Fragmented cargo visibility is leaving global supply chains exposed to theft, inefficiency, and rising costs, driving the adoption of secure tracking technologies, reported London's Air Cargo Week.

Outdated tracking methods such as barcodes and unreliable GPS are creating blind spots for high-value goods. Industry experts warn that visibility is now a matter of economic and national security.

CargoNet data showed that theft incidents in the US and Canada rose 27 percent in 2024 to 3,625 cases. The average loss per incident increased to US$202,364, with organized crime targeting electronics, food, and pharmaceuticals.

Next-generation tracking systems using hybrid connectivity, real-time monitoring, and machine intelligence are being deployed. These devices can switch between cellular, satellite, and IoT mesh networks to maintain uninterrupted visibility across multimodal routes.

Secure transport processes are also essential. Systems must verify breaches and protect data through encrypted channels to guard against cyberattacks that could cripple industries.

Logistics companies are investing in IoT-enabled security trackers that monitor breach events, temperature, shock, and tampering. Integration with blockchain or cloud-certified platforms creates auditable chains of custody.

With 80 percent of global trade dependent on logistics, analysts say that smart, secure tracking is no longer optional. It is seen as the foundation for resilience, efficiency, and trust in an unpredictable world.