Defensive logistics

摘要

The basic concept of containerisation is uni-tisation. Similar or mixed cargo is loaded into a container, which then becomes a single unit for handling by various modalities. This process greatly reduces the stresses of handling, the costs of freight, vulnerability to pilferage, and the potential for shipments going astray in transit. However, once cargo is loaded into a container, the box becomes the target, and an act of theft, rather than being a relatively small pilferage event, can reach catastrophic proportions. Containerisation is remarkably efficient. It is not unusual for cargo to leave the Pacific Rim, transit the Pacific, and arrive ready for installation in the central US within 25 days. From Chicago, cargo can be moved to Miami in 48 hours, and from Miami to South America in a week. Air shipments are obviously even faster. However, this speed and efficiency of cargo movement in containers is used by cargo thieves to move stolen cargo from the theft location to market, often utilising the very systems designed to handle legitimate cargo. Imagine the difficulties for police in Europe if cargo can be stolen in the Netherlands, cross four national boundaries, and end up in Spain in two days. The juris-dictional issues alone are a nightmare.