Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024:
Overhaul tracks yet another cargo theft increase
The Overhaul cargo theft recording and supply chain protection firm recorded 500 cargo thefts in the United States in the third quarter of 2024, marking a 6.2% increase compared to the previous quarter and a 7% increase over Q3 in 2023.
These thefts had an average loss value of $176,290, the firm noted.
Electronics were the most-targeted product type in the country, followed by miscellaneous goods. Additionally, 47% of all thefts occurred in California, whereas in Q3 of the previous year, only 30% of these thefts took place in the state.
Pilferage, or the partial theft of a load, was the most common method used by thieves to steal cargo in the quarter, accounting for 65% of all thefts. Full truckload theft was second with 16%. Unsecured parking locations were the most common place for thefts to occur, accounting for a quarter of all thefts in the quarter. Warehouses and distribution centers saw 20% of thefts, followed by truck stops and fueling locations at 19%. Only 9% of thefts occurred in secured parking locations.
See Overhaul’s full Q3 2024 cargo theft graphic here.
[Related: In-progress cargo theft attempt busted in SoCal]
FMCSA’s lease-purchase task force reschedules next meeting
The Truck Leasing Task Force -- established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to explore and evaluate predatory lease-purchase agreements in trucking, among other tasks related to lease-purchases – is moving its next meeting from Nov. 20 to Dec. 3.
The late-November meeting was scheduled back in September as one of two meetings in which the task force was to draft a final committee report on the equitability of truck leasing agreements and their terms, and identifying best practices to assist truckers in assessing lease agreement impacts before entering into them.
FMCSA is announcing in a Federal Register notice set to publish Wednesday, Nov. 13, that the meeting will now be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3.
The meeting will be virtual for its entirety. Those interested in attending are asked to register in advance here. A copy of the agenda for the meeting will be made available here a week before the meeting.
[Related: Carrier lease-purchase programs should be outlawed: FMCSA task force chair]
Super-load moving across New Hampshire Tuesday, Wednesday nights
The New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) has approved the route for Bay Crane Northeast LLC of Smithfield, Rhode Island, to transport heavy equipment from the seaport in Portsmouth to Northern Boulevard in Amherst, New Hampshire.
Weather permitting, the supermove will begin at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12, and is planned to park on NH 111 in Hudson at approximately 3 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13. The move will continue Wednesday at 9 p.m. with the intention of arriving at the destination at 4 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14.
The hauling equipment and load is a cold storage box and is 136 feet long and over 18 feet tall.
On Tuesday night, the equipment will travel on NH 33, NH 108, NH 101, NH 125, and NH 111. On Wednesday night the equipment will travel on NH 111, NH 3A, the F.E. Everett Turnpike northbound, U.S. 3, NH 130, and NH 13.
To ensure the safety of the traveling public, infrastructure and equipment, there will be several road closures along the route that may last for 30 minutes or more. The remainder of the route will require rolling roadblocks for the duration of the move. Travelers are urged to seek alternate routes on both evenings. Traffic control during the move will include yellow light escorts and the New Hampshire State Police.
[Related: 'High, wide and ugly': The most specialized hauls of the year]
Mack launches new virtual tour tool for truck buyers
Mack Trucks has launched what it calls the Mack Live Tour digital experience, which offers prospective buyers a personalized, virtual truck exploration from the comfort of their home or office.
As the first OEM to offer this type of experience, Mack connects buyers directly with dedicated product specialists who provide comprehensive, one-on-one virtual tours of its truck models.
"The Mack Live Tour demonstrates our commitment to meeting customers where they are, providing unprecedented access to our product line while respecting their time and convenience," said Jonathan Randall, president of Mack Trucks North America. "This approach allows us to showcase our trucks' features and capabilities in a manner that is most convenient for the potential customer -- all in an interactive way."
During each 30-minute session, segment-specific product specialists guide customers through detailed tours tailored to their interests. The platform features a one-way video format, allowing customers to view the specialist's perspective while maintaining the customer’s privacy. Participants can communicate through either audio or chat options.
Product specialists provide insights into the selected truck model's exterior and interior features, with customers directing attention to the details that matter most to their operations. This approach focuses on information and answers, ensuring a pressure-free environment for customer decision-making, Mack said.
The program is currently available to qualified buyers in the United States and Canada. Interested parties can learn more and schedule their personalized virtual tour online here.