There have been some alarming news stories recently about counterfeit markets and theft of consumer goods.
For example, in Los Angeles County, California, a task force uncovered a counterfeiting ring with $305 million in consumer goods, including fake name-brand purses and cell phones.
How can this be prevented? A good place to target in order to reduce theft and counterfeiting is the supply chain and third-party logistics service providers (LSPs). Companies shipping goods using an LSP should look for the “halo effect” as a part of that provider’s services, meaning: They construct a halo around the shipper's goods so they are protected from theft, counterfeiting, and other forms of loss.
By extension, protecting a shipper's goods also protects the shipper's brand from becoming tarnished if these risks were to become reality. LSPs that provide a halo around their customers' goods make sure that their clients’ brand identity isn't compromised by lost goods due to theft, counterfeiting, or other hazards.
With theft and similar security issues, shipping goods through global supply chains demands strong security and visibility. These issues are shared between LSPs and shippers and can create high costs for both parties.
And achieving the halo effect is becoming more important every year, as reducing costs by reducing risk is a major priority in 2011 for LSPs and their customers.
For more priorities that should be getting the attention of LSPs and they companies they serve, visit the Top 11 in 2011 web site.
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Jim
More Resources
Top 11 Priorities in 2011 for Logistics Service Providers
Executive Briefing: Uncertainty is Certain - Perceptions of Future Risk on the Rise
Photo Credit: SarahG