Technology

Fusion Transport Drafts the Cargo Theft Playbook for the Shipping Industry

Published

2 years ago

August 6, 2024

Frank Matarazzo, Owner and CEO of Fusion Transport, envisions a “Cargo Theft Playbook” for vendors, retailers, and trucking companies to follow in order to win the game against an increasingly clever network of organized criminals. It’s time to take an offensive stance against a relentless adversary and fortify all defenses.

RUTHERFORD, N.J., Aug. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — A recent report suggests that cargo theft in the first quarter of 2024 increased 46% from the same period in 2023, with 925 reported incidents resulting in an estimated total loss of nearly $155 million. The top three targeted states are Texas (22% increase), California (72% increase), and Illinois (126% increase), with thieves zeroing in on high-value commodities like small appliances, liquor, and copper. (1) These thefts, ranging from complex fraud schemes to straightforward cargo thefts, highlight the urgency for enhanced offensive and defensive measures. Frank Matarazzo, owner and CEO of Fusion Transport, observes, “The sophistication of these thefts is alarming. Criminals are using advanced techniques like ‘strategic theft,’ where they impersonate brokers and carriers, rerouting freight to themselves. This kind of ingenuity requires a multifaceted response.”

“Instituting a cargo theft playbook will strengthen our industry’s defenses against the growing sophistication and ingenuity of today’s cargo thieves.” — Frank Matarazzo, CEO of Fusion Transport

The theft of high-value goods like solar panels, energy drinks, and virtual reality headsets results in millions of dollars in losses. Cargo theft is becoming more strategic and high-tech. Fictitious pickups are one strategy where criminals manipulate legitimate documents and pose as authorized truck drivers. International cargo theft rings are stealing freight virtually without having to be physically on-site. Most shipments are arranged via load boards, which are online freight-matching services that can facilitate identity theft. (2)

The National Retail Federation (NRF) notes that thieves are not limiting themselves to high-priced targets like electronics and pharmaceuticals; they are going after a broader range of products, including food and beverages, as long as they can make a profit. The NRF encourages partnerships between retailers, transportation groups, and law enforcement. (3)

In June 2024, Congressman David Valadao (R-CA) introduced the Safeguarding Our Supply Chains Act with support from the American Trucking Associations (ATA). This bill proposes the creation of a Supply Chain Fraud and Theft Task Force led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in collaboration with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney General. The task force will focus on addressing theft and fraud across rail, motor carrier, and intermodal systems, with a dedicated Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center for data analysis and crime detection. The legislation authorizes $100 million in funding over five years, aspiring to strengthen cooperation among motor carriers, law enforcement, and the government. (4)

From High Tech Solutions to Rigorous Vetting: The Ultimate Cargo Theft Playbook
Matarazzo insists that every driver and every truck must be verified. “You have to stop it before it starts,” he explains.
A possible way to achieve this is by cross-referencing the driver and truck VIN against the insurance policy. “When were the driver and the equipment added to the policy? If they were just added yesterday, that raises a red flag”, Matarazzo points out. “You need to ensure the company’s operating authority is legitimate and has not undergone suspicious ownership changes”.

To tackle this escalating problem, Matarazzo proposes a “Cargo Theft Playbook” that outlines several critical measures:

1. Real-Time Tracking: Implementing state-of-the-art GPS tracking systems allows for continuous monitoring of shipments, ensuring immediate detection of unauthorized route deviations.
2. Rigorous Vetting: Thoroughly vetting all cargo partners is essential. This includes verifying identities, checking backgrounds, and confirming the legitimacy of business practices to prevent fraudulent actors from infiltrating the supply chain.
3. Advanced Security Technologies: Utilizing advanced security measures such as tamper-evident seals, smart locks, and biometric verification can significantly enhance shipment security.
4. Continuous Staff Training: Provide ongoing training programs on the latest security protocols and fraud detection techniques. Ensuring that all employees are well-informed and vigilant helps identify potential threats early.
5. Multi-Layered Security Approach: Combining various security measures creates a resilient defense against theft:

Tailored Security Procedures: Develop customized security protocols based on the type of goods and their value.Technology Integration: Employ tools like identification scanners and thorough photographic documentation of shipments.Human Oversight: Ensure continuous in-person monitoring to help recognize red flags that automated systems might miss.

As a leader in tech-driven freight management solutions, Fusion Transport continues to advocate for stronger communication, cooperation, and cross-functional strategies to coalesce all players in the game in their fight against a common foe. –
Matarazzo asserts, “Instituting a cargo theft playbook will strengthen our industry’s defenses against the growing sophistication and ingenuity of today’s cargo thieves. Outlining concrete prevention measures like real-time tracking, rigorous vetting, advanced security technologies, continuous staff training, and strong law enforcement partnerships ensures all stakeholders are well-prepared and coordinated in their efforts to create a united front against a growing criminal enterprise.”

