Ten cargo security tips
Authored by NMU
Cargo security should be high on the agenda of anyone responsible for the movement of goods
Whether you’re a manufacturer, distributor, importer or exporter, these tips will help you avoid cargo-related crime.
1. Know where your shipment is
Know each movement of your cargo. Know where it should be at any given time, when it is stationary and when it is being transferred between carriers. Note when it will arrive at the final destination, and if it fails to arrive start asking questions immediately.
2. Know who is handling your shipment
Do not accept any sub-contracting without knowing that security standards will be unaffected. Realise that sub-contractors may themselves sub contract to the point that you have no control over security of your cargo.
There are an increasing number of bogus hauliers operating, particularly in Europe, who are obtaining contracts to move goods in order to steal them. Is your Carrier sub-contracting to one of these without knowing their background?
3. Set minimum security standards
Document minimum security standards expected from each approved carrier. Make them sign off to your requirements and make sure that they understand that they will be held responsible for any deviations from your standards without your written agreement.
4. Visit your carriers
Inspect third party storage facilities and ensure that warehouse keepers have adequate and current liability insurance in place.
5. Know your own staff
Make sure that background checks are undertaken, follow up references from previous employers and look for unexplained gaps in employment.
6. Keep shipping documents secure
Ensure that access to your computer network is secure from cyber crime. Be aware that organised cargo criminals will seek inside help when planning an attack on your cargo.
7. Enhance security for high-value and theft-attractive goods
Provide enhanced security for high-value and theft-attractive consignments such as high-tech, electronic and computer equipment, high fashion branded clothing, wines and spirits, high value metals, fragrances, sports equipment and clothing to name but a few. Examples of enhanced security measures include:
- Use of rigid sided vehicles only
- Vehicle tracking systems
- Covert tracking devices placed within your consignment
8. Never advertise high value shipments
Use discreet packaging and avoid brand names and logos.
9. Demonstrate that losses are taken seriously
Follow up on the cause of any losses and look for any trends. Ensure that a thorough investigation is carried out and that immediate countermeasures are put in place. Look for similar weaknesses throughout the supply chain before similar losses occur. Have a documented claims handling procedure and ensure that claims are reported without delay.
10. Consult your cargo insurer
At NMU we offer free guidance to help our clients avoid cargo losses. For more information about Cargo Insurance, CLICK HERE, leave a message and youTalk-insurance will pass your enquiry on.
About NMU
NMU is an award-winning provider of specialty insurance solutions
We are the first choice for brokers looking for specialty insurance, offering solutions that are not simply off-the-shelf, but built upon a real understanding of the risks faced by policyholders. This, together with our ability to write risks such as storage, installation, construction and exhibitions outside of the UK and offer terrorism cover on overseas property, sets us apart from the competition.
You can count on us, when you need us most! We are NMU
Our team of professionals based across the UK, provides customers with an in-depth product knowledge and a real personal service.
We provide bespoke insurance products that are not simply off-the-shelf solutions, but built upon a real understanding of the risks faced by policyholders as well as offering added value services to benefit our clients.
Our product and services range comprises:
Cargo Insurance: Marine cargo policies cover goods during import and export, including any incidental storage, as well as domestic distribution. Stock throughput polices can cater for all this plus other, intentional storage…read more
Freight Liability Insurance: Covering the liabilities to which hauliers, freight forwarders and warehouse keepers are exposed when they contract to move or store goods owned by others…read more
Engineering Insurance: Covering contractors’ all risks (CAR), erection all risks (EAR) and contractors’ plant; machinery movement (and installation), breakdown and business interruption; deterioration of stock; and electronic risks…read more
Marine Equipment Insurance: Covering remotely-operated and autonomous underwater equipment – ROVs, AUVs and the like…read more
Terrorism and Sabotage Insurance: Standalone terrorism cover can be a more flexible and cost-effective alternative to traditional placement routes…read more
Motorsport Insurance: Designed for commercial risks, our motorsport policy offers 24/7 cover for teams at all levels across all disciplines…read more
Cyber Insurance: Providing SMEs with a simple, robust solution for cyber liabilities, cybercrime and restorative support…read more
Risk Control: Whilst we pride ourselves on our claims service, there is far more benefit to policyholders in preventing loss and damage in the first place…read more
Online Facilities: To complement our award-winning service, we use online facilities to assist NMU policyholders and brokers alike…read more
Claims Management: We pride ourselves on prompt and efficient claims management, which is supported by the use of independent surveyors and adjusters to quantify larger losses and to give advice on mitigation measures…read more