On television, we often see portrayals of drug smuggling and how the “bad guys” operate. But what happens when these depictions become a reality?
These shows often portray drug production—typically shown in a dingy basement—in a dramatized, fictionalized way. However, when these issues hit close to home, it’s time to take action.
With the increase in trade and travel, we are starting to see many unexpected packages and freight being used to smuggle contraband. In Canada, authorities recently seized $69 million worth of drugs, a monumental discovery made possible only through a thorough second inspection that led officials to uncover the hidden cargo. How does this occur, and how can we prevent it from affecting your freight?
Smuggling and Its Impact on Freight Travel
Smuggling has long been a problem that involves various types of illicit items and activities, including drugs, animals, and human trafficking. Criminals use different methods and tactics—such as concealments or hidden compartments.
One common tactic is known as “Blind Mules.” This occurs when, while a truck is parked or the driver is away, criminals place a ‘package’ onto the truck or within another legitimate freight shipment. Often, the driver is unaware until they reach a terminal or port.
Other impacts that can affect Freight Travel
– Disturbances in Supply Chains
– Public Safety
– Financial impacts on both the supplier and consumer.
– And so on
Although their potential for harm varies in severity, the impact can still lead to larger issues over time. This, in turn, creates challenges and new limitations on trade and travel in order to limit smuggling as a whole.
Carriers Do Their Part
Imagine this: You’re a cargo driver, stopping for a brief moment at a gas station after many miles on the road. As you look away for a short break, your freight is now 10 lbs heavier, without you ever knowing.
As you pull into the terminal to unload your cargo, you begin to inspect your load. Carriers perform inspections on freight shipments to confirm that the contents correspond with the specified size and weight. These inspections usually involve either an electronic scan, such as an X-ray, or a physical examination of the package’s contents to ensure they match the Bill of Lading (BOL) or packing slip.
This meticulous process helps ensure that shipments have not been tampered with or damaged during transit and aids in the early detection and prevention of theft.
Officials try to limit and contain
How do officials find the owner of a package that they didn’t know where it was received? This is a growing concern as more cargo vehicles are employed in the transport of goods.
Smuggling harms not only companies but consumers as well, leading to serious consequences such as prolonged shipping delays and potential legal repercussions for drivers and shippers. As carriers do their parts, we see officials continue to do theirs, using dogs, drones, and working hand in hand with Carriers to catch a package as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Despite the cool and suave appearance of the villains, it is important to recognize the serious issue of smuggling and its impact on both freight and consumers. We must take action to combat the ever-growing smuggling industry and its effects on trade, which disrupts legitimate businesses and travel. This disruption leads to delays in freight transportation and necessitates additional security checks.
As the demand for Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) freight increases, we need to remain vigilant in noticing, locating, and reporting instances of smuggling.
