Shipment theft reached an all-time high during 2024, and so far, 2025 looks to be an even worse year.
All shipments are at risk, and criminals seem to have no limits when it comes to the tools and tactics they will use.
Purolator has long prioritized shipment protection, with continual investments in personnel and training, technology-based systems and assets, and accreditation with international standards organizations.
We are pleased to provide a 4-part series, along with a white paper, that delve into the serious issue of cargo theft and offer useful insight about how businesses can protect their valuable shipments.
Each article focuses on a different aspect of shipment security and offers useful information for minimizing risk. Readers can access the white paper for more detailed discussion.
Shipment security is a front-burner issue for all businesses. But working together, there are ways to fight back. Following is part two of our four-part series. If you missed our first installment, you can access it here.
When it comes to Shipment Security, Here’s Why Purolator is the Obvious Choice
There are many reasons a business will choose to partner with one logistics company over another. It could be price, transit time, geographic coverage, special handling, customs expertise, a combination of these factors, or something else entirely. But a consideration that must be thrown into the mix, is shipment security. And when it comes to a security-focused logistics partner, I’d like to explain how Purolator differentiates itself from other companies.
Cargo theft hit an all-time high earlier this year, with experts predicting the situation is likely to get worse. There are many reasons for this, including the sobering assessment that criminals have become more devious and yes, smart, in figuring out ways to divert, steal, and scam shipments from their legitimate owners. Here are a few alarming 2024 statistics from CargoNet, a leader in shipment security analysis:
- Reports of stolen shipments increased by 27%, compared to 2023.
- The average shipment stolen during this period was valued at more than $202,000.
- While all products are at risk, criminals showed a particular interest in vitamins and supplements, alcoholic beverages, over-the-counter skincare products and yes, cryptocurrency mining hardware. Small, high-value products like these are attractive because they can be quickly sold on the black market for a sizable profit. That said, criminals continue to prey on “traditional” products including tires, consumer electronics (televisions and computers), footwear, and motor oil.
- Most thefts are stolen while cargo is “at rest,” usually from a warehouse or distribution center, or while a trailer is parked in a rest area or yard.
- More than 20% of all thefts can be linked to some form of insider involvement.
- Criminals are becoming more proficient at using “theft by deception” schemes to obtain shipments. This includes crimes including identity theft, fictitious pickups, cybercrime (phishing, malware, password theft), and double brokering.
As these statistics make clear, the warning signs are all flashing red. Which is why a business’s choice of logistics partner is so important. And why Purolator has so much to offer.
Purolator is a leading provider of logistics solutions for shipments moving between the United States and Canada. In Canada, Purolator is a trusted and respected homegrown brand, and our trucks and delivery vehicles are part of the daily landscape. Our service network includes all of Canada, every province and territory, and every address, even oil fields and job sites located far from paved highways!
Purolator International is our U.S. subsidiary and features a highly developed distribution network that allows fast, direct service to the border. Our U.S. network is so proficient, that it’s not unusual for a shipment to arrive in Canada on the same day as its U.S. pickup.
We leverage the power of our U.S. and Canadian capabilities to offer end-to-end solutions that prioritize security and efficiency. And our efforts are working. We have a nearly-perfect on-time delivery rate, which means shipments rarely endure delays – denying criminals the opportunity to prey upon idle shipments. We also have a negligible rate of claims filed for shipment loss or theft.
These impressive rates haven’t happened by accident. Instead, they result from careful planning and significant investments in manpower, technology, and tools. Customers can expect an end-to-end security-focused experience with Purolator, with key features that include:
Internal Team of Security Experts
We employ a team of loss prevention experts who focus solely on shipment security. Team members collectively have decades of experience working in law enforcement, cybersecurity, logistics, and other related fields. This group is highly knowledgeable about current crime trends, and best practices in minimizing shipment risk. The team reviews the details of every Purolator shipment and identifies the proper security protocols. A high-value shipment of personal computers, which we know are high on criminals’ wish lists, for example, would travel with a few extra layers of protection, and a few more security check-ins throughout the process.
