MY ETT News » security

U.S. cargo theft hit record high in 2011

Rhonda Flathman — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:15:30 +0000

FreightWatch International, a global logistics security services provider, on Thursday, Jan. 19, announced that U.S. cargo theft hit another record high in 2011. FreightWatch says its annual U.S. Cargo Theft Report shows the year-over-year growth of this crime; 974 cargo theft incidents were recorded last year ,with an average value of $319,000 per theft incident.

“While the rate of theft continues to rise, we are pleased to see the average value per incident begin to decline,” says Barry Conlon, chief executive officer of FreightWatch. “This shows that shippers and the industry as a whole is beginning to secure their high-value cargo more effectively, forcing criminals to target less valuable loads.”

According to FreightWatch, the most commonly targeted product types in 2011 were food and beverage products, electronics and building materials. Specific items most targeted by criminals – largely due to their ease of movement on the black market – include televisions, canned food product, cell phone, energy drinks and roofing materials.

click here to visit CCJ and read the complete story.

Cargo thefts can kill

Rhonda Flathman — Thu, 26 May 2011 20:53:30 +0000

The trickle-down effects of cargo theft can make everyone pay, but the price may not be higher than when it comes to stolen pharmaceuticals. The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NCIB) went so far as to call it a public health issue because of the detrimental effects it can have on the buyers of these stolen medicines. Insulin, for example, must be properly stored, and when acquired from a source on the black market, the buyer isn’t guaranteed that it’s been properly refrigerated. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) estimates that cargo theft costs the U.S. $15 billion to $30 billion a
year – resulting in an estimated 20 percent mark-up in retail prices for consumers. Some caution that the occurence of theft could be even higher due to the reluctance of some businesses to report crimes to protect their reputations or avoid the possibility of facing higher insurance premiums.

Potential Dangers From Stolen Pharmaceuticals Called a Public Health Issue
Sales of stolen goods – particularly pharmaceuticals – may hurt large-scale public health in the U.S., according to a cargo theft analysis conducted by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).

“Cargo theft is not only a property crime that hurts the national economy, it can have a serious impact on public health and safety,” stressed Joe Wehrle, NCIB’s president and CEO, in the group’s 2010 National Cargo Theft report released this week.

Click here to visit Fleet Owner and read the complete story.

FreightWatch: Cargo theft rates continue growth to record highs

Rhonda Flathman — Wed, 04 May 2011 18:21:53 +0000

A new report from FreightWatch International is now available to help manufacturing and logistics industries make more educated decisions about cargo security. Covering five years of theft data and analysis, the report examines theft trends over a longer period of time, which shows fluctuations specific industries have experienced in both rates of theft and average loss values. The Five Year Review special report includes theft rates over a variety of denominators such as month, state and product type; most common locations for thefts; areas with the highest risk and more. For a copy
of the report, e-mail dan.burges@freightwatchintl.com.

FreightWatch International, a global logistics security solutions provider, announced publication of a special report covering five years of cargo theft data and analysis. With the development of its own cargo theft database, FreightWatch says it has assessed trends and anomalies that transcend the boundaries of short-term reports and provide industry professionals with a much broader picture of this ever-changing criminal enterprise.

“The ability to analyze theft trends over a longer timeline allows industry professionals to better understand the risk they face and provide a predictive model for determining future threats,” says Barry Conlon, FreightWatch chief executive officer.

Click here to visit CCJ and read the complete story.

Cargo thieves getting sophisticated – and bolder

Rhonda Flathman — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:22:56 +0000

A recent study finds that cargo thefts are becoming bolder, more targeted and, in some cases, more violent. The Supply Chain ISAC Report of Cargo Theft Activity for the third quarter of 2009 – a survey compiled and issued by LoJack Supply Chain Integrity (LoJack SCI) – indicates that while carrier terminals and yards are likely targets, thieves are now in search of specific cargo rather than what they happen upon at random, and they are undeterred by fencing or surveillance equipment. Food is the No. 1 item stolen, as it is harder to trace and easy to move.

