Pharmaceutical Cargo Alert

ATeam

Senior Member
Retired Expediter
From the Landstar web site:

Intelligence Alert


The following information is based on an alert received from the Pharmaceutical Cargo Security Coalition this morning:

There is credible information this morning (July 16th) from law enforcement sources in Miami Florida that a known cargo theft ring leader, based in Florida, has recently left that state with a crew in search of goods to steal. When he left Florida the leader was operating a white colored Chevrolet Impala LTZ with a Florida license tag. The car may have a sunroof. Look for that vehicle to be accompanied by a tractor-trailer or a bob-tail tractor (which is a tractor with no trailer attached). There is no description available on any potential tractor at this time.

This crew is believed to have been involved in at least one pharmaceutical cargo theft in the past in which the stolen tractor-trailer was abandoned after rapid law enforcement pursuit. No suspects were apprehended at that time. In another, separate incident, the crew was observed staying in a motel where two of the members were painting a tractor. That location was also in proximity to a pharmaceutical distribution center.

This crew, which includes another cargo thief well known to authorities, could strike anywhere in the United States - but typically tends to concentrate in the Midwest and along the eastern seaboard. All commodities, not just pharmaceuticals, should be considered as potential targets.

These types of suspects typically will headquarter in inexpensive motels near distribution center facilities; they most always will conduct some type of surveillance prior to a strike; cars/minivans that accompany the perpetrators tractor can be used as surveillance vehicles, escorts, decoys, or escape vehicles particularly if a stolen trailer is approached or stopped by law enforcement. In many instances the perpetrators will purchase materials locally (Home Depot, Lowes, Wal-Mart) to either disguise a stolen trailer (paint, paint sticks, rollers, number decals) or to use as tools of burglary (power tools, hand tools, pry bars, etc). These individuals always create exit strategies in the event they are stopped or approached by anyone. If stopped or approached they will most always flee on foot.

Due diligence by truck drivers, looking for vehicles potentially following them, should be exercised. Extra care is suggested when stopping at truck stops or rest areas particularly in single driver situations where the truck/trailer must be left unattended. All acts of a suspicious nature in or around distribution centers (suspicious vehicles, unusual false premise alarms, or the pre-strike creation of avenues of escape) should be fully investigated.

Those with information are asked to contact the CargoNet Command Center at 1-888-595-2638.
 

Wolverine

Seasoned Expediter
Useful information, Phil, but I'm wondering if anyone else is having trouble visualizing "pre-strike creation of avenues of escape".
 

21cExp

Veteran Expediter
I'm betting "pre-strike avenues of escape" means such things as sudden new gaps in perimeter fencing at likely targets...
 

ATeam

Senior Member
Retired Expediter
Useful information, Phil, but I'm wondering if anyone else is having trouble visualizing "pre-strike creation of avenues of escape".

I took it to mean that the bad guys are maping out the area in which they intend to strike; i.e. steal a truck, trailer or cargo. And that their plan includes escape routes for them to use if they are detected, interrupted and/or pursued during the strike.

Notice that if these guys target you, they are picking the time and place and they will be much better prepared and focused than you.
 
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wvcourier

Expert Expediter
Reminds me of John Petrus, I wonder how long he planned his Escape.

Dont steal, the government hates competition. ~Ron Paul~
 

Moot

Veteran Expediter
Owner/Operator
Phil, are you sure this piece came from the Landstar website? Was there a secondary link to the Onion website?

Intelligence Alert

I have read this piece twice and some parts 3 times and still haven't found anything that would trigger an Intelligence Alert. To be fair, I will admit that I'm not quite sure exactly what an Intelligence Alert is.

The following information is based on an alert received from the Pharmaceutical Cargo Security Coalition this morning:

I'm not familiar with the Pharmaceutical Cargo Security Coalition, but on first glance this sounded like a serious, no nonsense organization. Upon further reading I had to return to this first sentence and reread it, not once, but twice. I have come to the conclusion that instead of bragging that this information came from the PCSC, it is more of a disclaimer that, yeah this crap came from the PCSC and we aren't totally responsible for its content.

