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December 21, 1999 4:26 PM, EST

Trucking executives who think there’s little they can do to prevent cargo theft should talk to Gary Fitzsimmons.

Since joining Phoenix-based Swift Transportation four years ago as director of security, Fitzsimmons, a former Arizona police officer, has headed one of the most successful anti-theft programs in the truckload industry.

Despite hauling freight in two of the biggest areas for cargo theft — Los Angeles and Miami — Swift has been able to cut in half the number of trailer thefts it has suffered in each of the past two years, even though its business has grown 50% during that time.

Shippers have taken notice and have been sending Swift more high-value loads, Fitzsimmons said. Insurers have rewarded the company, too, with a reduction in cargo insurance premiums at a time when many other carriers are experiencing increases.

For the full story, see the Dec. 20 print edition of Transport Topics. .