How to Ensure Cargo Security - PLS Logistic Services (2024)

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How to Ensure Cargo Security - PLS Logistic Services (1)

If you are lucky enough to avoid cargo theft issues in your transportation activities, you should still be prepared to face it. Cargo theft is one of the 5 main causes of freight claims, as research shows. According to FreightWatch International (FWI), the risk of cargo theft will increase this year, compared to 2014. Cargo theft prevention and recovery network, CargoNet, reported that almost 90 million dollars in cargo was stolen last year.

There are two main forms of cargo theft that companies must be aware of: when cargo is stolen from unattended lots and when identity theft is involved. Often times, criminals act as a legitimate truck driver and steal cargo directly from a shipper.

The case of a stolen Maersk container, that took place at broad daylight on September 3rd, illustrates how easily freight can be stolen. A Maersk shipping container with $10 million in silver was gone from Port of Montreal in the middle of the day. The container was later found, so were most of the thieves and some of the silver. But not every cargo theft ends up like this.

While thieves develop strategies and improve identity theft techniques to steal cargo from shippers, companies should develop strategies to keep cargo safe. The best security measures are well thought-out and planned in advance:

Find Reliable, Trusted Partners. Often, shippers choose freight brokers or carriers based on the lowest freight rate they offer. Shippers may save money in the short run with this strategy, but will get exposed to many security and liability issues.

Cargo Theft Policy and Staff Training. First of all, companies should have cargo theft policies. Second, it`s important to ensure every person involved in transportation understands these rules and knows what to do to prevent cargo from being stolen.

Verify Contact Information. The easiest way to avoid identity theft is to make sure the company representative you’re dealing with really works there. You can simply use contact information on a company`s website to verify employment.

Keep Cargo Moving. Pre-loading is a popular time-saving strategy, but fully loaded trailers on unattended lots creates a great opportunity for cargo thieves. Define the time limits on how long the loaded trailer can remain unattended before it is hauled away.

Check The Truck and The Driver. To prevent fictitious pick-up, check the door of the truck that is picking up your cargo. Motor carrier trucks must have the company name and FMCSA/USDOT numbers printed on the side. Don`t forget to check driver`s license plate as well.

Focus on “Hot Times”. Cargo thefts occurs more frequently on weekends (especially Saturday) and holiday periods – think about all those pre-loaded trucks parked on lots on weekends. Concentrate security efforts in times when thefts are most likely to happen.

Insurance Coverage. Having the right insurance with the right limits is necessary. Despite all prevention methods, cargo theft could happen to your company, and it`s important to have the right loss prevention standards.

Your cargo is stolen or damaged? Check out our helpful guide: 6 Steps to Take When Your Freight is Damaged or Lost

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How to Ensure Cargo Security - PLS Logistic Services (2024)

FAQs

How do you ensure cargo security? ›

The best security measures are well thought-out and planned in advance:
  1. Find Reliable, Trusted Partners. ...
  2. Cargo Theft Policy and Staff Training. ...
  3. Verify Contact Information. ...
  4. Keep Cargo Moving. ...
  5. Check The Truck and The Driver. ...
  6. Focus on “Hot Times”. ...
  7. Insurance Coverage.

In what ways are carriers addressing cargo security? ›

Various supply chain security measures provide options for preventing and detecting tampering and maintaining the integrity of cargo shipments. These measures include tamper-evident and tamper-resistant packaging, cargo tracking technologies, and identifiers to designate screened cargo.

How do you keep cargo safe? ›

Here are a few tips from America Truck Driving School to help protect your cargo and avoid theft:
  1. Watch Out for Hot Spots. ...
  2. Pay Attention While Stopped. ...
  3. Know Who You Are Working With. ...
  4. Use of Security Technology. ...
  5. Communication Throughout the Supply Chain.

Why is security important in logistics? ›

In summary, logistics safety and security are vital for protecting lives, valuable cargo, and maintaining supply chain integrity. The industry faces various risks, including theft, accidents, terrorism, natural disasters, and cyber threats.

What does cargo security aim to protect the merchandise from? ›

Cargo security measures aim to protect merchandise from theft, but they also secure containers against incoming materials, such as bombs or drugs. These concerns multiply when shipping goods into the United States through borders, ports, and airports.

How do you secure valuable cargo? ›

Protecting valuable cargo in logistics requires a multi-faceted approach that encompasses risk assessment, secure packaging, advanced tracking systems, route planning, and well-trained personnel.

