9 things you need to know about security in transportation

1.      Technological advancements are reshaping the security landscape

The security landscape in the transportation and logistics sector is evolving fast, driven by the pace of technology. Businesses are looking for digital tools to streamline operations, stay competitive, and respond to rising expectations.

Today, everyone in the supply chain is expected to know where and when cargo is moving, and the final buyer expects the same.

Technologies like 5G, IoT, and automation open up powerful new possibilities for real-time tracking, remote access management, and end-to-end visibility. The opportunity? Smarter, faster, and more secure logistics.

2.    Complex subcontracting in the transport chain poses challenges

One of the biggest security challenges in transportation and logistics involves subcontractors and third parties.

 Goods usually move from point A to point B, both locations controlled by the cargo owner. But everything in between is often handled by external providers: drivers, vehicles, storage facilities. These aren’t under the direct control of the cargo owner, which makes consistent security a challenge.

For security managers, the challenge is clear: how can you protect cargo when much of the journey is outside your control?

The key lies in visibility and access. With the right tools, you can track who has access to the cargo -when, where, and for how long - ensuring secure and traceable handovers at every stage.

3.    Theft isn't the only concern - but also contamination

Theft is a major concern in logistics, but it’s not the only one. For many operators, especially in food, pharmaceuticals, or air cargo, preventing contamination or tampering is just as critical.

When goods change hands, so does risk. The more keys are shared, the harder it is to control who accessed what, and when. That’s why limiting physical access is essential.

Take inflight catering, for example. One customer prepares meals just blocks away from the airport. The delivery route is short, but the risk is real: even a small window can be exploited by smugglers looking to insert narcotics into shipments.

The same concerns apply at international land borders, where oversight gaps can create opportunities for illegal activity.

In these cases, real-time visibility and access tracking - knowing exactly who opened a lock, when, and where - make all the difference.

4.   Remote access management is essential for moving assets

During transport, there are moments when cargo needs to be opened, often by authorities like customs or police. Traditionally, security seals were used to check whether a container had been opened. But they don’t offer control, only confirmation after the fact.

Today, operators are looking for smarter, safer options: the ability to grant access remotely, without handing over physical keys.

With digital locking solutions like ALCEA WILOA or  ABLOY^® BEAT, it’s now possible. Access rights can be activated via a mobile app, giving the driver permission to open a specific lock, at a specific time, with full traceability.

Retailers managing hundreds of stores are already seeing the benefits. Where physical keys and wall readers were once needed, fully digital systems now simplify access, save time, and reduce costs, especially when staff or routes change frequently.

5.   Heavy use wears down keys and locks, unless you go keyless

In logistics, some locks are used dozens of times a day. Over time, this constant use takes a toll, on both the locks and the keys. Mechanical components wear out. Keys break. Replacements take time and money.

One of our customers, a major retail chain, faced exactly this issue. Their delivery trucks were secured with electromechanical padlocks, but the intense usage was causing rapid key wear.

They needed a more durable solution, something that could handle frequent access while offering better control. By switching to a keyless digital system, they eliminated the need for physical key handovers and cut down on maintenance.

And when access is needed unexpectedly? There’s no need to drive across town to fetch a key. It’s all handled remotely.

6.   Traceability helps stop fraud before it happens

In logistics, visibility is everything. Knowing exactly who accessed what, when, and where is one of the most effective ways to prevent theft and fraud - especially when shipments pass through multiple hands.

 Electromechanical and digital locking systems offer what traditional locks can’t: full audit trails. With detailed logs of every access event, you can quickly identify suspicious activity, and act before small issues become major losses.

This isn’t a new challenge. According to a global survey published by Inbound Logistics magazine in 2019, lack of supply chain visibility was the sixth biggest challenge faced by shippers worldwide. And it’s still true today: 2025 survey by Maersk and Statista found that visibility remains a top priority for logistics leaders. It’s essential for resilience, especially in a world of constant disruption.

One of our customers in Mexico faced exactly this problem. Without full visibility, they couldn’t track who was accessing their shipments, or when. To take back control, they implemented the electromechanical ABLOY PROTEC² CLIQ locking solution. The result? They now have complete oversight of their container access, enhanced traceability, and significantly fewer fraud-related incidents.

7.    Your security is only as strong as its weakest link

No matter how advanced your locking system is, it won’t be effective if the surrounding components can’t keep up. A strong padlock won’t protect cargo if the door, hinge, or mounting point gives way under pressure.

That’s why a successful security upgrade means looking at the entire setup, not just the lock. Reinforcing containers, trailers, and access points ensures that your investment in security delivers real protection.

A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. The same goes for your supply chain security.

8.   The security process can be your most vulnerable point

Strong hardware is important, but a well-designed security process is what makes it work day to day.

If access rights aren’t managed properly, if credentials aren’t revoked when needed, or if staff don't follow procedures, your system can fail, even with the best equipment in place.

That’s why platforms like ALWIN, go beyond access control. ALWIN gives you a centralized, real-time view of your entire security environment, managing access, monitoring events, tracking users, and generating audit trails across your sites. It brings together all the hardware, software, and services you need, from access control and intrusion detection to visitor, key, and video management. 

With everything in one place, you gain better oversight, leading to smarter decisions and stronger, more unified security.

9.   Know who has access, and when

Lost keys are still one of the most common vulnerabilities in logistics. If you don’t know who has access, when it was granted, and whether it’s still active, you’re exposed to unnecessary risk.

With today’s digital systems, you can assign access to specific users, for specific locks, during specific timeframes, and revoke it instantly if something changes.

It’s not just safer. It’s smarter. You stay in control, reduce manual handovers, and avoid the hassle of rekeying or reissuing physical keys.

Security in transportation isn’t just about locking things down, it’s about staying in control at every step of the journey.

At ALCEA, we help transportation operators bring clarity to complexity with integrated, flexible security solutions that adapt to real-world logistics. Want to learn more about how we can support your operations? Get in touch.