Guarding Against Holiday Season Cargo Theft: Smart Habits for CDL-A Drivers Who Want to Keep Moving
The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year for trucking, and it’s also one of the highest-risk times for cargo theft. Freight volumes rise, parking fills up fast, deliveries get tighter, and thieves know exactly when drivers are under pressure to keep rolling.
Whether you’re hauling retail loads, running dry van driver jobs, pulling flatbed freight, or moving specialized equipment, protecting the load protects your paycheck and your record. If you’re searching for CDL-A truck driver jobs, looking up trucking jobs near me, or comparing company driver jobs and owner operator jobs, cargo security should be part of how you judge a carrier’s professionalism.
At Buchanan Hauling and Rigging, Inc., drivers handle a wide mix of freight across dry van, flatbed, and specialized operations. The best way to avoid problems is to build habits that make you a harder target.
Why Cargo Theft Spikes During the Holidays
- Freight is moving fast and everywhere
- Shippers and receivers are overloaded
- Parking is crowded and drivers feel rushed
- Loads often include higher-value consumer goods
1) Plan Your Stops Before You’re Desperate for Parking
- Identify safe parking options before the day gets late
- Avoid unknown lots when you are exhausted
- Watch for unusual activity when pulling in
- Park where your trailer doors are harder to access
2) Use “Short Stop Awareness” After Pickups
- Stop within the first 5 to 10 miles only if necessary
- Watch mirrors for vehicles that follow you
- If something feels off, keep moving to a safer, well-lit area
3) Do Not Broadcast Your Load
- Avoid posting load information online
- Avoid talking about what you are hauling in public
- Do not leave paperwork visible in the cab
- Do not leave doors unlocked during quick stops
4) Keep Your Equipment and Security Tools Ready
- Lock trailer doors when possible
- Inspect locks and hinges at fuel stops
- Keep keys secured and accounted for
- Check seal numbers against paperwork
5) Protect Yourself During Fuel Stops and Breaks
- Stay aware of people approaching your truck
- Avoid leaving the truck unattended longer than necessary
- Park where lighting and foot traffic make sense
- Trust your gut if a place feels wrong
6) Flatbed and Specialized Loads: Theft and Tampering Still Matter
- Re-check securement after stops
- Follow DOT load securement rules every load
- Know your strap and chain requirements
- Use a repeatable flatbed safety checklist
7) Why Cargo Security Protects Your Weekly Pay
Cargo claims and theft investigations can create downtime fast. That affects your schedule, your miles, and your truck driver weekly pay. Professional drivers protect the freight because they protect their time.
Why Drivers Choose Buchanan Hauling and Rigging, Inc.
Drivers looking for truck driving jobs with benefits or a stable place to build long-term often want a carrier with consistent freight and solid support. Buchanan’s freight variety helps drivers grow without jumping between companies.
Drivers also research carrier reputation before applying. Buchanan has public feedback across major review platforms like Google, Indeed, Glassdoor, and other third-party sources.
Apply for CDL-A Truck Driver Opportunities at Buchanan
More driver tools and resources: Truck Driver Resources
Helpful Links
Cargo theft is real, but smart drivers reduce the risk. If you’re ready to work with a carrier that values doing the job right, Buchanan is worth a serious look.
Truck Driver Resources
National Safety Month Driving Tips | CDL-A Truck Driver Terms | Effective Flatbed Load Securement | 10 Reasons Safety Matters in Trucking | Health Tips for Truckers During Cold and Flu Season
