In the fast-paced world of trucking and transportation, the safety and security of cargo is a top priority. However, with the rise of criminal activity and sophisticated cargo criminals, traditional security measures such as physical locks and surveillance cameras are no longer enough to protect valuable shipments.

This is where technology steps in. With advanced tracking systems, biometric identification, and real-time monitoring, technology has become an essential tool in enhancing trucking security against cargo criminals.

In this article, we will explore the various ways in which technology is being utilized in the trucking industry to safeguard cargo and prevent theft.

From GPS tracking to cloud-based data storage, we will delve into the latest innovations that are revolutionizing the transportation industry and providing peace of mind for trucking companies and their clients. Join us as we uncover the role of technology in enhancing trucking security and how it is helping to combat the growing threat of cargo crime.

A Fierce Technological Competition

The trucking sector finds itself deeply entrenched in a fierce technological competition as the menace of cargo thefts experiences a rapid surge and evolves.

According to a report released on December 18 by Verisk Analytics' CargoNet, the number of strategic cargo thefts since November 2022 has surpassed 600, a significant increase from the average of 58 reported in previous years. These strategic thefts are typically more sophisticated, often utilizing technological tools such as load boards, as opposed to the more traditional methods of theft.

Scott Cornell, the transportation lead and a crime and theft specialist at insurance provider Travelers, highlighted the substantial rise in cargo thefts within the strategic category. He explained that these cargo thieves employ tactics designed to deceive and manipulate, ultimately coaxing unsuspecting victims into surrendering their valuable cargo.

The means through which these criminals achieve their objectives is by leveraging technology—specifically, the very same technology that the industry has implemented to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness. By exploiting the tools and systems put in place by the industry, these individuals are able to carry out their nefarious activities with greater ease and success.

A Rise in Incidents of Cargo Theft

Cornell University has also observed a rise in incidents of cargo theft occurring in regions where such occurrences were previously uncommon. In order to address this issue, Uber Freight has taken the initiative to collaborate with various regional law enforcement teams.

However, the company has often encountered a lack of financial resources within these teams.

Chris McLoughlin, the director of compliance at Uber Freight, attributes this expansion of cargo theft to the proliferation of technology and the anonymity it affords in the marketplace. He believes that initially, people utilized new technologies to enhance efficiency and drive improvements.

However, these advancements have now trickled down to malicious actors who exploit the same technology for illicit purposes.

According to McLoughlin, technology plays a crucial role and significant role in the surge of cargo theft incidents. He emphasizes that all stakeholders in the supply chain must recognize that achieving a completely frictionless system is unattainable.

It is essential to implement controls and processes that protect everyone involved.

Karl Fillhouer, the vice president of sales at Circle Logistics, supports McLoughlin's viewpoint on technology's impact on cargo theft. He suggests that the increase in theft cases witnessed in recent years can be attributed to sophisticated methods such as high-tech spoofing thefts.

These involve perpetrators intercepting communications and stealing load numbers, subsequently dispatching them unlawfully.

In summary, the rise in cargo theft incidents can be linked to the widespread adoption of technology in the marketplace. Uber Freight and other industry players must work alongside law enforcement agencies to combat these crimes effectively.

It is crucial for all stakeholders to acknowledge that a completely seamless system is unachievable, and measures must be in place to safeguard against theft.

The Availability of Various Technological Services

Fillhouer also emphasized the availability of various technological services for theft prevention through verification and tracking. Cornell supported this viewpoint by highlighting the increasing utilization of external technology in cargo security and tracking among carriers, shippers, and brokers.

In response to the rising threat of strategic theft, freight brokers are now actively collaborating with shippers, trucking companies, and tracking technology providers. This collaboration has led to the emergence of numerous tracking technology companies in the market.

Truckstop, a load board and freight management company, launched a campaign last year with the objective of combating cargo theft. They utilized their data to share information with industry stakeholders and created a weekly web series called "Fraud Prevention Friday."

As our industry transitions towards data automation, there is a need to address the vulnerability that bad actors exploit by hiding behind electronic information transmission. This vulnerability enables them to move swiftly, causing significant damage. Brent Hutto, the Chief Relationship Officer at Truckstop, asserted that there are now more effective methods available to protect oneself.

A Long-Standing Practice

Truckstop has a long-standing practice of thoroughly vetting companies that use its platform to identify any irregularities that may indicate fraud or other issues. In the past 15 months alone, the company has denied account creation to 10,000 individuals due to their lack of qualifications or fraudulent activities.

Hutto emphasized the significance of this security measure, particularly for smaller players with fewer resources who heavily rely on the platform.

Darin Miller, a senior surveyor at Sedgwick, a technology-based risk management company, stated that technology has played a significant role in the rapid increase of theft in recent years. However, it also holds the potential to be part of the solution.

Exploiting vulnerabilities in the supply chain has become a favored tactic for criminals, prompting all parties involved in the supply chain to actively seek ways to strengthen their defenses.

The Operational Methods

Miller expressed his strong concern regarding the operational methods of load boards. According to him, these platforms resemble unregulated online advertisements that can easily be exploited by criminals.

Additionally, he highlighted that the increasing trend towards expediting everything has sometimes resulted in the breakdown of verification processes.

Kevin Ledversis, the Vice President of Sales at Newcastle Systems, stated that companies should consider investing in technology and software to ensure the smooth transportation of their products from one dock to another. It is crucial for carriers to also invest in technology to address this issue effectively.

Ledversis emphasized that carriers have a strong motivation to invest in technology as they ultimately bear the consequences of lost or damaged cargo. He recommended maintaining a continuous flow of trucks to minimize opportunities for theft and suggested the implementation of a real-time location system to tag pallets and boxes.

In Conclusion

Technology is playing an increasingly important role in enhancing security within the trucking industry. With the use of advanced tracking systems, automated locks, and other cutting-edge technologies, trucking companies can better protect their cargo and drivers from criminals.

It is crucial for the industry to continue investing in these technologies and implementing strict security protocols to ensure the safety and reliability of their operations. By staying vigilant and utilizing the latest advancements, the trucking industry can continue to effectively combat cargo crime and maintain the trust of their clients.

If you want to stay updated with a wide range of trends, actionable insights, and innovative solutions in the trucking, freight, and logistics industry, stay connected to us.

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