Using technology to tackle Canada’s cargo theft crisis

Canada’s transportation and logistics (T&L) sector has been grappling with a surge in cargo theft incidents. CargoNet recently reported that cargo theft in Canada and the U.S. increased by 59 per cent compared to last year, with a substantial 692 recorded thefts that cost the industry more than US$31 million.

Strategic cargo theft rings have intensified their activity, particularly around holiday periods. Moreover, these groups have expanded their preferred targets to include truckload shipments of valuable metals such as copper, brass and aluminum, as well as high-demand items such as officially licensed sports apparel and personal care products.

Such crimes not only result in significant financial losses for logistics companies but also pose threats to public safety and national security. Traditionally, investigating such incidents has been difficult to prevent. Can technology help?

With emerging technology, there is newfound hope in the battle against such nefarious activities. One such technological advancement is the use of an enterprise mobility management (EMM) solution to enhance cargo security. Organizations and investigators can access live views of shipments and historical data in real time when mobile devices, such as cell phones and tablets, are stolen alongside the cargo. This capability empowers swift pinpointing of the crime’s location and provides valuable insights into the trajectory of stolen goods.

With real-time access to shipment status and comprehensive historical data, investigators can effectively track stolen goods and identify patterns, with the end goal of apprehending perpetrators. This proactive approach increases the likelihood of recovering stolen cargo and serves as a deterrent to would-be criminals.

Additionally, the ability to manage, monitor and update the security of mobile devices remotely from a centralized location is a game-changer in combating cargo theft. By leveraging this technology, T&L organizations can significantly enhance their defenses against cyber threats, which have become a favoured tactic among cargo thieves. Cybersecurity threats pose risks to sensitive information and facilitate identity theft, enabling criminals to orchestrate sophisticated schemes to seize cargo largely undetected.

Furthermore, integrating technology into freight security measures offers additional benefits beyond crime prevention. It enhances operational efficiency, streamlines logistics processes and improves overall visibility within supply chains. By digitizing and automating various aspects of cargo management, T&L companies can optimize resource allocation, minimize risks and respond more effectively to potential threats.

Notably, implementing technology-driven solutions fosters collaboration between key stakeholders within the T&L ecosystem. From carriers and shippers to law enforcement agencies and regulatory bodies, leveraging technology creates a unified approach to combating cargo theft. Real-time communication and data sharing enable swift coordination between stakeholders during incidents, facilitating faster response times and leading to more successful law enforcement resolutions.

While technology holds immense promise in the fight against cargo theft, its efficacy relies heavily on proactive measures and continuous innovation from all stakeholders. T&L companies must invest in robust cybersecurity protocols, ample employee training and regular system updates to stay ahead of rapidly evolving threats. Additionally, collaboration between technology providers and industry partners is essential to identify emerging risks and develop solutions tailored to the rise in cargo theft.

Regulatory frameworks must also adapt to accommodate the integration of technology into freight security practices. Policymakers play a crucial role in fostering an environment conducive to innovation while ensuring compliance with data protection and privacy regulations.

Cargo theft poses a significant challenge to the T&L sector in Canada, but technology offers an attainable solution in the quest for enhanced security. By leveraging mobile management technology and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, organizations can fortify their defenses and safeguard supply chains against the alarming rise of cargo-related crime in Canada and beyond.