Annual Meetings-5. Transportation and Supply Chain Logistics: Navigating Challenges

5. Transportation and Supply Chain Logistics: Navigating Challenges

Pdf Summary

The "Transportation and Supply Chain Logistics: Navigating Challenges" session at the 94th Annual IMUA Meeting focused on the impact of technological advancements on logistics, specifically concerning cargo theft, fraud, and the preventive measures that can be adopted. Cassandra Gaines, CEO of Carrier Assure, highlighted how technology, while beneficial, is also being manipulated by bad actors for digital identity theft and document fraud, stressing on the increased sophistication of fake documentation like COIs and BOLs.<br /><br />The discussion underscored the importance of implementing robust onboarding applications and supplementary technologies like Carrier Assure, geo-fencing, load tracking, and communication integrations to prevent fraud. Emphasis was placed on having rigorous procedures in place to support these technologies, such as FMCSA verification, limited load board use, and strict procedural adherence, especially for high-value or targeted cargo.<br /><br />Key challenges in the freight industry have been identified, such as post-COVID supply chain dynamics, declining carrier quality, and increased strategic theft. Presenters noted the evolving nature of shipper contracts and the quality deterioration in motor truck cargo coverage.<br /><br />The session also explored liability, compliance, and contracts, pinpointing problematic areas like shipper demands and broker-carrier compliance. Participants were polled on their views of freight brokers' liability, the sophistication of cargo theft, and awareness of post-loss resources, revealing gaps in industry understanding and diverse opinions on technology and liability management.<br /><br />Best practices for underwriting freight brokers were shared, which included maintaining comprehensive agreements such as Shipper-Broker, Broker-Carrier, and Co-Broker agreements, ensuring clear liability transfer, and understanding the Carmack Amendment. A focus on strategic theft prevention and policy response was encouraged, promoting the use of third-party compliance resources to monitor risk profiles and post-loss resources for loss minimization.

Keywords

transportation

supply chain

logistics

cargo theft

fraud prevention

technology

compliance

freight industry

liability management

underwriting