Strengthen high-value cargo security with advanced telematics

Keeping valuable cargo safe from theft or loss is a top priority for businesses that depend on logistics and transportation. Rising incidents of security breaches and increasingly sophisticated theft tactics make adopting best practices and investing in robust security measures more important than ever. 

Cargo theft is a costly reality, with annual losses in North America estimated at up to $35 billion each year according to industry and government data. The urgency of this issue is underscored by recent trends: cargo theft incidents have surged by 25% in 2025, marking a historic high. You can protect your high-value cargo through adopting best practices and investing in advanced telematics technology which offers actionable insights and measurable results to secure cargo and streamline operations.

This article explores how modern telematics solutions enable fleets to operate with greater security, efficiency and peace of mind.

Understand the risks to protect your assets

Cargo theft has grown into a serious challenge for the logistics industry, with criminals employing more creative and complex methods to target shipments. These incidents not only disrupt operations but also lead to significant financial losses, supply chain delays and damaged reputations. In Q2 2025, there were over 800 reported supply chain thefts and $128 million in reported losses.

For customers, this boils down to the need for proactive strategies that:

• Safeguard goods from loss or theft
• Minimize interruptions and penalties from late deliveries
• Maintain trust with partners and clients by ensuring reliability

Implement best practices for high-value cargo security

A strong foundation in best practices is essential for protecting high-value shipments. Proactive prevention is a necessity for any fleet moving valuable goods. Here’s what you can do:

1. Choose secure parking

Cargo is most vulnerable when unattended. Choose well-lit, secure parking areas with active surveillance and restricted access or leverage facilities with additional perimeter controls. Avoid leaving assets in isolated or unsecured zones, especially when hauling valuable loads.

2. Train drivers for awareness and security

Your drivers play a critical role in the security chain. Empower them through regular training on situational awareness, threat recognition and incident response. Reinforce confidentiality about load details and establish protocols for maintaining secure communication at all times.

3. Use robust cargo sealing

Use tamper-evident seals and advanced locking devices. These physical safeguards make unauthorized access immediately detectable and serve as a strong deterrent.

4. Maintain reliable communication

Maintain secure, uninterrupted lines of communication between drivers and your fleet operations team. Rapid, real-time updates about changes or risks help prevent incidents before they escalate.

5. Plan intelligent routes

Design delivery routes that minimize time spent in high-risk areas. GPS tracking and telematics tools enable dynamic rerouting, safe path optimization and predictive alerts to enhance supply chain security.

While these best practices are vital, the magnitude of the threat means that true peace of mind comes when paired with advanced telematics that bring real-time insight and control to your operations.

Integrate advanced telematics for greater visibility and control

Integrating telematics into fleet operations offers real-time visibility and control over assets. You’ll gain access to tools that monitor cargo in transit, helping shipments reach their final destination safely. Tracking provides critical benefits such as:

• Immediate alerts: Get notified about unauthorized movements or potential security breaches so you can act fast.
• Geofencing capabilities: Create digital boundaries that trigger alerts when a vehicle leaves designated zones.
• Data-driven decisions: Use data from telematics to identify theft-prone areas and adjust routes accordingly. Insights and predictive analytics help identify trends and potential vulnerabilities, empowering fleets to implement preventative security measures that keep cargo safe.
• Streamlined route planning: Avoid high-theft areas and congested routes with optimized planning tools.

Make security accessible to any fleet size

It’s important for businesses of all sizes — whether managing a small fleet or a global logistics network — to feel confident about protecting their assets. One key advantage of telematics is scalability; solutions can be tailored to meet the unique needs of each operation.

Simple setups with high impact

• Entry-level features: Start with basic tracking and geofencing tools for tighter control without over-complicating workflows.
• Advanced integrations: Larger operations benefit from robust systems capable of integrating with existing platforms and offering in-depth analytics.
• Cost-friendly results: Many telematics solutions offer long-term security improvements that far outweigh the cost of implementation.

By choosing the right tools for their specific challenges, businesses can scale their security efforts as they grow, ensuring consistent protection at every stage.

Actionable steps to strengthen your high-value cargo security

To make the most of what telematics has to offer, follow these actionable steps tailored to enhancing your business outcomes:

1. Assess your risks: Identify vulnerabilities in your current security setup—whether they involve theft-prone routes, outdoor storage areas or a lack of process visibility.
2. Define clear goals: Decide what outcomes matter most, such as reduced theft claims, fewer disruptions or stronger compliance with client standards.
3. Choose the right solutions: Look for scalable telematics systems with customizable features that meet both your budget and operational needs.
4. Train your team: Make sure drivers and fleet managers know how to use telematics tools to get the maximum benefit out of the system.

By implementing these measures, customers will not only bolster their defenses but also improve efficiency and competitiveness.

How Geotab secures your high value assets

With cargo theft impacting the industry at historic levels Geotab stands out by combining top-tier asset protection with unmatched platform flexibility:

✔ Industry-leading asset tracking

Utilize Geotab’s near real-time tracking via devices like the GO Anywhere Asset Tracker, optimal for industries transporting high-value or time-sensitive freight. This feature provides the status and location of your most valuable assets; critical when the risk of a single high-value load disappearing grows each year.

✔ Centralized visibility and seamless integration

Geotab’s open platform consolidates all your telematics and cargo monitoring tools, enabling you to manage fleet security and asset status in one place. Seamless integration with other solutions means you can build custom workflows, layer additional security controls and connect third-party tools for a unified, powerful security ecosystem. In an era where criminals use advanced tactics and fraud results in massive business disruptions, having all security systems working together is crucial.

✔ Continuous innovation and open ecosystem

Geotab continuously invests in product development, furthering capabilities in AI-driven logistics security, automated alerts, and deep integration options. This commitment guarantees your fleet benefits from the latest solutions designed to counter evolving threats in truckload cargo theft and supply chain security.

Real-world impact

Companies like Savage and JF Kitching & Son leverage Geotab’s platform to boost cargo security, benefiting from increased operational visibility and tighter control over freight movement. This heightened transparency enables faster response to potential threats and establishes trust with customers relying on secure, on-time delivery of high-value goods. 

Protect your cargo, protect your business

Effective cargo security hinges on more than just technology; it’s about choosing solutions that align with your unique challenges as a business. Modern telematics provides the visibility and control you need to stay ahead of potential risks, strengthen your operations, and deliver dependable service to your clients.

With the right strategy and tools in place, you can take charge of your fleet’s safety while building long-term success in today’s demanding logistics landscape.

Discover how Geotab’s open platform and near real-time asset tracking and continued focus on innovation will elevate your cargo security. Take action now to protect your business, your clients and your reputation.