High Targeted Valuable Cargo Should Never Be Shipped By Standard Carrier
In 2015, more than two freight thefts a day, with an average value of $184,000 occurred in the United States, according to FreightWatch International. The threat of cargo theft in 2016 is projected to increase. Cargo thieves tactics to avoid detection by law enforcement are constantly evolving and they continue to pioneer new methods of defeating logistics security.
High targeted valuable cargo, including pharmaceuticals, alcohol and tobacco, precious metals, firearms, credit cards, and even food and beverage, is always at an increased risk for cargo theft. All of these products have high street value and are easy for freight criminals to fence.
When shipping high targeted valuable cargo, it is imperative to consider the qualifications of the carrier responsible for the safe and timely delivery of your freight.
How long have they been in business and what is their success rate?
What security protocols are in place to protect your cargo?
Have their drivers’ backgrounds been thoroughly checked and are they TSA Certified?
Standard freight carriers do not provide the logistics security, qualified personnel, or meet the insurance standards required to ensure safe delivery of high targeted valuable cargo.
Here are seven reasons you should never trust a standard carrier with high targeted valuable cargo:
Unqualified Drivers – Most carriers do not take the time or spend the money to run in-depth background checks on their drivers. Unless a driver is TSA Certified, which covers security protocols and a deep criminal background check, they are not qualified to carry high risk/high value cargo.
Internal Theft – If carriers aren’t background checking their drivers, they are certainly not aware of the criminal pasts of their operations staff and warehouse workers. These are the people who have knowledge of the location, transit routes, and delivery times of your shipment. An inside job is easiest way for cargo thieves to steal your freight and get away without detection.
Lack of Route Planning – When hauling a high targeted shipment, advanced route planning is critical to safe delivery. Any time your freight comes to a halt during transit, it is at an exponentially higher risk for cargo theft. High traffic routes, construction zones, and high crime areas should be avoided at all costs. A standard carrier does not take the time or have the resources to plan routes that keep high targeted valuable cargo out of these dangerous situations.
Inadequate Tracking – High visibility and real time tracking is the cornerstone of logistics security. Most standard carriers have little to no tracking technology or oversight, which means your load can go missing at any point in the journey.
No Security Technology – To ensure high value cargo reaches its destination, technology designed for cargo security is vital to operations. Types of on-board security measures include live tracking software, remote kill switches, ruggedized locking devices, and monitoring probes. General freight does not require any of these security measures, therefore, standard carriers have no need to purchase the technology.
Not Enough Cargo Insurance – Freight carriers are only required to carry $100,000 of cargo insurance. When standard carriers move high value freight, there is a monetary gap in insurance coverage that could significantly cost the shipper if their cargo is stolen or damaged.
No Security Measures – High targeted valuable cargo requires security measures beyond the capabilities of standard freight carriers. Security options can include team drivers for expedited shipment, truck escorts, and/or armed security within the truck cab and trailer. Standard carriers do not have the operational knowledge, or security measures in place to protect high risk freight.
When you ship high targeted valuable cargo, be sure to hire a freight carrier with with a proven track record and the capability to protect and securely deliver your at risk freight.
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