NCJ Number
193956
Journal
TR News Volume: 211 Dated: November/December 2000 Pages: 14-17
Date Published
2000
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes the problem of cargo security and what can be done to prevent cargo theft.
Abstract
An estimated $30 to $50 billion in cargo is stolen worldwide each year. Reasons for this include the spread of global crime syndicates; criminals’ ability to adapt to new technologies of the cargo transportation industry; the availability of low-risk, high-payoff targets; and the financing of criminal activities with billions of dollars from drug trafficking. The new challenges to the protection and security of the cargo transportation infrastructure include: the accelerating rate of change in transportation; the rise of sophisticated fraud and theft in the cargo transportation industry; the slow introduction of new security programs; and the need for innovative technical solutions to protect and secure cargo. There are four keys to meeting the future challenges of transportation security. The first is understanding the relationship between cyber security and physical transportation security. The second is improving government and industry cooperation, such as the National Cargo Security Council, which promotes exchanges and educational programs on combating cargo crime. The third is encouraging the introduction of security programs and addressing other security issues such as low rates of successful prosecution, lack of regulations to standardize and enforce the reporting of stolen cargo, and corruption among port and border officials. The fourth key is involving security in the process of globalizing trade. Criminal groups target regions that are undergoing economic, political, or social turmoil. Transportation security must address the following trends: (1) crime organizations are increasing activities and are especially aggressive in cultivating black markets in unstable regions; and (2) syndicates are becoming more adept at tracking and seizing cargo, committing fraud, and infiltrating logistics and supply chain management systems. Reviews and audits of transportation security systems are increasing to ensure physical security at terminals, depots, warehouses, and distribution centers, as well as the protection of automated systems, information technology, and documentation and financial procedures.