High-value goods range from luxury items and electronics to sensitive medications, premium cigars, alcohol, livestock, and fine art. These goods have high value, making them prime targets for criminals and more susceptible to theft and hijacking than regular goods.
Given their importance, high-value goods require exceptional care and attention during transit. A single security lapse can lead to substantial financial losses, harm a company’s reputation, and disrupt multiple industries.
Let’s discuss the risks involved in transporting these valuable items and explore how advanced technologies like Cartrack’s fleet management solutions can help protect them while on the road.
High-value items are at an increased risk of theft due to their desirability. These goods can also be easily damaged and often come with strict regulations that must be considered during transit. Let’s take a closer look at these risks:
According to the Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA), the most commonly targeted cargo in South Africa includes phones, cash, miscellaneous electronics, metals, food, and beverages. This highlights that high-value goods are prime targets for criminals, who may either steal the items or hijack the entire vehicle.
High-value goods are highly vulnerable to theft and hijacking during transit because they go through multiple handovers, such as drivers, logistics companies, and warehouse teams. These goods are often left unprotected at unsecured rest stops or while being transferred between locations. With each handover, the risk of theft increases, as security can be inconsistent. Unlike at warehouses, which have strict security, the lack of continuous protection during transit makes it easier for criminals to target the shipment.
Due to the delicate nature of most high-value goods, they are most likely to be damaged during transit. This may result from improper handling, incorrect storage, inadequate packaging, accidents, adverse weather, and poor road conditions. For temperature-sensitive products, it could be that the temperature was incorrect throughout the trip, resulting in spoilage of items, and compromising their quality.
Accidental damage causes significant harm to the cargo, resulting in financial loss and customer dissatisfaction.
Noncompliance with regulations is a significant risk when transporting high-value cargo, particularly for items like pharmaceuticals or international shipments. Noncompliance with legal and safety standards can lead to hefty fines, legal action, and reputational damage. It’s important to ensure all regulations are met to avoid these risks during transit.
Technology plays an important role in mitigating risks associated with transporting high-value goods. Through GPS tracking and telematics, you can be in charge of your fleet at all times and will be able to act swiftly before anything happens to your cargo.
Here are some ways technology can enhance safety and security:
When protecting high-value freight during shipment, you need to have a strategy that covers all bases. This means enhancing your security, conducting regular inspections and maintenance, and minimising stops on the way.
Here are some key best practices to help you get it right:
Fleet operators should train drivers in secure cargo handling and emergency response protocols. These training programs will equip drivers to know how to identify when something is wrong, and they will be able to act swiftly in an emergency.
Drivers must ensure they know which protocols to follow while on the move; this includes checking for tampering, knowing how to use panic buttons, and reporting incidents immediately.
Drivers are basically in charge of your cargo and vehicles, so they must be protected at all times to ensure that the goods get delivered safely and securely.
It goes without saying that the vehicles used to transport these high-value goods need to be properly maintained to avoid unnecessary breakdowns on the road.
Managers must schedule regular inspections and ensure that vehicles go for servicing as and when required to prevent breakdowns. These inspections include checking security systems such as alarms and GPS tracking devices to see if they are still functioning as they should.
Regular checks can help identify and solve issues before they become major problems, posing potential threats to the cargo.
In order to make timely deliveries, fleet operators must make sure that the routes have minimum stops. Fewer stops reduce the risk of unauthorised access or tampering while improving fuel efficiency and delivery timelines.
Cartrack’s fleet management solutions ensure that your high-value freight is protected throughout its journey, ensuring that products are delivered in the right condition. Here’s how:
Cartrack offers you solutions to protect your cargo better, leaving you with satisfied clients. Contact us today for a tailored security solution.
Q: What type of insurance is necessary for transporting high-value goods?
A: To cover your high-value goods, get an all-risk insurance, which offers the most comprehensive coverage. It protects your goods against a wide range of risks, including damage, theft, loss, and accidents.
While we don’t provide insurance directly, our insurance agency can help you find the right insurer that fits your needs and budget.
Q: Does Cartrack offer any solutions for improving the safety of high-value goods during nighttime transport?
A: Yes, we do. It is important to note that our GPS tracking units continuously track your vehicles 24/7, and our operators are also available to assist you with anything you need. Our cameras are designed to perform effectively in low-light conditions, which means they will be able to capture clear and reliable footage even at night.
Q: Can a fleet management system help recover stolen high-value goods?
Yes, Cartrack’s fleet management system can help recover stolen high-value goods. With real-time GPS tracking, geofencing, and instant alerts, fleet managers can quickly locate stolen vehicles and coordinate with law enforcement and Cartrack’s recovery team to recover the vehicle transporting the goods.
Explore the risks associated with high-value goods while in transit, and discover how integrating fleet management solutions in your fleet can help mitigate these risks.
