Years ago, when I started my trucking company, we hauled a lot of intermodal freight from ports, especially in Virginia. In 2015, my driver dropped a container full of tobacco on the side of the road in Portsmouth, Virginia. He returned five minutes later, and the container was gone. The fallout was catastrophic. I ended up paying $15,000 in chassis rental charges and $25,000 in container fees, with no way to recover the lost freight. We lost a major customer, saw our insurance premiums rise, and faced significant challenges at renewal.

Cargo and equipment theft aren’t just inconveniences; they’re significant threats to the transportation, energy, and construction industries that can devastate a business’s bottom line. With theft rising across the country, the need for tighter security measures is imperative.

The growing problem of cargo and equipment theft

Cargo theft is at an all-time high, and recent statistics emphasize the severity of the problem:

  • In the first half of 2024, cargo theft increased 49% compared to the same period in 2023. The average loss per incident was $115,230, an 83% increase from the same period in 2023. Cargo theft is increasing in states that are major logistics and transport hubs, such as California, Texas, and Illinois.
  • In North America, cargo theft incidents rose by 15% in 2023 compared to the previous year, with an estimated loss of over $223 million in stolen goods.
  • In Mexico, cargo theft is rampant, with more than 20,000 reported cases annually. This has driven up costs for carriers, resulting in higher insurance premiums, and the loss of customer trust.
  • In the United States, cities like Chicago and Los Angeles have become hot spots for theft, with thieves targeting everything from electronics to household goods.

Equipment theft is also a concern, especially in construction and agriculture. According to the National Equipment Register, equipment theft remains a widespread problem, with $6.3 million worth of equipment stolen across more than 300 locations just during the 4th of July holiday in 2024. This trend tells us that theft can happen anywhere, anytime, often targeting high-value equipment. The National Equipment Register and National Insurance Crime Bureau estimate that construction equipment theft costs the industry between $300 million and $1 billion each year, with a recovery rate of less than 25%.

Real-world impact

As an enterprise carrier, I experienced the effects of asset and equipment theft and not having the right tracking vendors for recovery. Before we switched to Motive, we used a different vendor, and it took almost eight months to recover a stolen vehicle. The financial loss, operational downtime, and stress impact service and the bottom line. The four vehicles we had stolen after investing in Motive were recovered immediately. Some even had amazing footage of the high-speed chase, which led to the recovery of the vehicle and prosecution of the culprits.

In the construction industry, the theft of high-visibility heavy equipment results in substantial financial loss and project delays. However, a construction company that implemented GPS tracking was able to recover stolen equipment worth $5 million. This demonstrates the effectiveness of using AI-powered technology to prevent theft and recover assets.

In June 2024, a Prince George’s County, MD man was arrested with nearly 20 pieces of stolen commercial heavy equipment valued at $1 million.

These stories are not unique. Theft obviously has its losses, but increased insurance premiums, lost customer trust, and even business failure are real threats. The need for a reliable security solution is critical, and that’s where Motive comes in.

Motive’s security solution

Motive has developed a security solution designed to mitigate cargo and equipment theft and protect your fleet. Here’s how it works.

  • With real-time cargo monitoring, Motive allows you to keep track of your shipments 24/7. Our security solution helps detect unauthorized access and provides instant alerts, allowing you to act quickly if a theft attempt is made.
  • Real-time monitoring enables you to set up virtual boundaries around specific areas. You receive an immediate alert if a vehicle or equipment leaves the designated area. Geofencing is useful for preventing theft in high-risk locations, such as unsecured parking spots or construction sites.
  •  Motive’s GPS tracking technology provides real-time location data, ensuring you always know where your vehicles and equipment are. It can also help law enforcement recover stolen assets more quickly in the event of theft.
  •  Our GPS tracking tool also allows you to remotely disable a vehicle’s engine, preventing thieves from driving away with your cargo or equipment. 
  • Motive’s Engine Immobilizer allows dispatchers to take action if they suspect unauthorized use of their vehicles.

A solution that pays for itself

Motive’s security solution is more than a collection of tools; it’s designed to protect your business from all angles. By integrating our security solution into your fleet and equipment operations, you can reduce the risk of theft, improve driver safety, and continue to thrive.

For me, the switch to Motive was a game-changer. We recovered every stolen vehicle, often within hours. The peace of mind and cost savings we got with Motive far outweighed our initial investment.

Whether dealing with hijackings in Mexico or equipment theft in the United States, having a reliable security partner is a must. Motive’s security solution has the right tools to support and protect assets, save your business money, and keep vehicles running smoothly.

Protect your fleet and assets with Motive

Don’t wait until theft becomes a costly problem for your business. With Motive’s real-time monitoring, GPS tracking, geofencing, and remote immobilization features, you can take control of your fleet safety performance, reduce the risk of theft, and protect your assets 24/7. Whether you’re in construction, transportation, or energy, Motive’s security suite is your reliable partner in loss prevention.

Experience the peace of mind Motive brings. Discover how Motive’s security solution can protect your fleet today.