Study Shows Cargo Thieves Becoming Braver

An ongoing survey of cargo theft trends finds that cargo thieves may be getting bolder and more sophisticated, even to targeting carrier facilities more frequently. On top of that, a spike in violence during reported cargo thefts in the third quarter of this year is another cause for concern.

According to the Supply Chain ISAC Report of Cargo Theft Activity for the third quarter of 2009 – a survey compiled and issued by LoJack Supply Chain Integrity (LoJack SCI) – carrier terminals and yards continued to be the number one area where thefts take place. That suggest thieves are becoming more emboldened – seeking out vehicles and their cargo even when they are secured with fencing and surveillance systems – and targeting very specific loads vs. simply pursuing “opportunistic” thefts, the company said.

Click here to visit Fleet Owner online and read the complete story.

Phillips Industries introduces lightweight STA-LOCK gladhand

Rhonda Flathman — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 20:12:34 +0000

A new lightweight gladhand released by Phillips Industries offers heavy-duty performance, even on trailers with space constraints, according to the company. The STA-LOCK is durable enough to withstand road vibration and turning, which can cause enough pressure to uncouple the gladhands. The new design features a lightweight aluminum body and a cast iron heavy-duty connector plate.

Phillips' Gladhand Features Light Weight, Heavy-Duty Performance

New STA-LOCK gladhands from Phillips Industries help to ensure a secure trailer connection when space is tight and reduced weight is a goal, their maker said. The new gladhand combines a lightweight aluminum body with a cast iron heavy-duty connector plate. The connector plate includes a spring-loaded, stainless steel ball bearing that the company said provides a positive lock for gladhand mating.

The “locking” dimple on standard gladhands can flatten out over time leading to a lower breakaway threshold. Additionally, road vibration and turning can cause enough pressure to uncouple the gladhands. Cast iron gladhands can be heavy and bulky, and often do not fit on trailers with space constraints, according to Phillips Industries. The company said its new product solves both problems with the right blend of strength and size, offering a single product for any trailer operation.

Visit http://www.phillipsind.com to learn more.

[source - fleetequipmentmag.com]

Trucking embraces technology

Rhonda Flathman — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:44:49 +0000

More and more fleets are exploring and utilizing technology to boost efficiency and productivity, but cost will hold them back from experimenting with the most advanced solutions, according to a new report. Last year’s dramatic rise in diesel prices was a major factor in seeking out new technologies, particularly those that help boost fuel efficiency. The study by Frost & Sullivan found that fleets were more likely to consider technology options with less concern about the cost when compliance wasn’t an issue. However, when new regulations forced them to adopt them, they were more likely to make the minimum investment.

A new report by Frost & Sullivan suggested that last year’s dramatic rise in diesel prices has brought “about tectonic changes in the priorities of the trucking industry.” That is just one of the conclusions in the analysis, entitled “North American Fleet Managers Desirability and Willingness to Pay for Advanced Heavy-Duty Truck Technologies.”

The report suggested that “heavy-truck technologies are expected to drive most revenue growth opportunities for truck makers and their suppliers over the next five years,” concluding that fleet managers will seek out more benefits and attributes from advanced technologies to enable them to reduce operating expenses while improving driver and vehicle productivity.

While the report said that companies will continue to explore technological developments for safety and efficiency reasons, regulation and price may actually hold fleets back from more advanced systems. “It appears that when fleet managers are ‘forced’ to adopt technologies due to regulation compliance, only the minimum is likely to be invested,” the report said, adding that when price was removed as a factor, fleets were more interested in technologies that offer auxiliary benefits in addition to regulation compliance.

The survey, which was roughly 175 questions long, covered powertrain technologies, safety technologies and telematics technologies. It targeted fleet managers who were part of the purchasing decision for their fleets, are expecting to make vehicle purchases within the next two years and their fleets have Class 6, 7, and 8 vehicles.

Among the managers responding to the survey, fuel efficiency (59%) ranks highest in importance for powertrain technologies. Navigation-based fuel consumption optimization systems are generating more interest for fleets as they seek ways to cut diesel fuel dependence. Only 3% of respondents, however, report owning hybrid trucks.

