Security Risks in Rail Freight Operations

Securing rail freight in Europe comes with a range of challenges that can compromise safety and efficiency. These challenges include issues in remote track areas, vulnerabilities in busy rail yards, and the complications arising from differing security standards across borders.

 

Remote Routes

In remote stretches of rail track in countries like Latvia and Estonia, cellular coverage can be sporadic due to extensive forests and low population density, which do not justify the cost of developing telecommunication infrastructure. With weak cellular signals, onboard security officers may be unable to notify the train driver who could otherwise take preventive actions such as adjusting speed to reach the nearest station with police assistance, remotely securing or disabling access to certain freight cars, and announcing awareness of suspicious activities to deter further theft attempts. Similarly, onboard security officers may be unable to reach out to local police to ensure law enforcement is ready at the next station to apprehend suspects or investigate the scene. Moreover, these critical minutes lost give perpetrators additional time to cause damage and devise an escape plan such as changing their appearance by altering clothing, accessing unsecured train areas to hide, and spreading false information to create confusion onboard.

 

Security Standards

Varying security standards between countries and regions can complicate efforts to maintain uniform protection throughout a rail journey. For example, a GPS tracking system installed on freight cars might not be supported by communication networks in another region. Similarly, electronic cargo seals or locks used to secure containers might not be compatible with inspection equipment or security protocols at international borders. This can lead to manual inspections, thorough cargo examinations, and the need to replace devices with locally approved alternatives, all of which can result in delays and supply chain disruptions.

 

Rail Yards

Transshipment at rail yards is often where the risk for cargo theft peaks. This is because rail yards are busy environments with numerous employees, vehicles, and equipment in constant motion. This hustle can make it more challenging for security personal to monitor each visitor. Additionally, oversight is complicated by the regular appearance of new faces due to frequent shift changes and the presence of temporary workers or third-party contractors. This makes it harder for security staff to recognize who should or shouldn’t be there. Moreover, as workers often wear similar uniforms or safety gear like helmets and reflective vests, thieves can don comparable clothing to impersonate staff and blend in.

In addition to being busy environments, rail yards pose challenges for security staff with their many entry and exit points for large vehicles and equipment. Securing all these points thoroughly can be difficult because the sheer number of access points stretches security resources thin. Moreover, the continuous flow of large vehicles and equipment limits the feasibility of strict security protocols such as thorough inspections or prolonged gate closures.

Lastly, rail yards cover expansive areas with multiple blind spots and hiding places like inside open hatches of stationary locomotives, adjacent to parked maintenance-of-way vehicles, and within clusters of portable buildings used as temporary offices. These hiding spots can make it challenging for security personnel to monitor each area effectively.