There is credible information this morning (July 16th) from law enforcement sources in Miami Florida that a known cargo theft ring leader, based in Florida, has recently left that state with a crew in search of goods to steal. When he left Florida the leader was operating a white colored Chevrolet Impala LTZ with a Florida license tag. The car may have a sunroof. Look for that vehicle to be accompanied by a tractor-trailer or a bob-tail tractor (which is a tractor with no trailer attached). There is no description available on any potential tractor at this time.

How credible can this information be?Only as credible as its source, which is law enforcement sources in Miami Florida. No mention of who exactly these law enforcement sources are. That's one strike against the credibility of this information.

The car may have a sunroof. Either it does or it doesn't. Who is conducting surveilence on these thugs. That's two strikes!

The law enforcement sources also state that: The cargo theft ring leader, based in Florida, has recently left that state with a crew in search of goods to steal. Does this not constitute conspiracy with intent to commit a felony? They left Florida and most likey any truck they hijack will be involved in interstate commerce. Where is the FBI?

This crew is believed to have been involved in at least one pharmaceutical cargo theft in the past in which the stolen tractor-trailer was abandoned after rapid law enforcement pursuit. No suspects were apprehended at that time. In another, separate incident, the crew was observed staying in a motel where two of the members were painting a tractor. That location was also in proximity to a pharmaceutical distribution center.

Crucial information indeed. Inquiring minds like mine would like to know the rest of the story. Why were no suspects apprehended? Did the rapid law enforcement pursuit out run the suspects thereby allowing them to escape?

This crew, which includes another cargo thief well known to authorities, could strike anywhere in the United States That certainly narrows it down. If I drove a tractor trailer hauling pharmaceuticals I'd stick with running Canada until these evil deed doers were apprehended.

- but typically tends to concentrate in the Midwest and along the eastern seaboard. That narrows it down a bit further. Now I can safely run the south and west. Good news.

All commodities, not just pharmaceuticals, should be considered as potential targets. Oh,oh! Does that mean mean that the Schneider trailer full of :censoredsign: is a potential target? Is nothing safe from these villans?

These types of suspects typically will headquarter in inexpensive motels near distribution center facilities; Oooh, same type motels I frequent. I hope I'm not a suspect.

Due diligence by truck drivers, looking for vehicles potentially following them, should be exercised. Extra care is suggested when stopping at truck stops or rest areas particularly in single driver situations where the truck/trailer must be left unattended.
Wow, usually I am totally oblivious to my surroundings. Now that I am aware that there is a crew based out of Florida looking to steal my trailer, I will stand on guard for thee!

All acts of a suspicious nature in or around distribution centers (suspicious vehicles, unusual false premise alarms, or the pre-strike creation of avenues of escape) should be fully investigated.


Is an Intelligence Alert similar to a false premise alarm?
 

cheri1122

Veteran Expediter
Driver
If the Miami LEO's know who they are & what they're driving, why didn't they just stick a GPS tracker on it?

:confused:
 

ATeam

Senior Member
Retired Expediter
Phil, are you sure this piece came from the Landstar website? Was there a secondary link to the Onion website?

Yes, I am sure this piece came from the Landstar web site. I copied it from there and pasted it here. The two organizations mentioned in the piece have their own web sites. Interested readers can learn more about them by clicking these links:

CargoNet

Pharmaceutical Cargo Security Coalition

It has happened several times that expediter trucks loaded with pharmaceutical freight have been stolen. Maintaining situational awareness is something expediters can do to keep themselves and their equipment safe and prevent such thefts. Bulletins like these aid in that effort which is why I shared this one here.

Our former carrier rarely provided us with such information. It's nice to have access to it now and I shared it as a favor to any expediter who may not otherwise see it but would find it meaningful.
 

zorry

Veteran Expediter
It's funny that Phil states that his former carrier seldom gave him security info.
Yeah,we have a problem. Hey lets post a note on our web page.
That's funny right there.
I guess that's why his former carrier doesn't get any high value freight.
 