The report also said “Selective-catalytic reduction (SCR) technology seems to be emerging as the technology of choice for EPA 2010 regulation compliance. The high levels of importance placed on fuel-efficiency by surveyed fleet managers is likely a key reason supporting this trend. This also appears to indicate that fleet managers who will purchase new trucks in 2010 are likely to opt for SCR technology trucks over cooled exhaust gas reduction (EGR) only trucks.”

Navistar is the only major manufacturer to opt for the EGR solution.

Most fleets prefer GPS-based telematics services, with cost savings and mobile resource productivity improvement the key elements managers are looking for, according to the report. Among technologies fleet managers are most actively investigating for possible purchase: remote diagnostics and prognostics services. “This validates the high rankings of cost savings and mobile resource productivity maximization. Remote diagnostics and prognostics can greatly reduce operating costs and reduce vehicular uptime therefore enhancing both cost saving and mobile resource productivity,” the report said.

Forty-seven percent of fleets reported owning some type of communication technology, with 13% using location and tracking technologies. Cost savings is the greatest benefit with 41% noting that as their top reason for owning telematics technologies.

Fleets also reported that tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) and advanced braking systems are expected to remain top safety technologies. TPMS is the highest in terms of purchasing intentions. “The ability of these systems to directly enhance the vehicular stability of the host trucks and enhance fuel-efficiency appear to be key reasons for their perceived importance, high degree of desirability, and purchase intentions among fleet managers,” the report said.

The report did say that the technologies associated with safety systems are not easily understood by fleet managers, thereby holding back the market.

“High costs already are restraining market penetration of emerging safety systems. The availability of different types of driver information and warning systems and chassis control systems appears to be confusing to some fleet managers, forcing them to select the most effective and pertinent safety systems for their unique needs. This results in a preference for certain safety systems over others and depriving the market of overall growth impetus. Concerted strategies built around system level integration enabled by sensor fusion and system-on-a-chip design may greatly facilitate adoption of safety technologies. Marketing efforts aimed at enhancing awareness of fleet managers, drivers, and technicians regarding the ability of safety technologies to reduce their fleet’s exposure to potentially damaging accidents must be executed, especially in times like these when fleets are experiencing severe financial stress.”

The report also indicates that most fleets (71%) plan on making purchases within the next year. Only 7% said they will not be purchasing in the next two years.

The survey was conducted from December 2008 through January 2009.

[source - fleetowner.com]

CarrierWeb launches two-way reefer control solution

Rhonda Flathman — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:37:05 +0000

CarrierWeb’s ReeferMate helps protect loads and ensure cargo security with its up-to-the-minute monitoring, including temperature, power, battery status, fuel level and more. This monitoring solution connects directly to the reefer unit’s microprocessor, allowing real-time, two-way communication so reefer assets can be managed and controlled from anywhere.

CarrierWeb, a mobile communication and information management service provider, announced the launch of the ReeferMate control solution, a refrigeration monitoring and control technology. The solution offers real-time, two-way communication and enables fleet managers to monitor, manage and control all reefer assets from anywhere, the company said.

The product interfaces directly to the microprocessor controllers of reefer units provided by all major manufacturers. It is built with weatherproof components and is mounted in the cowling of the reefer compartment – all wiring, cabling and connectors are included – to support the always-on monitoring. The unit ties directly into the reefer power source or via the 7-way hitch, allowing real-time position, fuel and door monitoring when the reefer is turned off.

Precise wireless monitoring with up-to-the-minute reefer status information and real-time temperature control protects loads from spoiling, thereby reducing freight claims, ensuring cargo security and improving insurance risks and rates, the company said. The unit provides monitoring and control of reefer status, including operating state, temperatures, alarms and alarm disposition clearing, power and battery status, and fuel level. Exception event information such as on-time status and fuel changes to operations, route deviations to safety, financial parameters to finance and executive management, is reported in real time to the appropriate personnel. All information can be integrated into a fleet’s internal operations system in addition to being available on Carrier Web’s web site.

For additional information, visit http://www.carrierweb.com.

