By networking existing databases and adding secure reporting and analytic functions, the new system will enable more efficient, accurate and timely sharing of cargo-theft information between theft victims, their insurers, and law enforcement.
Cargo theft is a multi-billion dollar economic drain that exploits existing gaps in the nation's information-sharing framework.
Theft victims' inability to provide timely and accurate information about their losses hampers law enforcement's ability to conduct an effective investigation. Aside from the immediate loss of merchandise, cargo theft affects insurers and their policyholders through added costs that are ultimately borne by consumers.
Furthermore, the indirect costs of cargo theft through supply-chain interruption can jeopardise product safety when goods are taken from a controlled environment and resold to an unsuspecting public.
For the first time, a nationally co-ordinated data-sharing system is being built to take into account the needs of insurers, law enforcement, transportation companies, manufacturers, retailers, and their many agents and service providers.
The core of the network is a new database called CargoNetTM, which will be launched in early-2010. The network will also encompass training and investigative support for law enforcement, as well as theft prevention services and analytics.
Joe Wehrle, president & CEO if NICB, pointed out that the National Cargo Theft Task Force recommended the development of intelligence databases and information sharing almost two years ago.
"Working with our members and law enforcement, NICB has been making progress against cargo theft on many fronts," said Wehrle. "We have recovered stolen cargo, developed intelligence and dissolved organised groups behind the thefts."
He added that if CargoNet were in place today, there would be a lot more recoveries.
Ronald Thornton, president & CEO of the Inland Marine Underwriters Association (IMUA), a not-for-profit association that represents most US cargo insurers, noted that whilst good progress has been made in some areas, information sharing has remained ad hoc and fragmented at best.
"Our technical committees and member companies have met with the team developing CargoNet, and I am encouraged by the evident level of support it is receiving," said Thornton. "This effort will be a major step forward in the fight against cargo theft for our members and their policyholders."
