The global supply chain makes the world go around, carrying products to their destinations each and every day, and usually right on time.
But all of this has come to an abrupt end over the last two years. Thieves have quickly stepped in to profit off of these newly weakened links in our supply chain.
Transportation and Logistics Getting Hit Hard
Annual Losses From Cargo Theft Alone In The United States
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
- Blue Bar = Value of Items Stolen
- Yellow Line = Total Number of Thefts
One industry that’s getting hit hard on the front lines is transportation and logistics (T&L.) T&L includes the air and ground express delivery services, freight trains, trucks, cargo ships and more, that store and distribute goods from the manufacturers or warehouses to the consumer.
What makes T&L so vulnerable?
During COVID, consumers shifted their spending from traveling and out-of-home entertainment to things like clothing, electronics, furniture and other home goods and activities. E-commerce orders surged, causing a massive influx of imports ready for delivery.
But shortages of employees, like truckers, to deliver the products, along with rapidly declining warehouse space, to store the products before shipment, is causing unprecedented inventory backups.
Many T&L companies tasked with holding inventory until it can be shipped are now at maximum capacity.
According to global real estate services firm CBRE, as of November 2021, warehouse space availability in the U.S. had reached a record low of 3.6%, a level many experts view as “effectively zero.”
The Problem of Theft
T&L carriers and holding locations – warehouses, shipping ports, rail and truck yards and stops – are often full to the brim with goods sitting idle, waiting to be delivered.
These companies and locations are more exposed than ever to theft, which could lead to massive financial loss for businesses. And this fact isn’t lost on criminals. In the third quarter of 2021 alone:
Securing Your Supply Chain
Since experts are not expecting a return to a “normal” supply chain anytime soon, T&L companies need to be proactive with an effective security strategy to stop criminals from stealing and damaging their valuable goods. So what can they do?
Focusing on basic security tips is important.
While these tips are important, 24x7x365 protection is also essential to deter criminals from making off with valuable cargo in unmanned trains, trucks, warehouses and other storage holding spots.
Pro-Vigil’s remote video surveillance (RVM) solution combines cutting-edge cameras, powerful Artificial Intelligence (AI) and a team of virtual security guards that monitor your site day and night.
These guards stand ready to send audio and visual deterrents that stop 97% of intruders before they ever commit a crime on your property, and deploying the authorities within minutes for the remaining 3% of crimes.
What about securing remote areas or temporary holding locations while goods are on the move?
Our mobile RVM surveillance solution doesn’t require Wi-Fi connectivity, and it uses solar panels so you don’t have to worry about a power source, making it an ideal security solution for trucks, trains, ships or remote warehouse sites.
Contact us today to find out how our RVM tools can prevent your precious cargo from falling into the hands of thieves.