[source - fleetequipmentmag.com]

SPECIAL REPORT: FAST solution to potential border problem

Rhonda Flathman — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 19:24:59 +0000

Older FAST cards will be accepted at the U.S.-Canadian border, but only until drivers receive their newer second generation FAST cards featuring radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology. U.S. Customers and Border Protection officials will know whether a driver has received the newer card because it will be noted in their database. As of June 1, anyone crossing the border must prove their citizenship with a passport, enhanced driver’s license or ID card, or a FAST card.

1st and 2nd Generation FAST Cards OK at Border

OTTAWA — A potential cross-border clearance mess has been averted just days before a new massive, U.S. security policy takes effect.

The introduction of a new generation FAST card, coinciding with the June 1 rollout of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) ID rules, had some in the trucking industry predicting trucker backlogs at Canada-U.S. land ports.

But fear not, if there are significant border delays next week, it’ll be because some truckers and travelers will be without mandatory passport or enhanced drivers’ licence credentials; and not due to what appeared to be a possible FAST card mix-up.

Part of the problem is that US Customs was not set up to accept older FAST cards. Only new, Generation 2 FAST cards — most of which have not yet been mailed to drivers — have the RFID technology that is compatible with the ID readers at ports of entry.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials met with members of the Canadian Trucking Alliance, todaystrucking.com has learned, and were assured that original FAST cards, as well as Gen 2 FAST cards, will be acceptable identification documents for crossing the border on June 1.

“CBP issued directives to their field staff on the front line so there would be no confusion,” Ron Lennox, vice-president of the CTA, tells us. “However, you must use the Generation 2 card if you’ve received it because that’s what they have in the system.”

Got that? You’ll still be waved through with a first-generation FAST card, but only if you haven’t received the new one yet.

The new FAST cards are being mailed to all current FAST members, and cardholders are reminded to activate the new cards right away, so service is not interrupted.

Not that most truckers need reminding at this point, but for the not-so-frequent haulers, WHTI requires anybody entering the U.S. by land or sea to have documents proving their citizenship as of June 1. Approved travel documents include a passport, enhanced driver’s licence or ID card where available, and the FAST card.

[source - todaystrucking.com]

Cadec adds remote shutdown

Rhonda Flathman — Thu, 21 May 2009 14:29:50 +0000

An update to Cadec Global’s fleet managment system will allow the first software-based remote-engine shutdown technology for truck fleets. Remote shutdown requests can be initiated by drivers, fleet managers or dispatchers. Once the request is processed, an authorized security team begins the controlled shutdown.

Remote Shutdown Module Enhances Security

NASHVILLE. As part of an update for its PowerVue hosted fleet management system, Cadec Global will offer what it calls “the first software-based remote-engine shutdown technology for truck and motor coach fleets.” Introduced at the National Private Truck Council annual conference here, the shutdown option is the first application in the company’s new ProTech safety modules.

The remote shutdown can be requested by a driver using a hidden “panic” button or initiated by a fleet manager or dispatcher alerted by PowerVue to unauthorized moves or vehicles departing from assigned routes.

Once the shutdown request is processed using PowerVue’s web-based interface, an authorized security team will begin a controlled shutdown, first powering down the engine while maintaining power steering control and eventually bringing the vehicle to a complete halt. Restarting the truck requires entry of an unlock code generated by the system and on-board authorization using Cadec’s OBC.

Cadec said the new shutdown module meets U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) criteria for federal grants, including the Intercity Bus Security Grant Program.

Other upgrades announced for PowerVue include advanced mapping with Google and Microsoft Live Earth maps and aerial photos. Combined with new open standard KML technology, the system allows fleets to overlay actual GPS route histories on hybrid maps for reviewing driver performance or route activity. Fleet managers can choose to replay a single incident, a shift or day, and can even request a fly-over recreation of an entire trip.

[source - fleetowner.com]

Proof Positive: Truckers brace for U.S. passport rule

Rhonda Flathman — Thu, 21 May 2009 14:00:20 +0000

Truckers crossing the U.S.-Canadian border will be required to show a passport in order to gain entry into either country beginning June 1. Though other “enhanced” forms of ID will be allowed and recognized, the passport remains the best bet as it is universally accepted.

U.S. Tightens Security at Canadian Border

WINNIPEG — While an inborn love of hockey and double-doubles might be considered distinctively Canadian, wearing the home team’s jersey and having a Tim Horton’s coffee in the cup holder of your cab won’t be enough for U.S. border guards in just a few weeks.

