5 Ways to Protect Your Business from Cargo Theft & Fraud

Cargo theft is one of the top threats faced by the logistics industry, causing devastating losses to a shipper brand's equity and bottom line.

While it is challenging to ultimately stop cargo threat, taking precautionary measures can be key in minimising the risk.

Companies can take a number of actions to improve their likelihood of preventing cargo theft.

Shippers should always prepare for theft before it occurs or partner with logistics experts like Vagmon e-Group & Logistics who are very knowledgeable about shipment security.

Below are 8 key actions that shippers can take to improve their chances of protecting their cargo and help prevent devastating shipment loss. Keep reading!

1)Utilize the latest Technology
Utilizing the latest technology such as a tracking device (GPS) can immensely help to reduce cargo theft risks.

Stolen goods are typically very difficult – or even impossible – to find, but a tracker can provide key information as to where a shipment is in real-time and increase the chance of it being recovered.

For instance: If your freight does happen to be stolen, a tracker can help authorities locate and recover it.

Other low-tech devices and easy theft deterrents you can use to limit intrusion and protect your freight are; padlocks, kingpin locks, air brake valves, huck bolts, and glad-hand locks or seals.

2) Verify Truck & Driver Information 
Another way of protecting your company from threats is by verifying drivers' and trucks' information.

Before shipment gets loaded, it is important that shippers should be extra cautious by confirming the details of the truck and driver from the carrier.

This is to ensure that the driver is not a 'seasoned cargo thief' and avoid getting freight loaded on the wrong vehicle.

3) Keep Your Warehouse Safe 
Aside from trucks, another common target of cargo thieves for break-ins are warehouses- particularly those that are unsecured.

Freight forwarders should have tons of security measures to help prevent thieves, including the following:
      Surveillance cameras
      Locked entrances to inside the warehouse
      Secured locations for keys
      Regular security audits to spot areas that need improvement
      Well-lit parking lots and walkways
      Controlled access into shipping areas

While there are no security measures that can completely eliminate the risk of theft, having a secure facility will help deter thieves from  searching for warehouses that are "easy targets."

4) Watch out for Fraud in the Shipment Arrangement Process 
Cargo theft does not only occur in a warehouse or during delivery – it can start as early as the process of organizing the freight.

Some crooks pose as genuine carriers or brokers and trick shippers into trusting them to transport their freight- which can either get stolen or never picked up by the truck.

Hence, when working with a new carrier, shippers should watch out for red flags like fake company information or cheap freight rates as compared to the market average rates.

They should also ensure that the carrier's company address, website, and other contact information are verified and valid.

5) Partnering with Reputed and Experienced 3PL
Another proven way of preventing cargo thefts is by partnering with reputable, reliable, and experienced logistics providers like Vagmon e-Group logistics.

Vagmon e-Group & Logistics has a strong network of trusted and professional carriers who fully understand the devastating impact of cargo theft and places freight security as a high priority.

With over 25 years of combined experience, Vagmon e-Group & Logistics provides competent and efficient freight and forwarding logistics services in all seaports and airports in Nigeria.

Contact Vagmon e-Group & Logistics or request a quote today to see how the company can help you safely transport your next shipment. Tested, trusted and reputable; Vagmon e-Group & Logistics is the sure bet to prevent cargo theft.