Security In The Supply Chain

When analyzing a transportation company regarding its capabilities to keep cargo safe from theft, there are a variety of questions that a decision-maker should ask in an effort to effectively measure the security skills of the carrier. Although some points are particular to certain modes of transportation and specific nations, much of the advice is broad enough to be a best practice to be pursued, regardless of location or mode.

In the United States, the federal government measures trucking companies on a safety rating (number of accidents, number of traffic violations, etc.) How is safety an indication of security? Although safety and security may not seem to be directly related, a carrier with a high standard for safety is indicative of a company and its employees that follow specific protocols on how to operate. A popular phrase in many workplaces is “Safety is no accident.” An organization works toward a safetyminded environment through deliberate, practical measures. A high safety rating illustrates a company that follows strong processes. A trucking company that achieves a high measure of safety compliance is characteristic of a company that likely has a high conformance of its employees to any established security protocols concerning cargo handling and freight security.