Latest news with #Bonanno
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Freight Fraud and Cargo Theft: The Epidemic Nobody Wants to Talk About
In the trucking industry, fraud and cargo theft are full-blown crises. Maybe this isn't Bonanno, Colombo, Gambino, Genovese and Lucchese-level organized crime, but make no mistake, organized crime exploits vulnerabilities in our supply chains and it's impacting everyone from small carriers to global shippers. We delve into the realities of freight fraud, the effectiveness of recent Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration identity checks and how industry initiatives like Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) verification and the Freight Fraud Task Force are reshaping the fight against these crimes. At its simplest, freight fraud is a deception involving carriers, brokers or shippers to steal freight, money or even company identities. Common tactics include double brokering, where fraudulent brokers rebook freight without authorization, often leaving carriers unpaid, and carrier identity theft, in which scammers use legitimate carrier credentials, including MC or DOT numbers, to book and steal freight. Legitimate carriers suffer twice, losing income and getting saddled with compliance violations they didn't commit or lawsuits they had no involvement in. Cargo theft has become sophisticated. Criminal groups arrange fake pickups using forged paperwork, forged credentials and counterfeit identification. Recently, authorities in Los Angeles County alone recovered over $1.3 million in stolen merchandise, ranging from electric bikes and Sony TVs to beauty products and electronics, emphasizing how lucrative and widespread these crimes have become. Part of the blame lies with the agency designed to prevent it, the FMCSA. Existing laws such as MAP-21 (2012) explicitly require the FMCSA to vet brokers thoroughly, yet these requirements, like mandatory knowledge tests and documented experience, remain largely unenforced. Today, anyone with roughly $1,500 (a $300 FMCSA fee, $1,000 down on a surety bond and minimal administrative costs) can become a broker. This ease of entry allows fraudulent brokers to scam shippers, pocket cash and disappear overnight. The FMCSA's own data systems are notoriously muddy and inadequate in highlighting fraudulent activity or clearly detailing limited authority for carriers, especially enterprise carriers, which frequently operate beyond their permitted scope. Recognizing these vulnerabilities, the FMCSA began implementing stringent measures in April to tighten identity verification. Working with Idemia, the FMCSA introduced mandatory facial recognition and government-issued ID checks for all new motor carrier applicants. The immediate impact of this initiative was significant. According to data from CarrierOK, the filed-to-published application approval rate, previously around 60%-65%, plummeted dramatically to roughly 30% after the verification rollout. This sudden drop might mean that the new ID checks are successfully weeding out fraudulent or incomplete applications before they even reach public review, or the agency is so slow in processing applications because of a lack of resources that it's miring down the process. Although the number of total filings remains steady, the sharp decline in published approvals might indicate a crackdown effect, clearly demonstrating that tighter identity controls are effectively curbing fraud at the entry point. Notice I said 'might.' The industry isn't just standing by. It's tired of the crazy. Solutions are emerging to tackle freight fraud proactively, led by innovative platforms like FreightValidate. Founder Dale Prax and partners John Cantera, Jeff Dickinson, Bill Robinson, Claudia Atletts and others (including myself) have established or are part of the Freight Fraud Task Force Inc, to curb industry fraud through education, audits, best practices and accountability at every level. FreightValidate's partnership with AU10TIX has introduced powerful, yet user-friendly verification tools. In under 90 seconds, carriers, drivers and brokers can complete facial recognition and real-time ID checks on any mobile device. This rapid validation ensures that the people handling the freight are exactly who they claim to be, dramatically reducing fraud opportunities before the truck arrives at the loading dock. I have long advocated for a cyberphysical approach to logistics fraud. A year or so ago, I wrote an article on a model for mitigating double brokering through integrated technologies. Leverage blockchain, smart contracts, digital identity verification and real-time tracking to build a trust-driven freight system. I even name-dropped Rich Mason, president and Chief Security Officer at Critical Infrastructure and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) legend, to hopefully draw him into this good time. The idea centers on a blockchain-based reputation system, where carriers, brokers and shippers earn scores based on performance, disputes and reliability. Smart contracts would lock in terms and trigger updates on the blockchain with each completed task. Verified digital identities, powered by facial recognition or biometrics, would restrict access to only authenticated users. Internet-of-things-based shipment tracking and AI-driven analytics could enhance this digital fortress to flag fraud patterns before a single invoice is sent. I believe that fighting fraud requires cybersecurity-level thinking. At the end of the day, our only solution is a solid cybersecurity program and some good CISOs to put it all together for us mere layman transportation folk. Ironically, FMCSA recently launched a costly facial recognition partnership with Idemia. Why spend millions on new systems when we already have proven verification mechanisms with a criminal background element like the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)? What sense does that make? Not much, but maybe the issue is we have such a revolving door at