A common theme when considering supply chain security, is that the criminals behind the theft activity are getting smarter. They are leveraging technology to their advantage, and it appears continually gaining ground on legitimate stakeholders. Recent months have witnessed a spike in fraudulent activity across the United States with criminals using smoke screens afforded by web-based freight exchange or load boards. Able to mimic or pose as legitimate motor carriers the criminals have found ways to infiltrate the supply chain, identify their target and strike, often with complete impunity.

There have been more extreme cases where those behind cargo theft have used technology to block or jam GPS tracking devices and even cases whereby a recruited insider has placed a covert GPS device for the criminals so that they have full visibility of their target as it transits through the supply chain, affording them the opportunity to choose an opportune moment to strike.

In this edition of TT Club’s Supply Chain Security Bulletin, we turn our attention to the latest advances in carrying equipment technology that can be considered to give supply chain stakeholders an advantage in the ongoing battle against the criminal fraternity. Smart containers have been touted for several years as the next generation of shipping container. Promising greater visibility, safety and compliance benefits, real-time tracking and a potential solution against illicit activity, we will explore several solutions and the impact that they could deliver.