Risks around the transportation of high value cargo have changed – with criminals targeting data instead of drivers – which makes it more important than ever to ensure shippers work with trusted partners. This was the advice from Clifford Blackburn, CEO of 4PL logistics company TSI Central Station, who told FTW that three decades ago the truck driver was the biggest risk around high value logistics where the crime would usually occur when the truck was in transit. “These days, it is sensitive information that poses the biggest risk, with hackers accessing data and being able to alert criminals about high-value goods and the transport route before the truck even picks up the cargo,” he said, adding that limiting the number of information leaks should be a key component of a risk management strategy. According to him, this means choosing logistics partners with a proven track record and a solid risk profile. “Technology, if used correctly, is also a very strategic tool in mitigating risk and protecting high value cargo.” Blackburn explained that technology had advanced to the point where the right track and trace system could zoom in on an individual product as part of a larger shipment and track it from end to end. “Technology has become more accessible and easier to use and can quickly identify weak links in a high-value cargo supply chain. This means the previous ‘black holes’ can now be fully transparent,” he said. Blackburn added that technology could also be leveraged to further protect sensitive/ high-risk data and ensure it did not fall into the wrong hands.
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Technology, if used correctly, is a very strategic tool in mitigating risk and protecting high value cargo. – Clifford Blackburn