the federal agency that the people running the FMCSA aren't familiar enough with the supply chain to know what we have and what we don't or how to use it practically. TWIC, used extensively in ports, provides biometric verification and comprehensive background checks that go beyond simple identity confirmation. Implementing TWIC requirements for brokers and carriers would significantly strengthen vetting, ensuring that criminals don't just find new ways around superficial security measures. An extra $125 added to the FMCSA's application fee could cover these deeper screenings, bringing significant ROI in fraud prevention without burdening taxpayers. The Freight Fraud Task Force emphasizes practical, actionable steps over mere technology deployment. Real-time, in-person carrier audits at loading docks, comprehensive fraud-awareness training and best practices education form the backbone of its strategy. Companies are encouraged to actively participate, share information and implement robust anti-fraud measures in-house. The Task Force's Risk Assessment Audit Program provides audits, tailored training and certifications to proactively catch fraud early. The mantra here isn't cleanup after the theft, it's prevention before the crime happens. Ultimately, meaningful change requires industrywide accountability and governmental enforcement. As long as laws remain unenforced, cargo theft and fraud will persist, inflating consumer costs and damaging reputable carriers and brokers. FMCSA and the Department of Transportation need to commit fully to vetting carriers, brokers and shippers, enforcing existing laws and cooperating closely with private initiatives that are already making significant strides. The time to act isn't tomorrow, it's now. The freight industry's future, its integrity and its profitability depend on stopping fraud and theft before they happen. Industry leaders, tech innovators, regulators and carriers must unite under a common mission: protecting the lifeblood of our economy by finally enforcing the accountability and integrity this industry deserves. The post Freight Fraud and Cargo Theft: The Epidemic Nobody Wants to Talk About appeared first on FreightWaves.
Associated Press
06-02-2025
- Associated Press
Heroic Tucson PD School Safety Officer honored by Supt. Horne
TUCSON, Ariz., Feb. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A heroic effort by School Safety Officer William Bonanno of the Tucson Police Department to protect children from an armed intruder at an east side school last month was recognized by state schools chief Tom Horne and Off Duty Management today. Tucson Police Officer William Bonanno was presented a Certificate of Commendation from Arizona Department of Education Superintendent Tom Horne in addition to a Valor in Action Award from Off Duty Management President Brian Manley. Officer Bonanno arrested an armed intruder at an Arizona school in January. Off Duty Management is working with Arizona Department of Education to help place armed police officers in schools. Officer Bonanno was placed at the school under this partnership. From left are, Legacy Traditional Schools East Campus Principal Jennifer Little, Arizona Department of Education Superintendent Tom Horne, Tucson Police Officer William Bonanno, Off Duty Management President Brian Manley, Arizona Department of Education Director of School Safety Mike Kurtenbach. Horne presented Bonanno with a Certificate of Commendation and noted that his actions at the Legacy Charter School, in which he confronted and arrested an armed intruder, saved lives. Bonanno had been recently assigned to the school because in December, Supt. Horne released $48 million in added school safety funds that had not been fully utilized. Legacy Charter was among the first schools to apply for and receive funding to hire a School Safety Officer. Horne said, 'Officer Bonanno prevented the nightmare I have often talked about. 20 students and additional adults would have lost their lives, and the student's parents would have had their lives ruined by uncontrollable grief. I know about this because I have lost a child. Those who have been opposing police in the schools need to rethink this issue. Think of the unimaginable tragedy that would have occurred if that School Safety Officer had not been there, or if he had been hired a little later.' School Safety Officers are law enforcement officers assigned to schools that do not have a dedicated School Resource Officer. Several such officers are used to ensure full-time coverage of a school during the week. In 2023, the department began a public-private partnership with Off Duty Management, a company that assists in the placement of officers from multiple police jurisdictions statewide. Officer Bonanno was placed at the school under this partnership. In addition to the certificate of commendation presented by Supt. Horne, Off Duty Management President Brian Manley recognized Officer Bonanno with a Valor in Action Award from Off Duty Management. 'The Off Duty Management Team is grateful that Officer Bonanno's immediate action protected the lives and wellbeing of the children, school staff, and others present at the school that day. Without Officer Bonanno's commitment to service, the excellence of Tucson Police Department under Chief Kasmar's leadership, and the vision of Superintendent Tom Horne and Director Mike Kurtenbach of the Arizona Department of Education in putting this program and our partnership in place, this event would likely have ended in tragedy.' Off Duty Management was founded by former law enforcement officers designed to support law enforcement initiatives. The company works directly with local law enforcement agencies and school districts to fill vacant School Safety Officer positions. Off Duty Management's OfficerTRAK® software and mobile app make it easy for officers to schedule an off-duty job opportunity as a School Safety Officer at various schools in participating Arizona school districts. About Arizona Department of Education