Info-sharing network aims to reduce cargo theft

WARREN, NJ–The Chubb Group of Insurance Companies has joined an initiative to combat cargo theft through improved information sharing between industry and law enforcement. The CargoNet initiative, based in the U.S., involves a national database and secure information sharing network, as well as education and loss prevention services.

CargoNet will be managed by ISO and launched in early 2010, and is intended to help prevent cargo theft and increase recovery rates through secure and controlled information sharing among theft victims, their business partners and law enforcement.

Pat Stoik, vice president, Chubb & Son, said a national database would make it easier to spot cargo theft trends and develop effective loss prevention techniques.

 “Our charter membership in CargoNet demonstrates Chubb’s strong belief in supporting our customers’ loss control efforts in every way possible.  Cargo theft causes significant direct and indirect losses throughout the supply chain, and left unchecked, it results in an economic drain to shippers, carriers and, ultimately, consumers,” said Stoik. 

Law enforcement and industry officials estimate that the cost of cargo theft runs in the billions of dollars annually, and many losses are either underreported or unreported. Consumer electronics, food and clothing are the three most stolen types of cargo, a Chubb study found. Truck stops and rest areas are the most targeted locations for cargo thefts, accounting for more than one-third of all incidents, followed by modal yards and unsecured locations such as drop lots and motel and restaurant parking lots.

The CargoNet national database and information sharing system will be managed by crime analysts and subject matter experts. The system applies an integrated, layered approach that exploits the weakness of cargo thieves at multiple points and includes: integrated databases; a theft alert system; law enforcement task force investigative support through the National Insurance Crime Bureau; a tractor/trailer theft deterrence program; a Truck Stop Watch program; driver education and incentives; secondary market monitoring and interdiction; crime trend analysis; and training and education through an outreach program.