It’s Time to Review and Minimize the Ever Increasing Threat of Cargo Theft

Truck-related theft occurs in many ways, ranging from thieves emptying out a trailer, to stealing the trailer outright, to driver/employee theft.

Most vulnerable industries include pharmaceuticals, electronics, apparel, tobacco, alcohol and food. Thieves are more sophisticated than ever, and prepared to take advantage of any vulnerability in a logistics strategy.

Fortunately, the good guys have also upped their game, and better and more advanced technology is now available to help transportation providers protect shipments. In fact, TAPA offers guidelines for minimum standards that should be in place in all warehouses, freight facilities and vehicles.

A sample of the TAPA standards includes:

Mandatory background checks on all employees
Satellite GPS tools to track stolen vehicle location
Door alarms
Security alarms
Vehicle immobilization technology that can remotely disable a vehicle
King pin locks that prevent a tractor and trailer from being separated
Seals that limit intrusion and alert drivers if a door has been tampered with
Highly secure warehouse facilities with security systems and closed circuit cameras
Physical barriers in place with enclosed cargo handling, shipping and receiving areas
Physically manned, or electronically controlled gates at all entry/exit points
CCTV system in place that offers “day/night” coverage of all external and internal areas, including all vehicle storage areas.

In addition, a logistics provider should be a member of the Customs and Border Protection’s trusted trade program called the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT), through which businesses voluntarily certify the security of their own supply chains, as well as the supply chains of their suppliers.

C-TPAT is a key part of U.S. border protection efforts, and in exchange for their participation, members receive expedited clearance and other benefits. To participate in C-TPAT, a business must undergo a rigorous application process that includes several site visits from CBP agents.

C-TPAT membership has become an important way for a logistics provider to demonstrate that it is a secure and responsible supply chain partner. Any business considering enlisting the services of a logistics provider should make C-TPAT membership a key requirement.

A new white paper from Purolator International, “Damage, Theft and Disruption: Reducing Risk in Your Logistics Strategy,” examines external shipment risk caused by a range of factors including environmental disasters, supplier breakdowns, shipment damage and theft. With regard to minimizing the risk of theft, the paper makes clear that a shipper must ensure that its logistics partner has the necessary security protocols in place.

Related White Papers

Reducing Risk in Your Logistics Strategy
Many disruptions are avoidable, however having alternate plans in place that addresses various disruption scenarios is they key. Download Now!