In The News

Cargo thefts fall, but value increases

The number of cargo thefts in the second quarter of 2013 fell 12 percent from the same quarter in 2012, according to a report from FreightWatch International, but the average value of a theft rose 27 percent compared to 2012′s second quarter, the report says.

In the quarter, 194 thefts were recorded with an average loss value per incident of $164,594, FreightWatch says.

These numbers, however, compared to the first quarter of this year, represent a 4 percent increase in value and a 15 percent decrease in volume.

Forty-five thefts were reported in April, 66 in May and 83 in June.

Food and drink loads accounted for 31 percent of the thefts in the quarter — 60 of the 194 — and the most stolen loads. Targeted loads, said FreightWatch, included meats, fruits and energy drinks.

Electronics, mostly TVs and computers, accounted for 22 thefts (11 percent), the second most stolen type of load, while building and industrial loads — mostly roofing shingles — made up 10 percent (19 thefts) of the total.

Metals, home/garden, pharmaceuticals and miscellaneous loads accounted for 7 percent each of the stolen loads. Auto and auto parts loads made up 8 percent, alcohol and clothing loads each made up 4 percent and tobacco accounted for 2 percent. Cosmetics and personal care loads made up the remainder.

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