Cargo Theft Prevention in LTL — What SMBs Need to Know Before Holiday Shipping

The Holiday Shipping Season Is Also Theft Season

As SMBs ramp up shipments to meet Q4 demand, cargo thieves are gearing up too. According to multiple logistics sources, cargo theft spikes during the holiday season—particularly in November and December. The culprits? Looser pickup protocols, seasonal staffing, and increased freight volumes that stress normal controls.

And with LTL shipping increasingly priced by density and volume—not just value—many SMBs assume their freight is less attractive to thieves. Unfortunately, fictitious pickups, double brokering, and warehouse impersonations are on the rise, and any shipment—regardless of cost—can be a target.

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Common Cargo Theft Tactics in LTL

LTL may not move full trailers, but it’s far from immune to theft. In fact, its hub-and-spoke nature creates multiple handoffs—each a possible vulnerability.

Here are the top threats to watch:

1. Fictitious Carrier Pickups

Thieves impersonate a legitimate carrier and show up early (or on time) for pickup. The paperwork looks right—but the freight never arrives.

2. Double Brokering Fraud

A broker accepts a load, then re-brokers it to another carrier without telling the shipper. The freight may get delivered, or it may disappear entirely.

3. In-Transit Theft or Diversion

Goods may be pilfered from terminals, swapped in transit, or rerouted before reaching the final delivery location.

4. Warehouse Impersonation

Fake delivery destinations or forged receiving docs can trick carriers into unloading freight at fraudulent locations.

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How SMBs Can Reduce Cargo Theft Risk

SMBs don’t need massive security budgets to protect freight—they need smart, scalable processes. Here’s what works:

1. Vet All Pickups

• Always verify driver identity and carrier name before loading.
• Ask for DOT numbers and cross-check with your TMS or 3PL.

2. Strengthen Packaging & Labeling

• Avoid branding high-value shipments externally.
• Use tamper-proof seals and redundant labeling (internal + external).

3. Use a 3PL with Visibility Tools

• Platforms like Amrate help monitor LTL carriers and streamline documentation.
• A trusted 3PL can confirm freight handoff, terminal activity, and delivery—so you’re never in the dark.

4. Ship During Business Hours

• Theft rates increase with late-night or weekend pickups and deliveries.
• When possible, align shipments with verified M–F business hours.

5. Educate Warehouse Teams

• Make sure warehouse staff verify documentation and log carrier arrivals properly.
• Train teams to be skeptical of last-minute carrier changes or unexpected pickup times.

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How Amware Helps Protect Freight

Amware supports SMBs with more than just rates. Our tools and services are designed to protect your freight—and your reputation.

Here’s how:

• Amrate TMS lets you track all LTL shipments and carrier activity in one platform.
• Carrier vetting and performance monitoring help ensure you’re not handing freight to an unknown middleman.
• Packaging audits reduce high-value density misflags that might attract fraud.
• Pickup protocol support ensures you know who’s collecting your goods—and where they’re going.

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Don’t Let Freight Theft Steal Your Q4 Margin

The holidays are your busiest—and most profitable—time of year. But one shipment stolen, rerouted, or lost due to a fraudulent pickup can undo weeks of work.

Protect your shipments with the right tools, partners, and planning.

👉 Want to secure your Q4 freight?
Request a quick Amrate demo

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