FREIGHT and logistics insurance specialist tt Club notes that loss due to theft is among the top three causes of claims received on an annual basis.
In the latest of its ongoing series of Security Bulletins, TT focuses on the crucial importance of the container seal, as a fundamental tool in assuring the integrity of global cargo transportation.
Despite the existence of a wide range of security seal types, from basic plastic clips through to the frequently used bolt seals, and now sophisticated digital options, many in the supply chain are ignoring their benefits in maintaining cargo integrity and promptly identifying theft.
Thieves have devised complex strategies, as well as traditional bolt cutters, to access a container's cargo undetected.
These include recruiting insiders and manipulating seal numbers, either manually or using 3D printing so almost identical seals can be affixed once the cargo is stolen, the TT Club said.
'Whatever sealing regime is employed its effectiveness crucially depends on how the process is managed,' said TT risk manager Josh Finch.
'It is important for supply chain managers to be aware of the limitations of the various seal designs but also appreciate that whatever seal type is employed, their efficacy hinges on whether the information from the seal is accurately checked. A security culture must pervade operations at both loading and unloading points, as well as other key handling locations.'
Often personnel at the receiving warehouse view the seal as a nuisance, something that needs to be cut from the doors prior to them opening the container and unpacking it.
A vital consideration in expanding the use of seals is that almost all are currently either single-use or have an element that is plastic.
Clearly, promoting their widespread usage involves consideration of sustainability, especially as the industry focuses increasingly on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues.
Speaking of this limitation, Mr Finch said: 'While there are clearly environmental concerns with many container seal solutions, we cannot ignore the societal implications of allowing cargo theft to thrive in the industry. TT sees innovation in all areas of the transport and logistics industry, and we see great potential in digital seals that increasingly appear on the market.'
SeaNews Turkey
In the latest of its ongoing series of Security Bulletins, TT focuses on the crucial importance of the container seal, as a fundamental tool in assuring the integrity of global cargo transportation.
Despite the existence of a wide range of security seal types, from basic plastic clips through to the frequently used bolt seals, and now sophisticated digital options, many in the supply chain are ignoring their benefits in maintaining cargo integrity and promptly identifying theft.
Thieves have devised complex strategies, as well as traditional bolt cutters, to access a container's cargo undetected.
These include recruiting insiders and manipulating seal numbers, either manually or using 3D printing so almost identical seals can be affixed once the cargo is stolen, the TT Club said.
'Whatever sealing regime is employed its effectiveness crucially depends on how the process is managed,' said TT risk manager Josh Finch.
'It is important for supply chain managers to be aware of the limitations of the various seal designs but also appreciate that whatever seal type is employed, their efficacy hinges on whether the information from the seal is accurately checked. A security culture must pervade operations at both loading and unloading points, as well as other key handling locations.'
Often personnel at the receiving warehouse view the seal as a nuisance, something that needs to be cut from the doors prior to them opening the container and unpacking it.
A vital consideration in expanding the use of seals is that almost all are currently either single-use or have an element that is plastic.
Clearly, promoting their widespread usage involves consideration of sustainability, especially as the industry focuses increasingly on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues.
Speaking of this limitation, Mr Finch said: 'While there are clearly environmental concerns with many container seal solutions, we cannot ignore the societal implications of allowing cargo theft to thrive in the industry. TT sees innovation in all areas of the transport and logistics industry, and we see great potential in digital seals that increasingly appear on the market.'
SeaNews Turkey
