Aba Group Examines Reported Trends in Cargo Theft and Advises Businesses on How Not to Get Caught Out

After providing cargo security advice to shippers and business people for the holiday season, the aba Group has since gathered more information on cargo theft trends to help businesses take preventative measures to better protect their cargo.
 
Statistics compiled from CargoNet and its associated partners as part of a larger survey in America show that consumer electronics, food and clothing are the three most stolen types of cargo; whilst truck stops and rest areas are among the locations that are most frequently targeted as part of organized cargo theft. During the Christmas period, more cargo of these types is being shipped, giving organized cargo thieves greater opportunity.
 
Mr Graham Webster, the Managing Director of aba Group adds:
 
“Theft from these locations accounts for almost a third of all cargo theft incidents, according to statistics published by Chubb. These are then followed by modal yards and unsecured locations such as drop lots and parking areas near hotels, motels and restaurants. This adds weight to the advice that we’ve been giving to shippers and business people all season; you should always know where your cargo is and you must ensure that if any part of the transportation of your goods is subcontracted to another party, that your security requirements are signed off upon”.
 
In signing off on your security requirements, the companies that are contracted to transport your cargo accept all liability if their security standards are found to deviate from your requirements. So in the event of theft or cargo loss due to their negligence, you should be covered by their own policy.
 
It is difficult to know how the courts and insurers’ claims departments will react in the event of such a loss; but provided that both your security standards and those of your shipping partner meet the requirements of your insurance provider; you are much more likely to make a successful claim
 
“For goods that are travelling over long distances, a more comprehensive Cargo Insurance Policy should be in place. Marine Cargo Insurance provides cover for cargo moved by air and sea, whilst Goods in Transit Insurance covers those goods moved over land. So for those shipments that travel over land, by sea and by air, a combination of both policies ought to be in effect. For those shippers looking to better understand what levels of cover they ought to have in place, we’re more than happy to help them” states Mr Webster
 
The problem when shipping cargo, is that over longer distances, many transport types may intervene and it is when cargo changes hands that it is at its most vulnerable. Recently, a shipment of televisions was stolen in California; but because the shipper had taken the necessary precautions and knew where their cargo should have been, the local police were able to limit their surveillance to 140 suitable storage locations. Combined with information received from CargoNet, the investigation led to the recovery of the goods valued at over $1million, as well as the recovery of items from seven other thefts including clothing, electronics and household items.
 
“This is great news, and it just goes to show that taking these preventative measures really does make a difference. With the advent of CargoNet back in 2010, more actionable information can now be handed to the authorities when incidents like this arise, making it harder for organized cargo thieves to make things difficult for us all. Unfortunately, CargoNet is primarily an American initiative and so for those shippers that do not regularly ship to the US, it is still highly important that pre-emptive action is taken. Securing confidential cargo information, conducting employee background checks and ensuring that you are covered with comprehensive Cargo Insurance Cover and Marine Liability Insurance is key. If you are unsure of what sort of cover is best suited to you, speak to us or other specialist Business Insurance Brokers”
 
Maintaining cargo security continues to be a focus, particularly with the threat of terror attacks being ever present. Yet, as the industry progresses its work with the authorities and shippers better educate themselves on their own cargo security, the industry can expect future reductions in their own cargo losses. 
 
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About aba Group:
aba Group has been operating in Bolton for years, headed by Managing Director Graham Webster and fellow Director Lynne Eckersley, they have 70 years’ experience in the industry between them. Their specialist insurance coverage spans directors, officers, contractors, engineers, landlords and a whole host of other professional roles and activities; which has seen them become the go-to business insurance brokers locally.
 
For further information contact:
Email: insure@abagroup.co.uk
Website: www.abagroup.co.uk
 

Contact Information

Graham Webster

Managing Director

aba Group

(44) (0) 1204 364 842

insure@abagroup.co.uk