Article in partnership with Canada’s Logistics Association (CITT)
If you work in logistics and transportation, you don’t need us to tell you theft is on the rise. According to CargoNet, strategic cargo theft in Canada and the U.S. is increasing by upwards of 80% year-over-year. On top of that, insurers speculate that many instances of cargo crime go unreported, meaning those numbers are likely even higher. Then, you’ve got trucking-related fraud cases which CargoNet reports are up a whopping, 700%.
With numbers like that on the table, the success of GardaWorld should come as no surprise. Founded in 1995 by Stephan Crétier with a $25,000 initial investment, GardaWorld has grown into a global champion in security services, integrated risk management and cash solutions. To learn more about the company’s services for logistics and transportation companies, CITT recently chatted with Neal Kearney, Director, Business Development at GardaWorld, to hear about his company’s ever-expanding offering for our industry.
According to Mr. Kearney, Business Development Director at GardaWorld began providing services for logistics and warehousing companies, “Pretty much from the get-go”. The company’s natural fit into the industry being predicated by the simple fact that “Logistics companies are in the shipping business, not the security business," as Mr. Kearney says.
Hardened security for transport and logistics
As such, logistics companies looking to “harden” their facilities will find a one-stop-shop in GardaWorld’s multi-faceted approach. Neal explained:
“When it comes to warehouse logistics and transportation, we have all the technology and tools companies need to harden their facilities and make them safer for everyone. At a base level, this might include everything from CCTV cameras to license plate readers, motion detectors, water alerts or fire alarms. Then in addition to our installed systems and technology, we also have our mobile patrol division with a dedicated fleet of GardaWorld vehicles.”
A wide array of security verticals
In addition to these more obvious signs of site security, the company also offers services in a variety of verticals, each with specialized offering for transportation and logistics.
Security consulting
For starters, the GardaWorld offers comprehensive security consulting for warehousing operations. Mr. Kearney explained that whether a company needs security solutions for an existing complex or seeking to integrate security into the design of a new facility, they employ the principles of CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) to help clients “harden their target”, as best as possible.
“To stay ahead these days, you can’t just put cameras up at your facility—you need to harden them. Our security experts work within the principles of CPTED to look at all aspects of your facility through a security lens. They study everything from logistics to nearby highways and roadways, lighting, you name it. As I mentioned earlier, you can now, for example, scan the license plate of every car that shows up in your facility, the same way they do it on toll highways. Security technology is rapidly evolving, and we can help stay on top of it.
Embedded security
Since logistics and warehousing theft may sometimes involve nefarious insider operations, the company has also developed a robust investigation team to deliver innovative solutions that include embedding GardaWorld employees inside a company’s operations.
“Maybe you’ve seen some recent theft”, he said. “Maybe there’s been crime inside your operation, or you suspect forgery or fraudulent activity. In cases like that, GardaWorld has embedded our people inside warehouses where they work as employees and report back on any evidence they uncover.”
Expert surveillance
In addition to embedded options, GardaWorld also offers elevated levels of surveillance guided by ex-RCMP, provincial and local police officers—people with real-world experience in unraveling major crimes.
"We've also done surveillance in situations where there's been major theft going on inside warehousing facilities. In these cases, we employ surveillance experts. These are all former police officers, either local police in that community, or provincial police, or even ex-RCMP.” says Kearney.
Staffing solutions
Now that you’ve got your security sorted, GardaWorld even offers a talent sourcing division that can help you staff up with the right people, another ongoing challenge for logistics companies.
“Along with our security we offer, we also run TalentWorld, which is our staffing division. TalentWorld currently has operations in every Canadian province and is headed up by former senior leadership for Manpower and Adecco. This group is really making headway into the staffing community with some industry-leading developments around marketing and recruitment.”
From onsite security to risk management and staffing, GardaWorld truly has all bases covered. We’re pleased to welcome this Canadian success story as a valued corporate partner.
