RFID: Cargo Security and Product Traceability
Wednesday, March 03, 2010 - RFID Connections
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Editor
RFID can help prevent cargo theft and help identify individuals involved in it
Whether it's the result of the weak economy, the increased efficiency of thieves, or better reporting, freight thefts increased dramatically in the U.S. in 2009 -- and that raises concerns about the integrity and safety of the supply chain.
A report by FreightWatch showed cargo thefts in the
While a variety of overt and covert methods can be used to identify stolen goods after the fact, whether in black or gray market outlets or in more legitimate channels, preventing theft -- or identifying it early enough to stop goods from entering a distribution channel -- is more effective.
But whether it's preventing thefts or tracking goods after the fact, RFID can be a valuable tool.
The FreightWatch report showed that an increasing number of thefts, mostly truckloads, were from supposedly secure lots. On the one hand, that's good news because it means that hijacking, with the greater possibility of personal injury, is on the decrease in the
Where does RFID fit in? In virtually every aspect of shipment identification.
RFID can be used to identify:
· What is actually in the trailer (as pallets are built and as the trailer's loaded)
· Where the trailer is located in the yard
· Who is in the yard and when
· What is the condition of the trailer (secure or breached)
· When it left the yard, with whom (driver) and how (which tractor)
· Where it went, when and where it stopped
· Where the products went (supply chain).
Here's a quick break-down of how RFID can be used. If many of these seem like common sense, they are. Which is why it's so surprising they're not in greater use.
While the following discussion references "trailers" the same processes can obviously be used for less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments and any type of truck or transportation vehicle.
Shipping Container and Pallet Labels
Passive RFID labels on shipping containers can be read as pallets are built. Shipping container labels can be associated with the pallet label. Pallet labels can be read as the pallets are loaded into the trailer.
In the event that a pallet must be broken to fit the trailer, individual shipping container labels can be read to identify what is not in the trailer.
Tractor and Trailer Tags
Active RFID tags on tractors, trailers, chassis (for intermodal), and other equipment can serve multiple functions.
Initially, as a trailer is loaded, the trailer ID can be associated with shipping container and pallet tags. It can also be used to verify that it is the trailer that is assigned to a particular load.
Once in a yard, the trailer ID can be used with a real time locating system (RTLS) to track individual trailers and other pieces of equipment. An alternate approach would be to have tugs or other vehicles used to move trailers equipped with RFID readers to read equipment tags and fixed-location RFID tags used as "signposts" to identify general location within the yard. A third approach would be to have fixed-location readers that read tags on equipment and trailers as they pass certain choke points.
The different approaches can be tailored to address the different ways in which yards are configured and the way trailers move in, out or stay in the yard.
One common feature would be an RFID reader at every access point to identify equipment and trailers as they leave the yard and, ideally, verify that they are scheduled to leave, that they are being transported by an approved company and with the scheduled driver.
Tractor and trailer tags can also be used to verify that the trailer has not been switched en route.
[As a side benefit, truck/tractor tags can be used to authorize and record fuel use in yards that have fuel stations.]
Driver/Employee IDs
RFID ID cards (preferably including some form of secondary authentication such as biometrics or PIN) can be used to grant and track access to the yard and other facilities.
Passive employee IDs can be used to ensure that equipment operators are trained and authorized to use individual pieces of equipment -- particularly cranes and anything that might pose a hazard to other employees. They can also be used to grant/restrict access to operational parts of the facility -- whether it's a records room or a computer terminal. Battery-assisted employee IDs can be used to locate employees within the facility and, to a limited extent, in the yard.
Driver IDs can be used to verify a match between drivers, equipment, loads and schedules. This is particularly important for high value or hazardous loads (and may be a federal requirement). The
RFID Security Seals
Simple RFID security seals are particularly useful in yards where readers can detect a container breach. However, if a trailer/container has left the yard, then GPS-enabled security seals are more useful since they can identify when and where the breach occurs.
Sensor-equipped security seals can identify when breaches of a container/trailer occur in locations other than doors (such as floor, side wall or roof).
In-trailer Readers
For LTL deliveries, in-trailer readers can record individual shipping containers or pallets that are removed from the trailer. These readers can be used in combination with radio or cellular communications devices in the truck's cab for near real time updates and incident reports.
GPS
Knowing the location of a shipment at all times -- and more importantly when it deviates from the scheduled route -- can provide critical and timely information about possible hijacking, product diversion or other activities. Since many GPS systems track the truck's cab (or tractor), it is important for the trailer to be in constant communication with the cab's GPS system to provide proof that the trailer has not been detached.
Product ID
While it's preferable to prevent theft or identify it as it happens (and hopefully recover the goods before they are distributed), once theft has occurred it is also important to identify and shut down the distribution channels.
For high value, controlled and hazardous items, serialized passive RFID product tags (embedded in the item or on its associated packaging), can help identify gray market distribution or help identify stolen items. While it is possible to remove, destroy or deactivate tags, the lack of viable RFID tags could be an indication of stolen items and provide sufficient cause for a law enforcement investigation. (A physical examination of the item would generally reveal other security features, serial numbers, etc. to allow tracing of the item to a particular shipment or order.) Bogus or duplicated serialized RFID product IDs could also be an indication of stolen goods.
Conclusion
While the cost of product theft in 2009 is staggering, particularly considering the reduced volume of shipments because of the weak economy, it underscores the inherent threat to the supply chain in terms of potential product tampering, counterfeit goods and even terrorism.
As the FreightWatch study points out, there are definite weak links in the supply chain that need to be strengthened. And there many RFID solutions -- and companies offering them -- to ensure a strong and secure supply chain.
AIM has two ways for you to learn more about RFID solutions for cargo security and tracking -- the AIM Buyer's Guidethat links you to companies with the type of products and services you want to learn more about and an online RFP Servicethat allows you to enter specifics about your application and have vendors contact you with their solutions. Be sure to take advantage of these valuable free resources.
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Comments on this column? E-mail me: Bert Moore, Editor.
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