In today's fast-paced, consumer-driven world, delivery expectations have evolved dramatically. What was once a weeks-long wait for mail-order products has transformed into next-day and even same-day delivery expectations. The surge in competition, coupled with rapid advancements in technology, has reshaped how consumers interact with businesses. If food can be delivered within the hour, why shouldn’t consumer goods arrive just as quickly?
However, the push for speed has introduced new challenges—particularly around security and efficiency. As consumer demands increase, so do the risks, with cargo theft emerging as a significant issue. In the second quarter of 2024 alone, an estimated $68.5 million in goods were stolen in the U.S — a 33% rise from the previous year. To meet customer expectations while safeguarding assets, businesses must not only focus on speed but also on the integration of the right technologies that simplify operations and protect the entire supply chain - transportation hubs, warehouses and retail storefronts.
The Rising Threat of Cargo Theft
With the increase in the volume of goods, cargo theft at distribution points has become more sophisticated and pervasive. Criminals are using deception and identity fraud to steal goods—leveraging false IDs or posing as fake companies to intercept deliveries. This shift has highlighted a key vulnerability in supply chains: the fragmentation of security systems.
Outdated technology and manual processes leave critical gaps that thieves exploit. The absence of integration between warehouses, transportation hubs, and delivery vehicles creates weak spots throughout the supply chain. To combat this, businesses must adopt a comprehensive, integrated approach to security—one that leverages technology to automate access control and reduce human error.
Delivery Optimization Challenges
A critical and often unpredictable component of the delivery process is the “last mile”—the final stage where goods are delivered from the distribution point to the customer. Establishing distribution hubs closer to delivery destinations is one-way businesses are addressing challenges. While this can reduce delivery times, it also increases operational costs. To offset these costs, many businesses are turning to automation and “dark deliveries”—the practice of delivering packages to local hubs during off-peak hours. By utilizing these methods, businesses can sidestep traffic delays, reduce pressure on delivery drivers, and streamline operations.
However, dark deliveries present unique security and logistical challenges in managing drivers and credentials during off hours. Automated and reliable access control becomes vital to ensure that goods are safely stored and delivered. Mobile credentials—digital keys stored on a driver’s mobile device—simplify the process, allowing drivers to access secure areas without the need for traditional keys or easily compromised codes.
Simplifying Operations Through Technology
To stay ahead of both rising consumer demand and the criminal elements looking to exploit it, businesses need to adopt modern technology. As commercial traffic increases, so do the opportunities for theft. Mobile credentials offer a proactive solution—allowing authorized personnel to gain entry to secure locations via their smartphones. This reduces the risks associated with lost or duplicated physical keys and provides real-time oversight of access permissions.
License plate verification technology is another critical tool in the fight against cargo theft. By automatically verifying the identity of vehicles at secure facilities, businesses can prevent unauthorized access and minimize the likelihood of theft. For example, a U.S. tire distributor recently suffered nearly $2 million in inventory losses due to theft across its 68 distribution centers. After switching from traditional lock-and-key systems to mobile credentials and automated access control, the company regained control over its security and prevented large-scale theft.
Securing the Future of Fast Delivery
In recent years, the fast delivery model has faced several high-profile failures, particularly in the grocery sector. For businesses to succeed in this space long-term, their operations must be both secure and sustainable. Meeting consumer demands for speed requires more than just quicker deliveries—it demands a commitment to technology and innovation that streamlines operations, enhances security, and mitigates risks like cargo theft.
By adopting tools like mobile credentials, automated access control, and license plate verification, businesses can not only meet the growing expectations of today's consumers but also safeguard their operations against sophisticated criminal threats. The future of fast delivery hinges on securing the supply chain at every level—and those businesses that fail to modernize will increasingly find themselves targets of theft and disruption.
