BUILDING RESILIENT SUPPLY CHAINS: CURBING CARGO THEFT
Posted by Vincent
Each year, South African shippers experience significant losses due to cargo theft during handling and transit. 2023 figures show these losses reached half a billion Rand. In a globalised supply chain, cargo losses can occur at any time when there is a lack of visibility. Technology, processes, and personnel have become essential in preventing cargo theft and pilferage incidents. Within the Dube Cargo Terminal, we took a layered approach to security, resulting in our facility being the safest airfreight terminal on the African continent. Since opening its doors in 2010, our facility has reported no cargo loss or pilferage cases.
This layered approach to security has led us invest significantly in various technologies, including CCTV, RFID tracking, and mechanical handling of goods, using Elevated Transfer Vehicles in order to minimise human handling. Secondly, our staff hold internationally recognised qualifications in cargo handling, aviation security along with other certifications. This coupled with strict handling procedures, ensures that only individuals who have passed thorough background checks are allowed to handle the cargo we have in our care.
To effectively combat theft in the supply chain, it is crucial to implement strong security measures and utilize real-time data. This is where RFID cargo tracking and mechanical handling play a vital role. As soon as each item of cargo arrives at our terminal, we establish a reliable chain of custody across all handling points.
As Dube Cargo Terminal grows as a significant cargo hub, we aim to enhance the technological infrastructure to meet our evolving needs. The integration of advanced technologies—such as blockchain for secure and transparent transaction records, leveraging big data and the Internet of Things (IoT) for real-time tracking and monitoring of shipments, and even the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) for optimising our processes will play a crucial role in streamlining operations and enhancing cargo management in the future.