freight security Archives

Now, carriers who book with Transfix can instantly authenticate loads and identify fraudulent rate confirmations

Transfix, Inc. (“Transfix”) today announced the launch of a new security enhancement designed to verify load authenticity and provide the shipping community with greater ability to prevent the carrier fraud that has been prevalent in the industry.

While fraud has always affected the trucking industry, research indicates a significant increase over the past years, with CargoNet recently reporting a 57% increase in Q2 2023 fraud events as compared to Q2 2022. Fraudulent freight activity can lead to delayed deliveries, lost revenue for both shippers and carriers, and supply chain inefficiency.

One security weakness that has troubled the sector is fraudulent actors impersonating legitimate freight brokers and shippers. These fraudsters then contract carriers to deliver shipments but never pay them, further damaging the carrier’s bottom line in an already challenging freight market. To combat this, Transfix has added a unique QR code to its rate confirmations, making it easy to confirm that the shipment is a confirmed Transfix load. When scanned by a smartphone camera, the QR code will take drivers to “apps.transfix.io” – a dedicated landing page where load authenticity and shipment details will be validated.

If a carrier receives an unauthorized rate confirmation from Transfix, then the rate confirmation will either not have a QR code, will have a QR code that does not scan, will generate inaccurate shipping details, or will direct the user to a landing page not containing “apps.transfix.io”.

This new feature is one of a number of security enhancements Transfix has initiated which have the benefit of fighting fraud. Most recently, the company partnered with Highway, a carrier identification solution designed to reduce fraud and supercharge digital bookings. Highway improves efficiency by replacing the standard practice of vetting a carrier through multiple sites.

Read more about Transfix’s work to combat fraud here.

Cargo theft statistics reported for the third quarter prove a substantial decrease compared to earlier reports that showed an increase for the second quarter, according to Commercial Carrier Journal. With Christmas two days away and 2019 kicking off, increased demand for retail products is paired with the risk of theft. Here are tips for industry players to consider to reduce the risk of theft risks and decreasing the chances for loss.

Technology continues to grow, tying loose ends within global trade, economic development, and maritime operations. Utilizing automation and digitization to reduce risk through theft is a no-brainer, according to an article highlighting prevention methods from the Logistics Bureau. Consider technology solutions that allow for greater visibility and cargo monitoring to tighten security. Implementing a system that provides security for employees and products creates an environment of safety and risk mitigation.

For trucks carrying cargo and making frequent stops, Logistics Bureau encourages drivers to consider parking tail-to-tail or parking against hard surfaces to increase the difficulty of breaking into the truck. Additionally, consider the use of common solutions that don’t require high-end technology such as locks and seals provide. Thieves only need about 40 seconds to successfully break in and hot wire an engine according to Work Truck, emphasizing the need for increased communication and tracking for cargo deliveries.

Simple practices such as these can make a drastic difference in seasonal freight deliveries. It’s about staying one step ahead of the crime through the use of technology, alarm systems, and streamlining communications.

Sources: Truck World, Logistics Bureau, CCJ

Transfix Releases First-of-its-Kind Shipment Verification Feature to Combat Freight Fraud

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