I think the issue is more complicated than that. Dispatch is releasing cargo to drivers for delivery on destination assignment sort of orders. In other words, a trucker comes in to dispatch with some creds and needs a load for a return trip, dispatcher assigns contract.... and away goes the cargo. It might not be until the stuff doesn't get to where it was suppose to go that they realize it's been stolen. And all the info given about the trucker is bogus.
I'm guessing as I only know enough about the industry to be dangerous. But I would agree, once you realize it's missing, the trucks/trailers should be pretty easy to find. They might be empty by the time you find them, but...
You are right. Lojacks would only retrieve empty trailers. If they have fake IDs and paper, then it is going to be hard to catch them. They’ll have a separate set of papers for each job, even. I wonder if they even fake the license plates? After all, 20 tons of almost any cargo will more pay for forged papers, plates, etc.
I guess the need a security list of “trusted drivers.” Papers and face match the list - they get a load. Otherwise, no load.