5 tips for shipping security

5 tips for shipping security
Everyone in the supply chain has a role to play in ensuring the safety of a given cargo, but it is always good for shippers to take the first steps to improve the safety of their shipments. RESPONSIBILITY =( equals) ACTION. If one of your priorities is the security of your cargo and you act proactively, not reactively, then it will certainly be as protected as possible. By being proactive in your approach to the security of your shipments, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with transportation, no matter where it is traveling. Here are our five tips for any shipper for security in the supply chain who has decided to organize the transport of their cargo themselves.
Choose verified carriers
If you organize the transport of your cargo yourself, not using a forwarding company, it is impossible to underestimate the importance of your choice of carrier. With us, the choice of carrier is always the basis for the security of your cargo – we work with long-standing partners that we can rely on. What to look for in a carrier – naturally, first and foremost, a proven track record of reliability, safety protocols, and compliance with international regulations. Look for providers with membership in select carrier networks. These types of organizations typically admit carriers based on experience, require membership fees, and make rigorous safety certifications and audits a condition of membership. This ensures that all members are committed to providing safe transportation services.
If the carrier you’ve chosen isn’t yet a member of such an organization, they likely have other certifications that prove the company’s qualifications – just ask or ask to see them if they’re not posted on their corporate website. Ultimately, when vetting a carrier, consider factors such as the company’s security standards, technological capabilities, years of experience, and overall reputation in the market. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or ask for recommendations from others. The answers to these questions will help you make the most informed choice for your cargo.
Consider additional security requirements
Depending on the nature of your cargo, it may be worth considering additional security measures. High-value or sensitive cargo, such as electronics or pharmaceuticals, is often a target for thieves. As a result, many shippers opt for additional protection, such as sealing crates or containers, GPS tracking, cargo insurance, and sometimes even an escort. While each of these protective steps comes at an additional cost, it can be worth it for the peace of mind they provide. Whether you decide to spend more for a higher level of protection or not, the best cargo security strategy is always multi-layered. Work with your carrier to combine physical security elements, technological monitoring, and risk mitigation to create a balanced strategy that makes sense for your cargo.
Double-check your documentation
Whether your cargo will be traveling domestically or using international transportation, it’s important to make sure all required paperwork is completed correctly before your cargo leaves the loading point. Missing or inaccurate documentation can lead to unnecessary inspections or detentions, especially across borders, putting you at risk. Look for spelling and numeric errors, swapped addresses or contact information, etc. If any areas are incorrect, incomplete, or missing information, be sure to alert your chosen shipping company to this and provide the correct information immediately.
When talking about your chosen shipping company or so-called carrier, keep in mind that a carrier that emphasizes comprehensive documentation (and clear, consistent communication) will help your supply chain run smoothly and reduce risks. Be wary of any carrier that doesn’t offer transparency, visibility, and assistance when it comes to your documents.

Stay up to date with global news
One of the most unpredictable threats comes from the ever-changing geopolitical landscape - natural disasters, political unrest or trade disputes can disrupt the normal movement of your cargo. Yes - it's a fact. As a freight forwarding service provider, we are always informed about this. And if there is or is an emerging problem somewhere, we contact our international partners and look for the most suitable solution for transporting a given cargo, depending on its type. In other words: Be aware of the "when" and the "where". When is your cargo scheduled to move? Does this time conflict with any known disruptions or ongoing conflicts? Where will your cargo be moving? Tracking these key developments in the regions your cargo will be moving through will help you take proactive measures. In some cases, adjusting your transit routes or times can prevent your shipments from being delayed - or worse, compromised.
Prepare your cargo properly for transportation
We always tell and advise our customers that the better a cargo is prepared for transport, the less likely it is to have complications during its transport. And we always provide them with assistance if they need it, because preparing a cargo shipment is different from that of a parcel. Choose pallets of the appropriate size and quality, because pallets are used to consolidate shipments and make them easier to move. A high-quality pallet is made of wood or plastic and should weigh between 9 and 30 kilograms. When choosing the right pallet for transporting your cargo, make sure that it is strong enough to withstand the load and large enough to accommodate it. Pack non-palletized shipments well. If you are not using a pallet, prepare suitable shipping containers, crates or boxes and make sure that they are strong enough to withstand the weight of the goods. When reusing packaging, remove old shipping codes and labels to reduce the risk of goods being sent to the wrong place, check for breakage or tears. Label – each load should have visible labels with the shipper’s phone number and address on each side of the pallet, and if required, on each individual part of the load.

Ensuring the safety of cargo in global supply chains requires a combination of strategic partnerships, careful planning and technology. As a company specializing in the field, we know that although the carriers we work with provide a solid foundation for safety – we always have one thing in mind, we think and try to be “one step ahead” of the present. We check, fill, inspect, plan, track, inform ourselves to ensure the best opportunity for your cargo to arrive intact and on time to its destination.

See more:
Forwarder and cargo types
Why cargo consolidation is important
What is cargo insurance. Types of cargo insurance