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ATeam

Senior Member
Retired Expediter
It's funny that Phil states that his former carrier seldom gave him security info.

Be careful how you characterize my words. I said, "Our former carrier rarely provided us with such information." The words "such information" refered back to the security bulletin.

I did not suggest and am not suggesting that FedEx Custom Critical does not provide security training and info to its contractors and drivers. I am saying that FedEx Custom Critical rarely shared security bulletins like these with us when Diane and I were there.

I find such bulletins to be interesting and useful. When we were at FedEx Custom Critical, we served certain shippers that posted such bulletins in areas where drivers could view them. I once suggested to management that such bulletins be made available to drivers by the carrier on an ongoing basis. The suggestion was rejected.

Landstar takes a different approach and I appreciate it.

Yeah,we have a problem. Hey lets post a note on our web page. That's funny right there.

Actually, it's not funny at all. One of the many differences between Landstar and our former carrier came into view during orientation and other BCO training events.

I was surprised by how open Landstar is when discussing negative incidents and company statistics. The company does not hesitate to provide specific details. The training and presentations sometimes include photos that are not intended for public view and confidential company information that BCO's are asked to keep to themselves.

Landstar seems to trust their BCO's (contractors) to deal with the information in an appropriate manner. They seem to want BCO's to understand the negtive events in detail so they can learn from them. They share this information with us as if we were a very real and essential part of the company and as if we have the power to act on it in positive ways.

That's not a put down of our former carrier. I'm sure FedEx Custom Critical has its reasons for structuring its training as it does, just as any carrier would. I'm just saying that I appreciate the difference.
 
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ChanceMaster

Expert Expediter
As a driver for FXCC that transports quite a bit of HV pharmaceuticals, I take the extra step of asking the shipper if there have been any recent security incidents involving the transportation of their products. Like Phil states, the more information shared, the better.

Sent from my PC36100 using EO Forums
 

zorry

Veteran Expediter
Phil,being the writer that you are you should be more careful not to write things that can be so easily missunderstood.
There was nothing in your second post that couldn't have been included in the first post.
Bottom line,both companies have competent security departments.
 

ATeam

Senior Member
Retired Expediter
As a driver for FXCC that transports quite a bit of HV pharmaceuticals, I take the extra step of asking the shipper if there have been any recent security incidents involving the transportation of their products.

I am sure you have made many positive impressions by asking that question. Great idea. What kind of responses have you received?
 

BigCat

Expert Expediter
Well I took Phil's statement as just that. Simply saying his previous carrier rarely made public announcements on problem being faced by the drivers of pharmaceutical loads.

I didnt see what I guess you saw it as saying they where incompetent of safety and security.


Mayfield Express

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

ChanceMaster

Expert Expediter
I am sure you have made many positive impressions by asking that question. Great idea. What kind of responses have you received?

I've gotten blank stares from uninterested forklift drivers, to intelligent information from company officials. Most of the time , as you are aware, we are following a security S.O.P. but that only works if you have situational awareness. I certainly would welcome more specific details about my cargo anytime it was offered. I ask the same thing while picking up hazmat, concerning its real danger. I remember one dock worker telling me that inhaling a very small amount of what I was transporting would be lethal. That information was gleaned by asking, it was not passed along by carrier or shipper.

Sent from my PC36100 using EO Forums
 

zorry

Veteran Expediter
The statement that his former carrier rarely.... was made only to get a small dig at Fedex,IMHO.
There was no other reason to include the statement.
Others have stated his never ending subtle jabs at a former carrier just make him look silly.
How many times have we read "Just get over it Phil" ?
All's good. He took the chance to verify that yes,Fedex does also have a fine security department.
Discussions of a carrier's specific security measures should not be on an open forum.
His general alert ,without editoralization,should be well welcomed.
 
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