Cargo Investigations - Theft, Fire, Contamination

Professional Investigations into Theft, Fire & Contamination of Cargo

Investigative Resource Center specializes in corporate investigation services, which includes a wide range of aspects such as investigations into the theft, fire or contamination of cargo. We are a fully licensed, bonded and insured private investigation company.

Did you know that cargo theft in the United States is a $15 to $35 billion industry? Of course, this number ultimately depends on what is inside the cargo, but it is a lucrative endeavor in the world of crime and happens more than you think. But what is cargo theft? In general, cargo theft is simply the criminal taking of any cargo, including money, chattels, or baggage that constitutes a commercial shipment of freight. In other words, it is the theft of goods mid-transportation.

Unfortunately, the theft of cargo does not lead to many arrests and/or convictions in the end. But the companies that lose their products due to theft have consequences and the cost of the lost load and effort of recovery increases insurance premiums. And these companies want answers!

Which is where we come in! We can investigate the parameters of your cargo theft, fire and contamination and see where it leads. Our staff has over 100 years of combined investigative experience and can handle all sorts of issues when it comes to cargo investigations. So please, reach out to us today for help with cargo investigations!

Get an Investigator

When you reach out, we can provide you with a free consultation and go over our various investigative services with you. We can provide you with detailed instructions on how we handle these sorts of situations.

How to Limit Cargo Theft for Transportation Companies

At Investigative Resource Center, we can professionally investigate the theft of cargo. Many transportation and trucking companies in the greater New Jersey area have turned to us for such an investigation. But to avoid even having to investigate stolen cargo and merchandise, here are some ways to limit the impact or probabilities of such an action.

Screen New Employees

When you hire new employees, always be sure to screen them. Conduct a background check to vet all incoming employees, such as drivers and warehouse employees. Anyone with access to the shipping information should be screened properly before you make the hire.

Professional Training of Employees

This may sound rudimentary but provide security training for all employees. Make sure they know what to do in the case of a hijack. Professional training will safeguard the employee, cargo and whatever vehicle they are transporting items in.

Use Technology to Your Advantage

Take the time to install alarm surveillance systems and respond to all incoming alerts. Make sure the perimeter, entrances, building doors, and windows are all well-lit. And make sure that vehicle and cargo tracking, immobilizers and any advanced security seals are available.

Careful Selection of Transportation Partners

When selecting transportation partners, it is important they share your security philosophy. This way you know you can trust them too. For example, they take seriously the need to conduct background checks and have proper employee training. Then you know you can hire them to work with you.

Use In-Transit Security Measure

Oftentimes, cargo theft is pre-planned, but it can also be opportunistic. The theft can include the use of an informant working on the inside who helps the thieves follow the truck. And it is not shocking that organized crime is involved in the scheme. The thieves will often wait outside known shipping facilities waiting for the drivers to stop. And when they do they pounce. A good practice to avoid this sort of theft is to not stop within the first 200 or so miles. And when you park, do so in a secure spot with good lighting and decent foot traffic.

Keep Out a Vigilant Eye

When you are looking to prevent cargo theft, always be on the lookout. Include counter-surveillance in your process. The trucks and its cargo are most vulnerable when simply sitting idle, so having measures in place to make sure there are eyes on the vehicle is crucial.

Conduct Audits

When the opportunity arises, conduct supply chain audits. When doing so, look for gaps in shipment protection. The people who steal cargo are always looking for new and improved way to defeat your security measures in place.