According to Overhaul’s August 2024 report, U.S. cargo theft jumped 49% in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, with an average loss of $110,523 per incident. . Freight hubs and urban centers such as California and Texas remain hotspots, exposing long-standing gaps in supply chain security.
Globally, cargo theft continues to pose a significant challenge. According to TAPA EMEA, reported cargo thefts in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region cost an average of €988,000 every 24 hours in the first half of 2023, totaling around €179,000 in six months. It reached 1 million euros.
But the challenges go beyond stolen goods. Drivers, security guards, and employees are dealing with increased risks, from hijackings and access violations to physical assault. These incidents not only disrupt supply chains, but also damage profits, operations, and public trust.
In this episode of Innovation Obsessed, Joanna Small speaks with Patrick Welsh, general manager of the Americas at Oosto, and Chris Torrence, chief strategy officer at Optim, to discuss how artificial intelligence is helping logistics, trucking, and transportation. Explore how we’re transforming safety in the industry. From protecting drivers and cargo to ensuring ethical AI practices, the conversation provides practical strategies for improvement.
The hidden cost of cargo theft
While the rise in cargo thefts grabs the headlines, Patrick Welsh highlights the human cost of these incidents. “Protecting drivers is just as important as protecting their cargo. Drivers face threats such as trailer tampering, hijacking, and physical assault, all of which disrupt operations and cost lives. You put yourself at risk,” he explains. Incidents result in increased insurance costs, operational downtime, and reputational damage.
Empower your workforce with AI
From drivers navigating dangerous routes to security guards guarding large facilities, frontline workers are critical to ensuring safety. AI will support this workforce, not replace it. “Good AI provides data to humans who make decisions,” Welsh explains.
For example, a single security guard monitoring a 100,000 square foot facility can leverage AI insights to work more efficiently. Wales added: “Innovation is not just about securing supplies, it’s about creating environments where people feel safe and supported while doing their jobs.”
From reactive safety to proactive safety
The shift from reactive to proactive security and safety protocols is reshaping how transportation is approached and protected successfully. AI’s ability to analyze vast amounts of data in real time transforms traditional systems into predictive tools that alert you to risks before they escalate.
Wales highlights how edge devices are playing a key role in this evolution. “We have spent years innovating AI at the edge, allowing us to bring powerful capabilities directly to buses, trains and other transportation systems,” he explains. . “For example, Jetson devices onboard buses can provide real-time protection for both passengers and drivers by detecting threats such as vehicle tailgating and unauthorized access.” Edge devices process data locally. speeds up response times and provides actionable insights on the go.
“We’re moving into an area where we’re not just responding to problems, but preventing them altogether,” Torrence explains. Proactive measures are becoming the new norm, whether it’s identifying potential cargo theft, detecting unauthorized perimeter access, or enhancing employee safety.
Ethics at the core of innovation
The benefits of AI must be balanced with responsible implementation. Torrence emphasizes the importance of governance and trust. “Good AI isn’t just about solving today’s problems, it’s about ensuring technology is applied in ways that protect people, respect privacy, and align with long-term goals. ” he explains.
Aligning safety and business priorities
AI-powered solutions deliver tangible benefits to your business while enhancing safety. Preventing theft, optimizing routes, and reducing disruption have a direct impact on profitability. “Innovation is not a luxury; it is a necessity for survival in today’s climate,” Torrence said.
why ask?
In this episode, we dive into practical insights to protect what matters most: your people, assets, and reputation. Learn how AI is helping industries like transportation and logistics navigate high-stakes environments with greater confidence and accuracy.
Listen now: https://oosto.com/podcast/