On June 1, the final stage of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) will go into effect and proof of citizenship will be required at all land and sea crossings to gain entry into the U.S. There will be a few different documents that can be used to satisfy the new rule, including a passport or FAST card.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has been hyping the June 1 change for nearly a year with an advertising campaign — check out www.getyouhome.gov for more information — so don’t expect border guards to let it slide if truckers plead ignorance and the proper documents are missing.

Sheldon Novak, director of customs, security and government affairs with Winnipeg’s Payne Transportation, started making sure his drivers are prepared back in February.

“We’re covering all our bases and not leaving it up to that particular border guard’s feelings on that particular day,” says Novak. “Everybody has their own interpretation and you don’t always know what a certain guy will give you on a certain day.”

Most of Payne’s drivers already have FAST cards so it hasn’t been a big transition. About 170 of the carrier’s 180 drivers cross the border regularly and many of the truckers who aren’t FAST-approved currently had passports.

Passport vs. FAST:

For Canadian residents the options for meeting WHTI standards at land border crossings will include a passport, NEXUS card, FAST card, or an Enhanced Driver’s Licence/Enhanced Identification Card (EDL/EIC), which are being launched in a handful of provinces.

However, The EDL and EIC options aren’t widely available (more on that later), so the best option for truckers will probably be a passport or FAST card.

While both of them will get you across the border, the latter two have different purposes, different costs, different uses, and different application processes.

A passport is a great document for traveling. It’s the only universally accepted identification document and can get you into, and out of, the U.S. (as well as other countries) by air, land and sea. It can be had for $87 plus the cost of photos, which should be about $15.

If you apply at a Passport Canada office in person it will take about two weeks to get the passport. By mail it will take around four weeks, unless Passport Canada is dealing with a backlog.

This could be a very real possibility as the June 1 deadline approaches. Of course, you can pay extra to get the application pushed through faster.

FAST, instead, is designed to provide expedited travel to pre-approved, low-risk truckers at the border.

“Overall, I think it’s worked. We haven’t had a lot of issues at the border — knock on wood — and my guys haven’t mentioned getting a lot of hassles,” says Novak. “Out east they have FAST-approved lanes, which speed up the wait times at the border, but there’s enough benefit with less hassle to get it, even though our crossings out here don’t have FAST lanes. And lots of shippers want the guys to be FAST-approved.”

The FAST card is also good for a five-year term, but only costs $50. And the application process is a little more in-depth.

Once the application form has been accepted, you have to make an appointment to go to a port of entry and get photographed, fingerprinted and fill out a questionnaire.

“They used to issue them on the spot, but now they’re mailed out and look much more official,” notes Novak.

The only problem with FAST, says Novak, is that despite the security information imbedded into the card, Canada Customs doesn’t recognize it as official ID upon return to Canada so drivers need to have other I.D. handy — like, you guessed it, a passport of driver’s licence.

“It’s a highly secure program where you need proof of citizenship to get it, but the Canadian government doesn’t recognize it as ID?” Novak asks rhetorically.

Enhanced Options:

If you call B.C., Ontario, Quebec or Manitoba home there’s the EDL or EIC option.

The cost for an EDL in B.C., for example, is expected to be $35. The enhanced cards are secure ID outfitted with a radio frequency identification technology (RFID) chip that will store identity and citizenship information.

A number of privacy groups in Canada and the U.S. have raised concerns about the security of the cards, but officials are confident the latest security features will prevent identity theft, fraud and counterfeiting.

Leading up to the June 1 deadline a couple of provinces originally keen on the idea of EDLs scrapped their plans.

Both New Brunswick and Saskatchewan balked at plans to produce an enhanced card, while Alberta remained non-committal.

Novak, for one, has been advising his drivers against it.

“As a separate ID card I don’t like it,” he says. “It’s not good for air travel, so if you need to fly home or down to the U.S. you’re going to need a passport anyway.”

The document, however, isn’t as important as the date — June 1. Don’t forget. And be sure to get your acronyms straight.

[source - todaystrucking.com]