Continue to communicate through a platform

In our earlier newsletter, we indicated that offering transportation through platforms such as Teleroute should be limited as much as possible.
Nevertheless, you cannot always avoid offering transports via platforms.
After all, it also offers advantages.
We advise you to use the platform for all communication.
If a carrier then suddenly reports to you outside the platform and wishes to continue communication that way, this could be a sign of a rogue carrier.

Check the carrier and its vehicle

Before or while issuing the transport order, you can check whether the carrier is legitimate.
You can do this, for example, by checking the vehicle details provided via the RDW.
Furthermore, you can call a carrier or check on the Internet.
Even well-regarded carriers can be taken over by criminal organizations.

Watch for anomalous communication

The method of communication can also be a signal.
In logistics, communication is often short and to the point.
As long as there are no specifics, a carrier will make sure he comes to load with the agreed combination at the agreed time and date.
More often, a rogue carrier will also want to verify that he will receive the entire shipment and exactly what the load consists of.

Inform loading address upon withdrawal of transport order

If you do withdraw an issued order due to certain suspicions, always make sure that the loading address knows that the loading reference may no longer be used.
Even though the order has been revoked, rogue carriers are still willing to take a chance on it.

Walk a lap along the truck

You may also be able to uncover a rogue carrier while receiving a carrier and during loading.
For example, walk a lap around the vehicle.
If the trailer is dated and dirty, but the license plate is spotless, then this license plate may have been applied recently by a rogue carrier.
Then again, if this license plate consists of stickers, the chances of shady practices are a bit higher.
A genuine license plate is always stamped.

Inform the police immediately in the event of a well-founded suspicion

When there is suspicion of a contract taken by a rogue carrier or when a rogue carrier is already loading, it is imperative that you inform the police immediately and gather as much information as possible about this rogue carrier.
If there is a well-founded suspicion, you and the police at the loading address can attempt to set up an act of flagrante delicto to apprehend the rogue carrier.
During loading, try to keep the rogue carrier on your premises as much and as long as possible until the police arrive.
Therefore, delay loading whenever possible.

Your commitment pays off

The police have a special team focused on cargo thefts, working closely with TT Experts and others.
This team regularly takes rogue transporters off the road.
In doing so, all available information contributes to obtaining the best possible picture of criminal organizations behind rogue carriers.
So the conclusion is that your efforts definitely pay off.
Only together with everyone in the logistics chain can we ensure that rogue transporters will find it increasingly difficult to obtain a cargo.
Please feel free to share the tips & tricks with relevant departments and/or persons within your company.
If you would like to exchange thoughts on this subject, please contact Bart Tiggelaar or one of our other transport specialists.