Cargo theft in logistics: protecting yards, trailers and warehouses
How logistics, trucking and warehouse operators in the Edmonton region can reduce cargo theft with access control, cameras, patrols and good yard practices.
Why cargo theft is a growing problem
Loaded trailers parked in yards overnight, busy loading docks and high staff turnover all create opportunities for theft. Industrial areas such as Nisku, Acheson and the Leduc business parks, with their many logistics operations, are common targets.
Control who gets in
Most cargo theft depends on access. Access control with cards or fobs, staffed gates during shift changes, and visitor and driver logs make it much harder for someone to drive away with a trailer unnoticed.
- Gate control and driver check-in
- Smart card access for staff areas
- Kingpin locks and wheel locks on parked trailers
- Cameras on gates, docks and parking rows
Watch the yard after hours
Yards are most vulnerable at night and on weekends. Monitored camera coverage combined with mobile patrols at varied times keeps the yard watched without a full-time guard. For high-value loads, a static guard at the gate overnight may be justified.
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