“Once consumed, there is virtually nothing to trace the product back to the original source,” he adds.
Rite-Hite
Identifying Red Flags
Essential to a drive-through dock, the vertical storing leveler improves security at the loading dock by minimizing the points of entry into the facility with the door closed to the pit floor.
products included electronics (15 percent) and building and industrial (12 percent). CargoNet saw a similar trend in the second quarter of 2018, recording just 25 thefts of food and beverage Bulk food and beverage items can freight, down from 34 in second-quarter be easily broken 2017. They too saw down and sold household products individually at a higher become the most stolen commodity, especialmarkup ly major appliances, and quicker mixed household goods turnaround and tools. in profit.” While food and beverage cargo thefts Chad Dillavou, product manager, Rite-Hite may no longer reign supreme, they are still particularly vulnerable to the threat of theft for a number of reasons. Dillavou says food and beverage products provide a lucrative opportunity for thieves because “bulk food and beverage items can be easily broken down and sold individually at a higher markup and quicker turnaround in profit.” In addition, food and beverage items are almost impossible to track compared to electronics, which have serial numbers and permanent bar codes, as well as more secure packaging with tagged alarms, Dillavou says.
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Despite food and beverage products’ propensity for theft, they can be safely transported if protocols are in place and red flags are identified in the supply chain. Technologies such as vehicle monitoring systems are available to alert fleet managers about unauthorized door openings, and locks can be mounted to trailer and container doors to secure cargo from the inside. “Vehicle restraints act as both a physical and visual deterrent,” explains Rite-Hite’s Dillavou. “Some high-functioning models may even accommodate communication between a facility’s security system and a restraint that is properly engaged with and locked to a trailer’s rig or rear wheels. Further, should tampering occur during engagement, an automatic re-fire technology will restore a safe and secure connection between the vehicle restraint and truck. All of the interlocked communication creates an additional layer of security against tampering and theft.” Drive-through dock set ups, where the trailer doors are physically opened and closed within the building, can also help to ensure both cargo security and food safety. “Stringent drive-thru applications help address pilferage on the
drive approach, as it prevents anyone, whether a worker or potential thief, from being around the loading dock’s exterior,” Dillavou says. “This ‘boots off the ground’ policy can also help maintain a clean and temperature-controlled environment.” Beyond technological solutions on the truck, initiative must also be taken at the warehouse itself. “Supply chain security is a multi-layered approach that requires a multitude of steps to mitigate the risk of theft,” explains Dillavou. “Because the global economy is only getting bigger and more complex, security measures need to keep pace and evolve to meet the world’s needs.” He recommends the following actions that can be taken specifically at the warehouse: • Implement a security guard to verify the driver’s identification and trailer information. • Install video surveillance at the warehouse and loading dock. • Ensure proper driver vetting and education during the hiring and onboarding process. • Install hazard and control recognition systems. “If your facility does not have any, or all, of these basic security processes implemented, that may be a red flag,” he says, adding, “With these in place, there are many checkpoints along the process to minimize the chance for trailers and cargo to be stolen.”
A vehicle restraint can be interlocked and connected to building security, and it can automatically re-fire if tampered with.
Rite-Hite
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