Combatting Cargo Theft on the Battlefield of Cyberspace

New technology has ushered in unparalleled efficiency and value for freight managers around the world. But with these advancements comes a new breed of challenges, particularly in the realm of cargo theft. With tech on their side, fraudsters are employing schemes that would have been unthinkable just a generation ago. On a recent episode of the Stay In Your Lane Podcast from Triple T Transport, a panel of experts representing a broad range of transport backgrounds gathered to share their thoughts on the role of tech in the recent cargo theft boom. Here are some key takeaways from the episode:

Tech vs. Crime:

• Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and other tech platforms have transformed the landscape, but they’ve also increased vulnerability to identity theft, carrier impersonation, and other fraud tactics used in cargo theft.
• As the nature of these crimes evolves, logistics professionals must adapt to stay ahead.
• Simple steps like verifying shippers' info are crucial to prevent fraud.

"When we had an analog system and everybody was doing things manually, we didn't have these opportunities for theft. Technology has outpaced security.”
 - John Mahle, host of the Stay In Your Lane Podcast.

Retail Crime Rings:

• Organized retail crime rings are modifying tactics to subvert modern security. As surveillance in retail spaces has improved, crime rings are targeting cargo further up the supply chain.
• Online marketplaces make it easier than ever for thieves to fence stolen goods.

Legal Complexities:

• Pursuing cargo theft cases can be challenging, especially internationally. In most cases, those who were responsible for securing cargo will face consequences before the actual perpetrators of theft.
• Close collaboration with law enforcement is vital to preventing these crimes and recovering property, when possible.

“It's difficult—particularly when it's a foreign actor—to pin liability on the actual wrongdoer. So, the liability falls on the person who is in the best position to have prevented the fraud. And that's an unfortunate reality.”
- Thomas Kern, Partner at the law firm Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan and Aronoff.

Insurance:

• Strong insurance coverage is crucial as a last line of defense.
• Ensure policies cover emerging threats like deceptive pickups and cybercrimes, and update policies on a regular basis to keep pace with evolving criminal tactics.

"Typically, contingent cargo policies for property brokers will exclude coverage for dishonest acts of the carrier or fraudulent pickups, but there are endorsements that are available where coverage can be added back on for these scenarios. We really encourage property brokers to look at their coverage to make sure that they have these enhanced cargo protections for these new types of cargo theft and cyber crimes."
- Kathy Schricker, VP of Northeast Region, Avalon Risk Management.

Proactive Partnerships:

• Stay ahead of the criminals with a proactive approach to freight management based around trustworthy partnerships.
• Leverage technology carefully and work with reputable carriers to help reduce vulnerability.

As the logistics field embraces new technologies, staying ahead of cargo theft requires vigilance, innovation, and collaboration.