We have learned that most high-tech cargo losses are due to theft or pilferage during the course of transportation.

Actual physical damage from water, impact, or accident with a vehicle is rare.

Securing your packages and demanding proper handling and security from your shipper are vital.

Aggressive tracking of important packages can also reduce your losses.

The Technology Asset Protection Association (TAPA) (http://tapaonline.org) was founded by leading members of the electronic component manufacturing community. TAPA is specifically dedicated to reducing cargo losses through direct action with freight forwarders, air carriers and other shippers. Although their approach is oriented towards very large companies and very large shipments, their approach can still be of great value to medium and small companies.  We are a member of TAPA  and  serve on their Insurance Committee.

We strongly recommend filing a local police report in cases where theft in transit is suspected. The size of many thefts constitutes a felony and should not be accepted as a cost of doing business. Demonstrated police interest and investigation can deter repeated thefts in a given location.

Obtain and study the security protocols for shipping electronic components from the Technology Asset Protection Association http://www.tapaonline.org/docs/tapafsr_2002.doc (when the TAPA site splash page appears, click on "Click here to enter," then mouse over "3 certification" and click on "FSR Certification").

• Bring your own facilities into compliance with these guidelines to the extent possible.

• Suggest, Negotiate and Demand that your carriers and vendors comply with these guidelines to the extent possible.

Consider not shipping "steal me" boxes that tell what is inside. Instead, use a generic, simple box. Talk to your marketing department about it.

Consider double-boxing easily pilfered items and shrink-wrapping pallets.

Use safety tape that indicates "Theft" if it is disturbed.

Call Jerry Offner (281-531-2045) for more suggestions.

http://www.erai.com "The Electronic Resellers Association International is an affiliation of members networking together to safeguard each other against fraud, lost revenue, and unscrupulous business practices in the Hi-Tech Electronics Industry." "ERAI is a reporting and intervention service. We distribute weekly reports via e-mail or fax on problem accounts, situations and conflicts within the industry."