Cargo theft, thieves targeting supply chain staff
Organised crime groups has become a buzz word in the UK over the last year. It now appears that they are targeting cargo theft as easy money which is low risk. Highly organised and sophisticated targeting of loads needs an inside man and this could be on the increase. Not just in the UK but in the supply chain worldwide
TT Club and the British Standards Institution agree
The latest cargo theft report published by the TT Club and BSI point towards employee collusion increases in cargo theft. Criminals are recruiting employees to gain data, cargo information, delivery routes and access to IT. Any one of which gives them a head start. More than one makes your load an easy target.
Permanent staff are at risk but sub-contractors can be more of a problem.
In the main full or part-time salaried staff are less of a security risk. Agency or sub-contractors though can bring weaknesses into the security of your business. Due diligence in the management of staff, especially during the recruitment process is vital.
If you are shipping high value or highly disposable products on a regular basis you should have a robust employee security focus in place. The question you have to ask is does your sub-contractor. If you are shipping onto the continent are you considering your supply chain or just looking for the cheapest price.
There are many road hauliers moving goods across Europe. Is your contracted freight-forwarder relying on back loads to move your cargo. Does he know who he is sub-contracting your cargo to and have they followed a secure supply chain policy.
Cargo theft, are you doing enough
We have looked at the issue of Cargo theft and the TT Report before as it is an invaluable resource. The latest version is freely available to download here.
Looking at your own internal procedures from time to time is excellent house-keeping. Have you ever considered holding your sub-contractors to account on their standards.
Not just a tick-box exercise on a form but spending some time visiting with their operational teams and getting to know their staff and procedures. Freight forwarders may not be as positive as you might think on this, especially if they are winning your business by being the cheapest. The question is if they don’t want you to see what they do with your cargo, is it really that secure.
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