Critical Infrastructure and Transport Security Inc. feature Lock Solution to Combat Cargo Theft

Irving, TX – September 14, 2023 – ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions – Critical Infrastructure (now ALCEA) partner Transport Security, Inc. (TSI), was a co-sponsor of this year’s Midwest Cargo Security Council’s Cargo Theft Summit. About 100 transportation and logistics officials, along with security directors, law enforcement and cargo theft task force members, and FBI representatives attended the August 23-24 event in Plainfield, a Chicago suburb.

Pilferage of cargo trailers and containers in the nation’s supply chain became an emerging trend in 2021, and information shared by speakers at the event indicates the problem has become worse due to myriad reasons. It served as a good reminder about the best practice strategies trucking companies and drivers can utilize to reduce theft, which includes employing ENFORCER^® Abloy^® trailer and container padlocks.

“The presentations made clear the rise in strategic cargo theft. Rail theft is now being carried out by third generation thieves, and their M.O. hasn’t changed much over the years,” states Nick Erdmann, business development manager of Transport Security, Inc. and vice president of the Midwest Cargo Security Council.

“There is a need for the private sector to work with government officials to get strategic theft noticed. And there is pending legislation to form task forces for cargo theft that many in the industry would like to see be approved.”

In the last two years, nationwide theft has reached unprecedented high volumes as law enforcement has less resources to operate with. Thieves, many who are gang affiliated and network, have become more organized, sophisticated and bolder with their tactical approaches to well-planned attacks. Rail systems in metropolitan areas are the preferred targets with complete trailers being removed from railyards at times. Thus, education and preventative measure recommendations can help.

“One solution is to secure all trailers with high security, hardened ABLOY padlocks, regardless if they are loaded with merchandise or not,” assured Erdmann. “The FBI demonstrated fingerprinting techniques using our locks during the truck exhibit session. You can use king pin, landing gear or glad hand locks for unattached trailers, and secure all of your tractors with a high security locking device such as air-cuff.”

TSI and ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions – Critical Infrastructure (now ALCEA) together have served the freight transportation industry for over 40 years, providing high security solutions for the fleet trucking, supply chain and retail sectors. Their Portable Locking Security Kit, a popular items for fleets and independent truck owners, is a rugged, lightweight case that holds a king pin lock, air cuff locks to secure air valve levers and prevent brake release, and two high security ABLOY PL341/25 padlocks for trailer doors.

“We incorporate all of the ABLOY padlocks and cylinders into our product offerings for trailer and truck security solutions,” added Erdmann. “Our customers like the durability of their padlocks and cylinders, along with the ease of use and not having to replace locks due to malfunctioning. We have many customers who continue to use their ABLOY locks for years and years with great success.”

“I am very proud to have facilitated TSI’s continued relationship with ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions – Critical Infrastructure (now ALCEA) for so many years, and for many more in the future,” said managing director Jerry Burhans.

If you are interested in the Midwest Cargo Theft Summit findings, want more information about next year’s events, or are interested in a security solution for your operations, contact Erdmann via email: nick@transportsecurity.com.