Organized Crime Ring Targets Trucking in South Florida

By: ClassADrivers.com

Truck drivers in South Florida beware. A recent crime spree in the Sunshine State suggests an organized crime ring is targeting truck drivers and their freight. The latest heist targeted EverFleet LLC, a trucking company that hauls freight nationally. During the incident, a truck was targeted because it was hauling cars.

Because this is not an isolated event and a reward is being offered, we want to make all drivers in South Florida aware of this situation. We’ll also share some quick tips to keep yourself safe from potential hijackers or other criminals out on the road.

EverFleet LCC Heist

At the end of May, a truck driver parked an auto hauler in Davie, Florida, for the night. The driver did not sleep in the cab.

Upon returning the next day, tractor-trailer was missing. Video surveillance captured the crime as follows.

  • A white Jeep Wrangler, 4-door, arrives at the scene. This vehicle is assumed to have followed the auto transport.
  • A white semi-truck arrives as well.
  • Two men, one wearing orange and the other in blue, walk around the auto transport truck then break into cabin.
  • The men drive off with the stolen auto transport.
  • The stolen tractor was later found on I-75, but the auto transport trailer is still missing.

EverFleet LLC is offering a $5000 reward for any info that leads to the arrest and conviction of those involved in the heist. If you know anything about the event and want to keep your identity confidential, be sure to contact Anthony Carmel, EverFleet employee, at (305) 842-9858, or Luis E. Diaz, EverFleet attorney, at (305) 642-0078.

FBI Cargo Theft Report

According to the FBI, cargo thefts account for roughly $30 billion in losses as of 2010. Given the increase in freight across the trucking industry since then, this estimate is likely much larger today in 2020. According to FBI crime data, Florida is tied for 2nd in highest cargo theft rates as of 2015.

10 Quick Tips to Stay Safe

Regardless of which state you are in, there’s always potential for thieves, hijackers, or other criminals poaching on your cargo. Consider the following tips to keep yourself and your freight safe.

  1. Use well-lit parking spots.
  2. Only stop at rest areas with cameras and/or other security measures.
  3. Always lock your door, both when inside the cabin and as soon as you set foot outside it.
  4. Be aware of the surrounding area at all times.
  5. Park near other truckers and try to avoid isolation as much as possible
  6. Try to use parking spots that allow for pull-through maneuvering to reduce the time it takes to drive off in case of emergency.
  7. Avoid situations that would cause you to leave truck unattended for any reason, such as a stranger asking your help in breaking up a fight.
  8. If someone inquires about your truck, suggest you are not alone by saying someone is in the cabin waiting for you.
  9. Do not use an ATM if someone else appears to be loitering.
  10. Consider getting a pet as they may alert you to anyone lurking outside the vehicle.