Holiday weekends create opportunities for freight fraud to spike. With leaner staffing, increased shipment volume, and a higher likelihood of teams working remotely, bad actors look to exploit these conditions.
At Descartes, we’ve seen fraud attempts rise sharply the week prior to holidays, through the following Monday, especially around Labor Day and other long weekends.
To help keep your carrier network secure on holiday weekends, here are proven best practices:
- Start with Team Awareness
Kick off holiday weekends by briefing your team. A quick pre-weekend check-in ensures everyone knows the latest fraud red flags, escalation steps, and who’s on-call if something looks suspicious. - Watch for Unusual Patterns, Not Just Messages
Fraud isn’t only about sketchy emails — it often shows up as unexpected timing, new lanes, or last-minute carrier changes. Pay close attention to load details that don’t fit normal patterns. - Double-Check Contact Information — Identity Theft is on the Rise
Fraudsters frequently impersonate legitimate carriers or brokers. Always validate rate confirmations, phone numbers, and email domains through secure channels. If something feels off, verify through a trusted source before dispatching. - Add VIN Validation to Carrier Checks
Validate VIN numbers and equipment details as part of your verification process. This adds an extra layer of certainty that you’re working with the right carrier. - Build a Holiday Risk Assessment
Create a streamlined, holiday-specific checklist to tighten controls when resources are stretched thin. A specialized plan helps teams stay alert without slowing operations. - Activate Tracking with ELD Before Pickup
Enable electronic logging device (ELD) or GPS tracking in advance to confirm the equipment is in the right place before releasing freight. This proactive step can stop fraudsters before a load ever leaves the dock.
The Bottom Line:
With the right tools and awareness, your team can reduce exposure and stay ahead of fraudsters—even during peak risk windows. Descartes is here to help you protect your business, your partners, and your bottom line.
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