TORONTO — The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) and CargoNet announced they are working together to help motor carriers by introducing an additional layer of security to reduce carrier vulnerability to theft.

Also on the agenda is providing police agencies with critical information in apprehending criminals who commit these crimes at free will. 

But that "free will" may lead to a free jail cell, according to CTA CEO David Bradley,

“By joining forces with CargoNet, which is already working with carriers and police departments in the United States, we are able to provide a secure mechanism that will assist the Canadian trucking industry and police in better addressing many of the issues and recommendations identified in CTA’s report on cargo crime released a little over a year ago,” he said.

Those determined in committing hit and run attacks on truckers will have their acts recognized nearly everywhere they go. CargoNet features a national database, 24/7 theft alert system, a task force and investigations support. They also provide driver education and awareness training and a tractor-trailer theft deterrence program.

By joining CargoNet’s program, CTA member carriers are making CargoNet’s presence known in Canada, allowing them to retain a seat on CargoNet Canada’s advisory board.

David Shillingford, president of Verisk Crime Analytics, said that they are excited "to support CTA and the industry in the implementation of one of the major recommendations of the study; secure data collection and sharing between cargo theft victims and law enforcement.”

But in a time when a lot is at stake, Bradley stressed the basis of everyone’s co-operation and awareness is critically important to ensure the newest preventive measure will produce positive results.

“Cargo crimes affect the entire supply chain; from shippers, to insurers, to carriers, their employees and ultimately the end customer,” Bradley said. “[…] we need to work with and convince members of the enforcement community, governments and the Canadian judicial system that cargo crime, which is increasingly orchestrated by sophisticated organized crime syndicates, is a serious issue that is costing the Canadian economy billions of dollars."