The last thing any company wants to experience is a shipping delay. But with an uptick in global shipping, crowded ports and travel routes have made delays and thefts a real risk. And especially for businesses with time-sensitive shipments or expensive goods, beefed-up security protocols are a must.
How can companies protect valuable freight when it’s in transit? From insurance plans to tamper-proof containers, the options are plentiful. Read on as we unpack the best practices for container security in 2026.
Use Tamper-Evident Seals
Businesses don’t want the wrong people accessing their shipping containers. With tamper-evident seals, they can bring accountability to the transit process. While these seals can’t necessarily keep someone from stealing goods, they can reveal that someone has tried to open a container without permission.Â
Stronger locks and smart locks can act as another deterrent. Lockboxes and crossbar locks can create a physical barrier that makes it much harder to break into a container. And if someone does try to tamper with a smart lock, the authentication process can derail those plans.Â
Additionally, companies can add GPS trackers to their freight to keep tabs on its location. If a shipment is rerouted or delayed, for example, an employee will know right away. And, in some cases, trackers can send notifications if a container has been opened without consentÂ
Focus on Accurate Documentation
When shipments are late or missing, the problem may be incomplete documentation. When packing lists are inaccurate or customs work isn’t completed properly, that can increase the likelihood of delays. And with delays comes the increased potential for tampering and theft.Â
Today’s approach to freight shipment relies on digital documents to create a digital paper trail. In complex supply chains, digital documentation enables showing live updates and tracking down problems. Further, everyone from the delivery truck driver to the employees unloading freight at the port will be able to see the same shipment details through an online portal.Â
Accurate documentation chronicles the chain of custody to know exactly which individual was responsible for a shipment at different points in the process. With more details, it’s easier to maintain accountability and identify the source of any problems that arise.Â
Invest in Cargo Insurance
The best locks and documentation can’t remove all security risk with high-value freight. Likewise, even the best data and analytics can’t prevent issues from happening. Thankfully, cargo insurance can add another layer of coverage for shipments in transit.Â
Platforms like Secursus, for instance, provide shipping protection in case of damage, loss, or theft. Shipments will be covered from the moment they are with a carrier and end at delivery. With any potential insurance coverage, it’s best to compare different coverage options carefully.
Choose a Combination of Protections
High-value freight can be a vulnerable attraction when it’s in transit. Moving from one carrier to the next and encountering delays can create opportunities for theft. A layered approach to security, however, can help mitigate these risks.Â
With more robust locking mechanisms, good insurance coverage, and a complete paper trail, it’s easier for companies to track their goods. Companies can lower risks and help ensure that their valuable freight shipments reach their destinations safely.Â
