QC Software’s Key Steps to Preventing Freight Theft

Jan. 20, 2012 - PRLog -- Our government estimates that cargo theft is a growing, multi-billion dollar business. As organized gangs become more sophisticated, companies that produce, sell and transport consumer goods must implement a variety of preventive measures to minimize this problem. This article focuses on what transportation companies can do to ensure safe delivery of the cargo.

“I’ve worked with many carriers over the years and appreciate the challenges they face. Managers feel it takes a strong anti-theft program and collaboration with partners to minimize cargo theft,” states Rich Hite, President of QC Software, a leading provider of warehouse control solutions.

The first line of defense is to hire the right people. Extensive screening of potential employees will help eliminate dishonest workers. Periodic background checks and anonymous tip lines are helpful for rooting out internal theft. Companies should provide thorough training on security procedures.

GPS devices can be installed in vehicles to track shipments. They can also determine a stolen vehicle’s location, provide alarms that go off when a vehicle travels outside the normal route, and remotely disable a stolen vehicle. Since tech-savvy thieves have learned how to disable a GPS system, some companies are also installing small GPS devices inside the cargo containers as an added level of security.

Various vehicle locks are used to prevent break-ins. King pin locks prevent the tractor and trailer from being separated. If the trailer is not attached to the cab, the king pin lock prevents thieves from attaching the trailer to their vehicle. Air brake valve locks prevent brake release. Glad hand locks will lock the trailer’s air line. A round lock with a hidden shackled padlock protects the cargo because it is difficult to break the lock using drills, hammers or crowbars.

Theft can occur anywhere along the route, so truckers should be alert to suspicious activity at all times. Examples of suspicious activity include vehicles that seem to be following the driver, people holding cameras or taking notes, and unauthorized people at the loading dock. All suspicious activity should be reported immediately to management and law enforcement.

Because cargo is vulnerable when left unattended, truckers need to follow safe parking procedures. Companies should investigate rest stops and limit drivers to the safer ones. Drivers should park in a well-lit area that is close to the building. They should make sure the safety alarm is working, keep the truck locked and always take the keys. When returning to the trailer, the driver should survey the vehicle for signs of tampering. When working in a team, one driver should stay with the truck at all times.

Shippers should develop strong relationships with law enforcement organizations to stay informed on the most recent trends in theft prevention. They also need to stay in close contact with customers, vendors and partners to understand current problems and work together to reduce cargo theft.

QC Software is recognized as an industry leader in providing innovative and adaptive software solutions for order fulfillment and distribution centers. Their RFID-enabled warehouse control system software provides advanced management capabilities for inventory control, resource scheduling and order management. For over 15 years, their solutions have enabled customers to streamline their warehouse operations with the lowest total cost of ownership in the industry.

For more information, contact Jerry List
Phone: 513-469-1424
Website: www.qcsoftware.com
Email:  info@qcsoftware.com

# # #

QC Software’s warehouse control system, the QC Enterprise, is a leading Tier 1 WCS that is backed by over 15 years of research, development and rigorous testing. The QC Enterprise is modular in nature, easily configurable, platform independent and scalable to suit a wide range of user requirements. QC Software’s innovative solutions are leading the way in profitability, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.