Employee Training
Extensive training protocols are in place throughout the company that ensure every employee prioritizes security and understands their role in minimizing risk. All employees undergo rigorous background and credential checks, with targeted training mandated for different job functions. Drivers, for example, receive training about how to minimize the risk of a hijacking or parking area theft, while warehouse employees are instructed on proper inventory storage protocols, and how to recognize suspicious activity.
We also have extensive IT protocols in place. Employees receive regular reminders about the importance of password protection, and how to be on the lookout for phishing and other cyberattack initiatives.
Cargo theft is at an all-time high. Learn how to protect your shipments. Download our whitepaper
Comprehensive Cross-Border Capabilities
I can’t overstate the importance of being able to rely on a single provider for comprehensive logistics service, especially when shipments need to cross the U.S.-Canadian border. Purolator offers this capability, which allows businesses to breathe easier knowing that a single company will control their shipments from point of pickup, across the border, and right through to end delivery. Shipments remain within our network, with full visibility and accountability. Our extensive in-network capabilities also mean fewer vehicle transfers and touches, which is when a high percentage of cargo theft occurs.
Scope of Services
Purolator offers a wide selection of service levels that can accommodate different shipment requirements. Shippers with especially fragile, valuable, or high-value shipments, for example, may opt for “mission critical” services. As the name implies, mission critical services offer the highest levels of customer service, and ensure expedited, guaranteed deliveries. Shipments may travel via “next flight out,” charter or expedited air service, via express ground solution, or a combination of air/freight services.
Time-definite services are another option for security-focused shipments. Time-definite solutions allow shippers to know the precise day and timeframe of a shipment’s arrival. Similar to expedited services, time-definite shipments also minimize the number of hand-offs and offer high degrees of visibility and accountability.
Alignment with International Security Standards
The Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) is the agency responsible for developing internationally accepted standards for supply chain security. TAPA recommendations extend far into the logistics process and include standards for warehouse/distribution center/yard security, fleet security, and cyber security. TAPA certification is regarded as the gold standard for logistics providers, carriers, and other providers. Purolator earned Level 1 Trucking Security Requirements (TSR) certification, after completing a rigorous review and compliance process. In addition, we meet or exceed TAPA standards across all facilities and practices.
Investment in fleet and facility security
Purolator ensures state-of-the-art security practices throughout its network of assets. All trucks, vans, planes, warehouses, processing facilities, service centers and other assets meet or exceed TAPA security guidance. This includes widespread use of cameras, thermal imagery, radar, communication networks, and locking systems. We have also invested in technology-based tools such as route optimization, GPS, and tracking software. We conduct regular system checks to guard against cyberthreats and ensure the integrity of all data.
U.S./Canadian “Trusted Trader” program participant
Purolator is an active participant in the U.S. Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) program, and Canada’s Partners in Protection (PIP)supply chain security program. These programs are government-authorized “trusted trade programs” intended to ensure the safety of international shipments. Program participants undergo an exhaustive supply chain review process and demonstrate a commitment to shipment security. Membership in C-TPAT and PIP puts Purolator in an elite category of security-focused companies and demonstrates an ongoing commitment to shipment security.
Last year, the Transported Asset Protection Asset used the word “devastating” to describe the impact criminal activity was having on businesses’ supply chains and bottom lines. But as bad as things were, TAPA advised that the situation was likely much worse, since most incidents go unreported.
Businesses can fight back though, by identifying lapses in their supply chains, and taking corrective action. As I hope this discussion has demonstrated, Purolator stands ready to assist, with an iron-clad commitment to ensuring shipments arrive safely and on-time, as promised. Every time.
Want to learn more? Read our new white paper, “How Safe are your Shipments? Theft, Risk, and the Steps you Can Take to Prioritize Loss Prevention”.