Services: Cargo Security

Cargo Security Recommendations

The following are some recommendations we would like to present to you regarding cargo security. We must be very vigilant of our people and our procedures in this area. When it comes to security we have learned that prevention is key. Please take a moment to review these recommendations

• Guard- to be vigilant, secure the shipments and maintain a log of the driver, truck and carrier company, who picks up the shipment. Also included in the register should be the time of the trucks departure, driver name, truck’s license and seal numbers.
• Secure Shipping Area - only authorized personnel with special badge and/or vest allowed in, maintain a log of the persons who enter the shipping area and the purpose of the visit.
Install fence or physical barrier to protect tampering with the finish goods, install cameras with DVR capability.
• All Containers- need to be checked prior to being loaded. Taking into consideration the following points:

1 Exterior—front / sides
2 Rear—bumper/doors
3 Front walls
4 Left sides
5 Right sides
6 Floors
7 Ceiling / Roof
8 Inside / Outside doors
9 Outside / Undercarriage

• All tractors (trucks) - need to be inspected before departure, taking into consideration the following points:

1 Bumper / Tires / Rims
2 Doors / Tool compartments
3 Battery box
4 Air breathers
5 Fuel tanks
6 Interior cab compartments /Sleeper
7 Faring / Roof
8 Fifth wheel area-check natural Compartment / Skid plate

• Review all the entrances to the container, tractor, truck or vehicle (such as doors and side doors) all entrances should be sealed.
• Work only with C-TPAT authorized trucking companies, meaning the trucking company has performed background and drug-test on all drivers and is held responsible (U.S. authorities).
• Tracking time table - the coordinator should track the time it takes for the shipment to get from the plant to the border. A procedure must be defined if the time table is not adhered to, i.e. the truck is returned to the plant or to the broker for recheck.
• Use high security seals with unique serial numbers to secure the container or vehicle doors
• Declare the seal number on the export invoice and also use another one as a backup also declare it on the export invoice.
• Have the MX broker check the seal number of the container’s seal vs. the seal number declared on the export invoice at the time the pedimento is delivered.
• Once the cargo arrives at the customer’s warehouse, check the seal number on the doors with the one declared on the export invoice

On each one of the cases you must have a predetermined procedure of what to do in case the seal is broken or is different. A communication chain of command should also be established as to who is notified what and when.