Security Strategies for Distribution Centers During the Holidays
Why Holiday Surge Planning Matters
The holiday season brings a massive surge in online shopping, shipping demands and fulfillment center activity. For distribution centers, this means constant shipments, an increase in temporary staffing needs and pressure to move goods quickly. The National Retail Federation estimates that retailers will hire between 400,000 and 500,000 seasonal workers this year, highlighting just how much the labor pool expands, and how quickly it turns over, during peak season. But this spike in operations also opens the door to elevated risks, particularly theft, pilferage and inventory shrinkage.
Warehouses and distribution centers are especially vulnerable when seasonal staff turnover is high, schedules are compressed and speed often takes precedence over safeguarding property. If logistics and operations teams don’t pre-plan their security strategy, the rush of goods can outpace security, and losses increase quickly. That’s why robust logistics security solutions designed for holiday surge planning and rapid deployment are essential.
Distribution centers often run 24/7 during the holidays. Planning ahead prevents gaps in coverage caused by officer fatigue or holiday time-off requests. Scheduling rotations, securing backup officers and coordinating with vendors early helps maintain consistent protection without overextending the team. Cargo theft spikes dramatically during the holiday season, imposing serious financial and operational costs.
Most thefts occurred when vehicles and shipments were left unattended at large retail parking lots or busy truck stops. Additionally, theft incidents have been rising: in recent years, the holiday season thefts have increased year-over-year, showing both frequency and severity climbing.
Meanwhile, workplace safety risks also escalate during holidays. A survey of North American companies revealed that 46% of respondents saw an increase in incidents during holiday periods compared to the rest of the year. Additional factors such as worker fatigue from the increased workload, tight deadlines and extended operating hours were cited as major contributors.
For distribution center operations, which often run longer shifts, use temporary labor and deal with increased throughput during peak months, these elevated risks can translate into higher injury rates, damaged goods, scheduling disruptions and higher insurance or liability costs.
The Ability to Scale Security Fast
One of the greatest challenges for distribution centers in the holiday rush is scaling security quickly enough to match demand. A sudden increase in shipments or unexpected spikes in staffing can overwhelm security plans. Without surge-ready resources, facilities risk coverage gaps that criminals are quick to exploit.
This is where Protos Security comes in. With a nationwide network of trained security officers, 24/7 dispatch and proven rapid deployment processes, Protos can scale security services as needed. Whether you need additional officers at access points, patrols for cargo yards or full-site reinforcement during high-risk periods, Protos provides support without sacrificing quality.
The ability to scale security services fast doesn’t just prevent theft, it preserves operational continuity. By aligning protection with real-time risk, Protos ensures that distribution centers stay secure, efficient and resilient throughout the holiday surge.
According to Freightwaves, cargo theft is rising at an alarming rate. In 2024, incidents surged 27% to 3,625 across North America, driving losses to nearly $455 million, an average of more than $200,000 per theft.
The overall economic burden, estimated between $15 and $35 billion annually, ripples through supply chains, raising costs for businesses and consumers alike.
Key Risks in Peak Season Distribution
Employee theft is one of the most significant threats to distribution centers during the holiday season. Temporary or seasonal workers often get onboarded quickly, with shorter or less rigorous vetting. As workload jumps, oversight may lag, making it easier for theft or pilferage to occur.
Pilferage, also known as small, sometimes frequent thefts unnoticed from packing, staging or shipping areas, can accumulate into large losses. During busy times, the “little losses” often become the hardest to spot until they’ve already cost significantly.
Supply chain and shipping risks also grow. Tractors or trailers may stand idle or unattended due to schedule delays. Trailer seals or locks may not be checked every time, especially during long holiday weekends. Reduced supervision during those periods gives criminals more opportunity.
Logistics Security Solutions for Fulfillment Centers
To counter these risks, a layered security strategy is recommended. A solution includes adding more security officers during peak holiday seasons, as well as improved process controls and coordination.
Correct guard deployment is foundational. Security officers who are well trained, properly vetted and positioned in key locations reduce opportunities for crime. It’s also essential that guard coverage can scale up quickly as volume surges.
Technology plays a critical role as well. Remote video monitoring services allow real-time visibility into facility activity and faster incident response.
Scaling Guard Services Fast
One of the toughest parts for many distribution centers is scaling guard services quickly enough. When shipments jump, staffing needs rise; the ability to respond rapidly separates those with losses from those without.
Protos Security offers security guarding services that can scale up and down quickly for our clients. Whether you need extra guards in key posts, full-site coverage during critical windows or reinforced patrols in distribution yards, Protos has trained personnel to deploy fast.
Protos pairs security officers with advanced technology such as remote video monitoring to create holistic retail theft solutions. Security officers oversee access points, protect high-value inventory and enforce process controls, while real-time video monitoring and reporting tools keep managers informed. By combining officers with technology-driven oversight, Protos delivers both deterrence and accountability during peak season.
Key Benefits of Protos’ Guarding Services
- Surge-ready guard staffing for seasonal spikes.
- Trained officers with loss prevention expertise.
- Integrated monitoring and rapid incident response.
- Nationwide coverage with local flexibility.
Building a Proactive Holiday Security Plan
The most secure distribution centers don’t wait until the holiday rush to respond, they plan in advance. Protos works with clients to perform facility assessments and identify vulnerabilities across gates, yard entry points and staging areas. We also help formalize guard staffing plans and escalation protocols before peak season arrives.
Stress-testing protocols for extended weekends, scheduling back-up officers and aligning with Protos’ nationwide surge capacity ensure that operations remain protected no matter how intense demand becomes.
We recommend that businesses take the following steps when thinking about a security plan:
Conduct pre-season vulnerability assessments
Review your facility from end to end before peak season begins. Check lighting in yards and parking lots, test alarms and cameras, confirm locks and trailer seals and inspect access points for weak spots. A thorough walkthrough highlights vulnerabilities that criminals could exploit during the holiday rush.
Pre-contract surge guard staffing with Protos
Secure additional security officers ahead of time to avoid last-minute shortages. Working with Protos guarantees access to trained guards who can be deployed quickly to cover gates, monitor cargo yards or reinforce warehouse operations during high-volume weeks.
Integrate monitoring, guard tours and visitor tracking
Maintain oversight even when operations are moving at top speed. By implementing monitoring dashboards, guard tour verification and visitor tracking tools, you gain real-time visibility into patrol coverage and site access, ensuring no blind spots during peak season.
Run holiday stress tests before peak season
Simulate busy holiday conditions to test how your security plan holds up. Stress tests can reveal weaknesses in staffing schedules, access control or response protocols, giving you time to refine your plan before operations are at their busiest.
Seasonal staffing doesn’t have to mean higher risk.
Partner with Protos for surge-ready guard coverage.
Partner with Protos for Peak Season Security
By working with Protos, distribution centers can stay ahead of risks with surge-ready guard services and proven retail loss prevention strategies.
Don’t let holiday season security challenges derail productivity or profitability. Secure your distribution centers now with Protos Security’s guarding and loss prevention services. Our scalable solutions protect inventory, reduce shrinkage and strengthen supply chain resilience, ensuring your team can focus on fulfilling holiday demand safely, efficiently and without interruption. With Protos as your security partner, you gain the confidence that your operations are protected when it matters most.
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