Unfortunately, the risk of threat is a real and constant possibility throughout the supply chain. When shipping large amounts of goods across great distances, with containers changing hands a number of times along the way, several opportunities can present themselves for thieves to steal from your inventory. Corsair Logistics discusses some of the best ways to secure your shipments and reduce the risk of theft.
How to Prevent Theft in Your Shipments
Every business wants to know how they can prevent theft, pilferage and shrinkage as thy move their goods along the supply chain. Here are five tips to mitigate these risks, provide optimal security and to detect and overcome threats.
Read our blog for more warehousing and logistics advice.
1. Control Your Data
One of the easiest ways for the unscrupulous to gain access to your cargo is to get hold of your confidential information first. Employees and former employees, as well as criminals looking for a way into your organisation, can learn a lot from privileged information – transport routes, passwords, etc. It is therefore very important to have an airtight data management strategy. All information should be shared only on a need-to-know basis. This not only reduces risk, but also makes it easier to find out where a breach occurred if theft does take place.
2. Know Your Personnel and Supply Chain
Your management team must know your staff well. Familiarize with your staff members and know their backgrounds. Parts of your supply chain will probably be carried out by outside contractors, so you need to vet these service providers carefully before deciding to work with them. You should also know the transport routes back to front and assess possible weak points. You and your transport service provider can then devise ways to mitigate risks at those points.
Read Next: 5 Benefits of Warehousing
3. Be Alert and Report Suspicious Activities
Early detection is the only way to stop crime from occurring. You need to do your best to avoid have to react to theft and other risks, and rather detect risks before and as they arise. Even if you have suspicions that turn out to be unfounded, it is best to investigate them and make sure. Monitor your storage and dispatch facilities closely, and raise the alarm if any unfamiliar persons or vehicles are detected. Keep your facilities under surveillance and let your staff know that all activities are being watched. Make sure that your transport and warehousing contractors take the same measures when they are handling your goods.
4. Get Your Staff Involved
Although it is possible that certain staff members might be involved with the theft of your goods, it is essential to work maintain a relationship of trust with your workers and involve them in keeping your shipments safe. Keep lines of communication open and encourage everybody to report any concerns immediately. Train your staff in the essentials of cargo theft prevention and make sure they know what to look out for. Let your staff know that they are a valuable and integral part of your operation, and that security is as much their responsibility as it is yours.
5. Take Steps to Protect Your Shipments
Having everyone on the team remain alert and report problems is one thing, but you also need to use technology to help ensure that shipments get safely from point A to point B. Use tracking to follow shipments throughout their journey, install GPS devices and surveillance systems in your vehicles (or deal with contractors that take these precautions). There are plenty of technological measures that can be employed to ensure the safety of your goods.
Come to Corsair Logistics for Fast, Professional Customs Clearance Services
Corsair Logistics is a transport and logistics company based in Durban, South Africa. We can provide a complete, secure supply chain solution. Contact us to find out how we can help you with your shipping requirements.
