 25% and uses high-def cameras and monitors that include features such as color night vision, low light sensitivity, and light and glare reduction that together help provide drivers with improved vision in the field of view when compared to traditional rear-vision mirrors.
In requesting the renewal, VSNA said approximately 700 commercial rigs are currently equipped with the Smart-Vision system in North America, adding that it expects an additional 1,500 to be equipped by 2025.
FMCSA is asking for comments on the request, which can be filed here through Nov. 18.
[Related: Double down on the fight against safety complacency]
Freightliner dealer celebrates 70th anniversary
Fyda Freightliner, a family-owned and operated Freightliner and Western Star dealer with locations in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Kentucky, is celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2024.
Since opening its doors in 1954, Fyda Freightliner has grown from a single location to a network of seven dealerships across the region.
Upon returning from active duty with the United States Air Force, Walter F. Fyda founded The Fyda White Truck Co. in Youngstown, Ohio, on Oct. 19, 1954, with a simple goal -- to provide exceptional service and high-quality trucks.
Bob Fyda, Walter’s son, completed a stint in the U.S. Air Force and began working at the company in 1974. After gaining experience with all facets of the business, Bob became President in 1977. A decade later, another of Walter’s sons, Tim, joined the company after serving eight years in the U.S. Air Force. Tim worked as the general manager of the Columbus operation until 1997, when he was named president of the corporation, which had become Fyda Freightliner in 1990.
"We’re incredibly proud to reach this 70-year milestone," said Tim Fyda, President and CEO of Fyda, Inc. "Our growth is a direct result of our commitment to putting customers first, a value that has been at the core of everything we do since the very beginning."
What began as a single dealership has expanded into a network of seven Fyda Freightliner locations, serving trucking communities across Ohio, Kentucky and Pennsylvania.
"We’ve expanded over the years, but our commitment to quality, integrity, and customer satisfaction has remained constant," said Fyda. "Our success wouldn’t be possible without our loyal customers and hardworking employees, many of whom have been with us for decades."
As Fyda Freightliner marks this special 70th anniversary, the company extends its heartfelt thanks to the communities, partners, and customers who have supported them over the years.
"We wouldn’t be here without the incredible trust and loyalty of our customers," said Fyda. "This milestone is a celebration of them as much as it is for us."