Under the leadership of Superintendent Tom Horne, the Arizona Department of Education's mission is a service organization committed to raising academic outcomes and empowering parents. For more information, visit About Off Duty Management Off Duty Management, headquartered in the greater Houston area, is dedicated to serving and safeguarding law enforcement agencies, officers, and community organizations by offering an innovative solution that manages all aspects of off-duty programs. In addition to full-service administration, the company's proprietary software, OfficerTRAK®, and broad insurance coverage limits the risk associated with off-duty work. Off Duty Management provides all these components at no cost to the agency or officers. With a seasoned team of law enforcement professionals, Off Duty Management provides exceptional service to municipalities, schools, various other organizations and the largest law enforcement agencies using a third-party off-duty management company. For more information, visit
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Yahoo
Heroic Tucson PD School Safety Officer honored by Supt. Horne
An Officer prevented tragedy last month at an Arizona east side school TUCSON, Ariz., Feb. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A heroic effort by School Safety Officer William Bonanno of the Tucson Police Department to protect children from an armed intruder at an east side school last month was recognized by state schools chief Tom Horne and Off Duty Management Police Officer William Bonanno was presented a Certificate of Commendation from Arizona Department of Education Superintendent Tom Horne in addition to a Valor in Action Award from Off Duty Management President Brian Manley. Officer Bonanno arrested an armed intruder at an Arizona school in January. Off Duty Management is working with Arizona Department of Education to help place armed police officers in schools. Officer Bonanno was placed at the school under this partnership. From left are, Legacy Traditional Schools East Campus Principal Jennifer Little, Arizona Department of Education Superintendent Tom Horne, Tucson Police Officer William Bonanno, Off Duty Management President Brian Manley, Arizona Department of Education Director of School Safety Mike Kurtenbach. Horne presented Bonanno with a Certificate of Commendation and noted that his actions at the Legacy Charter School, in which he confronted and arrested an armed intruder, saved lives. Bonanno had been recently assigned to the school because in December, Supt. Horne released $48 million in added school safety funds that had not been fully utilized. Legacy Charter was among the first schools to apply for and receive funding to hire a School Safety Officer. Horne said, 'Officer Bonanno prevented the nightmare I have often talked about. 20 students and additional adults would have lost their lives, and the student's parents would have had their lives ruined by uncontrollable grief. I know about this because I have lost a child. Those who have been opposing police in the schools need to rethink this issue. Think of the unimaginable tragedy that would have occurred if that School Safety Officer had not been there, or if he had been hired a little later.' School Safety Officers are law enforcement officers assigned to schools that do not have a dedicated School Resource Officer. Several such officers are used to ensure full-time coverage of a school during the week. In 2023, the department began a public-private partnership with Off Duty Management, a company that assists in the placement of officers from multiple police jurisdictions statewide. Officer Bonanno was placed at the school under this partnership. In addition to the certificate of commendation presented by Supt. Horne, Off Duty Management President Brian Manley recognized Officer Bonanno with a Valor in Action Award from Off Duty Management. 'The Off Duty Management Team is grateful that Officer Bonanno's immediate action protected the lives and wellbeing of the children, school staff, and others present at the school that day. Without Officer Bonanno's commitment to service, the excellence of Tucson Police Department under Chief Kasmar's leadership, and the vision of Superintendent Tom Horne and Director Mike Kurtenbach of the Arizona Department of Education in putting this program and our partnership in place, this event would likely have ended in tragedy.' Off Duty Management was founded by former law enforcement officers designed to support law enforcement initiatives. The company works directly with local law enforcement agencies and school districts to fill vacant School Safety Officer positions. Off Duty Management's OfficerTRAK® software and mobile app make it easy for officers to schedule an off-duty job opportunity as a School Safety Officer at various schools in participating Arizona school districts. About Arizona Department of EducationUnder the leadership of Superintendent Tom Horne, the Arizona Department of Education's mission is a service organization committed to raising academic outcomes and empowering parents. For more information, visit About Off Duty ManagementOff Duty Management, headquartered in the greater Houston area, is dedicated to serving and safeguarding law enforcement agencies, officers, and community organizations by offering an innovative solution that manages all aspects of off-duty programs. In addition to full-service administration, the company's proprietary software, OfficerTRAK®, and broad insurance coverage limits the risk associated with off-duty work. Off Duty Management provides all these components at no cost to the agency or officers. With a seasoned team of law enforcement professionals, Off Duty Management provides exceptional service to municipalities, schools, various other organizations and the largest law enforcement agencies using a third-party off-duty management company. For more information, visit Media Contact:Kristen Crawfordkcrawford@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