What is one of the simplest ways to secure your cargo? ›

Tips for Securing Your Cargo Properly

Tie it down with rope, netting or straps. Tie large objects directly to your vehicle or trailer. Consider covering the entire load with a sturdy tarp or netting.

What is the most important thing to remember while securing cargo? ›

Paying attention to potential sliding or tripping hazards, utilizing suitable securing points, and maintaining proper tension throughout the journey are essential considerations.

What is the general rule for securing a cargo? ›

Cargo stowed in containers must be secured on all sides to prevent shifting, in particular towards the door. Spaces between packages and/or container walls must be filled. Secure the cargo by using the lashing points provided on the top and bottom side rails and on the corner posts.

What is transport security in logistics? ›

Safety in transportation and logistics refers to measures taken to prevent accidents and injuries to personnel, property, and the environment. On the other hand, security in transportation and logistics refers to measures taken to prevent criminal activities, including theft, terrorism, and other forms of sabotage.

Who is responsible for cargo security? ›

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for making sure the security of all modes of transportation, including cargo placed aboard airplanes and particularly focuses on passenger-carrying planes.

How do you ensure safety of cargo? ›

Identifying transportation needs and selecting reliable partners. Preparing documents and completing customs procedures. Using safe packaging materials, such as wooden crates and paper boxes provided by the export partner. Adhering to transportation safety guidelines and regulations.

How do you secure cargoes? ›

Usually, the best securing method is to block stow the cargo. If this is not possible or if the cargo can't be blocked so that it prevents both sliding and tipping, one of the lashing methods needs to be used. The CTU Code and the quick lashing guides are very helpful tools for cargo securing in CTUs.

Why do we need to secure the cargo? ›

The proper stowage and securing of cargoes is of the utmost importance for the safety of life at sea. Improper stowage and securing of cargoes has resulted in numerous serious ship casualties and caused injury and loss of life, not only at sea but also during loading and discharge.

What are the safety risks of logistics? ›

Work safety risks in the logistics system

Work accidents: moving large or unsuitable loads can result in serious mishaps, including being driven over by forklifts, crashes, loads tilting over, falling objects, and other situations that endanger the company and the workers' occupational health.

Why is safety important in logistics? ›

Safety is crucial in logistics for several reasons:

Logistics safety measures help protect the well-being of workers, drivers, and the general public, as well as the goods being transported or stored.

What is the meaning of logistics and security? ›

Security operations and logistics are designed to facilitate the safe management and movement of people, goods, information and other resources between a specific point of origin and its final destination. In some cases these same strategies can be applied to fixed locations as well.

What is cargo security? ›

Cargo security in transportation generally involves protecting cargo against theft, pilferage, and tamper while it's being transported between secure storage facilities. This includes: Securing cargo containers or trailers using locks or other access control measures.

How do you mitigate cargo theft? ›

How do you mitigate the occurrence and impact of cargo theft?
  1. Include cargo security in your pre-trip inspection.
  2. Where you park is important. ...
  3. Don't discuss your load or where you are going with anyone who does not need to know.
  4. If you think you are being followed, slow down and allow the vehicle to pass you.

What is the process of securing the cargo called? ›

Lashing. Polyester Lashing application. Lashing is the securing of cargo for transportation with the goal of minimizing shifting. Items used for lashing include ropes, cables, wires, chains, strapping, and nets. These items are anchored to the Cargo Transport Unit (CTU) and tensioned against the cargo.

How do you secure a shipment? ›

Make sure that your shipping carton is tough, rigid with flaps. Wrap items separately and cushion between them with bubble wrap, or another filler. Use strapping tape to close boxes, not masking or scotch tape. Label your box using capital letters, clearly written.

Which of the following strategies can help prevent cargo theft? ›

No unattended, loaded trailers, whenever possible; especially in high cargo theft areas. Use high security rear door locks and air cuff locks.

How can you secure cargo on a truck? ›

When it comes to securing your cargo, there are numerous options. From twine and sand bags (not ideal choices) to ratchet straps and cargo nets. Learn more about which tools will work best for your needs, next.

How to manage cargo security? ›

Work with carriers to keep freight on the road.

Most freight thieves looking to grab a trailer will give up after this distance. It can also mean scheduling shipments so they don't run across weekends or over days when the driver will be out of service hours and the trailer will be stationary.

What can be done to improve air cargo security? ›

Key stakeholders agreed to the need to focus on a number of high-priority areas, including expanding risk-based screening and analysis on domestic all-cargo flights, improving information sharing and screener training, enhancing the air cargo screening technology environment, improving the effectiveness of security ...

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