Issue link: https://resources.echo.com/i/1538372
© 2025 Echo Global Logistics. All rights reserved. 041615010825 800.354.7993 | www.echo.com Contact an Echo expert today to learn more about protecting your freight from fraud. As the transportation industry continues to evolve, so do the tactics employed by thieves and bad actors. Despite best efforts by shippers, carriers, and brokers to improve security, thieves sometimes find ways to stay ahead. Count on Echo, a winner of FreightWaves' 2025 Fraud Fighters award, to ensure your freight stays safe. The most common ways freight gets stolen and how to prevent it from happening to you Freight Theft and Prevention Freight Theft and Prevention Freight Theft and Prevention At Echo, we have a robust carrier vetting process and a dedicated compliance team to help reduce fraud and theft risk. We also have a Targeted Commodity and High-Value Program, which sets the parameters for how we work with trusted carriers and reduce theft. Through these procedures, we confirm that all carriers we assign to loads are regularly monitored for their authority, insurance, and compliance status. • Only use approved, thoroughly vetted carriers. • Confirm MC/DOT #, truck/trailer #, and driver name match at pickup. • Verify your 3PL is legitimate as thieves may impersonate brokers. • Communicate load security requirements (e.g., locks, not leaving trailers unattended, secure parking). • Advise carriers to stay alert during the first 50–100 miles. • Pay extra attention to extended transit - especially Friday pickups with Monday delivery or holiday gaps – as they're prime targets for theft. • Be wary of carriers offering rates far below market averages. How to Prevent Cargo Theft • Carrier Impersonation: Thieves pose as a known, legitimate carrier, often with a truck that matches expected details, to steal a load under false pretenses. • Fake Carrier Identity: Thieves use a fake carrier company name and credentials to win bids on load boards or present forged documents to shippers. • MC# Misuse: Some carriers sell their MC# to unqualified third parties, allowing bad actors to appear legitimate during vetting but operate non-compliantly. • Unsecured Trucks: Thieves often target unmonitored trailers, especially during driver rest breaks. How Freight Gets Stolen