The approaching Christmas holiday brings an increased risk of cargo theft for shippers, with criminal groups often planning their activity around a period when they know that resources are strained and security is minimal. 

According to data from fleet management software company Pedigree Technologies, cargo thefts increased by 68% in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to the previous year. Pedigree notes that more products get moved on tighter deadlines ahead of Christmas, leading to lapses in security as companies bring on less experienced seasonal workers to manage an influx of high-value items like electronics, luxury clothing and alcohol. Supply chain security company Overhaul also points out that over long holiday weekends, distribution centers and warehouses are known to operate with reduced staffing, offering attractive targets to would-be thieves, and a larger window of time before thefts can be detected.

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To guard against this, Pedigree recommends GPS tracking to monitor cargo in real-time, proactive vehicle maintenance to prevent breakdowns in winter weather that would otherwise strand drivers in less secure locations, and door sensors on containers to alert shippers to unauthorized access. Overhaul advises businesses to coordinate with warehouses in advance to confirm holiday hours of operation, and adjust schedules to avoid any unnecessary staging that would leave cargo vulnerable for long stretches of time.