About Fusion Transport
Freight industry visionary Frank Matarazzo responded to the complex challenges of shipping logistics, consumer demands, and the need for advanced supply chain solutions by creating Fusion Transport. Emerging from two third-party logistics brokerages and based in Rutherford, NJ, Fusion Transport has become a pivotal force in retail consolidation and is now a leader in technology-driven freight management solutions. With over 40 years of expertise, the company is revolutionizing the North American less-than-truckload (LTL) network through a technology-based approach that not only meets market demands but also reduces the inefficiencies typically seen in traditional LTL carrier networks. This innovative strategy offers a more streamlined and cost-effective option for shipping merchandise in LTL quantities across the country, epitomizing the disruptive, customer-focused ethos of Fusion Transport. For more information, visit their website at https://www.fusiontransport.com/.

References:
1. “2024 First Quarter Supply Chain Risk Trends Analysis.” CargoNet, cargonet.com/news-and-events/cargonet-in-the-media/2024-q1-theft-trends/. Accessed 30 July 2024.
2. “Cargo Theft Rates Surge as Criminals Go High-Tech.” Business Insurance, businessinsurance.com/article/20240625/NEWS06/912365205/Cargo-theft-rates-surge-as-criminals-go-high-tech. Accessed 30 July 2024.
3. Jonathan Gold VP, et al. “Cargo Theft Trends and Lessons Learned.” NRF, 8 July 2024, nrf.com/blog/cargo-theft-trends-and-lessons-learned.
4. “Ata Applauds Introduction of Bill to Fight Cargo Theft.” American Trucking Associations, trucking.org/news-insights/ata-applauds-introduction-bill-fight-cargo-theft. Accessed 30 July 2024.

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SOURCE Fusion Transport

Technology

Meridian Singapore Immigration Launches New Website to Simplify the PR Application Journey for Foreigners in Singapore

Published

1 hour ago

April 30, 2026

New online platform provides clear, structured guidance for Employment Pass and S Pass holders navigating Singapore’s residency and Permanent Residency pathways

SINGAPORE, April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Meridian Singapore Immigration Pte. Ltd. has officially launched its new website at meridianimmigration.sg, a resource built specifically for foreigners living and working in Singapore who are exploring Permanent Residency or long-term residency options.

The platform arrives at a time when Singapore’s expatriate and foreign professional community is growing rapidly, yet many EP and S Pass holders report struggling to find clear, reliable information on the PR application process. Singapore’s immigration framework is among the most structured in Southeast Asia, with eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and submission windows that change frequently. For individuals navigating this process without professional guidance, the stakes are high and the margin for error is narrow.

Meridian’s website was built to address that gap directly. The platform offers detailed explanations of available immigration pathways, structured consultation options, and educational resources developed by the firm’s team of immigration specialists. Rather than presenting a services catalogue, the site walks users through the considerations relevant to their specific situation, whether they hold an Employment Pass, S Pass, or are planning for their family’s long-term residency in Singapore.

“We built this platform because we saw how overwhelming and confusing the immigration process can be for people who genuinely want to build their lives here,” said a spokesperson for Meridian Singapore Immigration. “Our goal is to be the trusted partner that walks them through every step with clarity and integrity.”

Singapore’s continued attractiveness as a regional hub for multinational corporations, financial institutions, and technology firms means the pipeline of foreigners seeking long-term residency options remains substantial. At the same time, the ICA’s PR application framework has grown more nuanced, with factors such as economic contributions, family ties, and community integration weighed during assessment. Applicants who proceed without a clear understanding of these criteria often submit applications that are either premature or structurally incomplete.

Meridian’s approach centres on preparation and transparency, helping applicants understand where they stand before they apply and what supporting documentation strengthens their case.

Meridian Singapore Immigration Pte. Ltd. is a professional immigration consultancy dedicated to guiding individuals and families through Singapore’s immigration process. Specialising in Permanent Residency (PR) applications, residency pathways, and compliance support, Meridian offers clear, structured solutions tailored to each client’s unique circumstances. Founded on the values of Guidance, Integrity, and Success, Meridian is committed to making immigration simple, transparent, and accessible for everyone. For more information, visit meridianimmigration.sg or contact info@meridianimmigration.sg / +65 8873 1113.

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SOURCE Meridian Singapore Immigration Pte. Ltd.

Technology

Socomec, Daitron team up to meet Japan’s growing power demands

Published

1 hour ago

April 30, 2026

TOKYO, April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Socomec, a century-old electrical group specialising in mission-critical energy, and Japan’s Daitron, an electronics components distributor, have signed a partnership to deliver power conversion solutions and service backup power and electrical-switching systems across Japan.

The deal combines Socomec’s equipment with Daitron’s on-the-ground engineering team, which has more than 74 years of experience in the Japanese market. The two companies will handle everything from project delivery to ongoing maintenance and spare parts.

The partnership covers three product areas: uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), which keep facilities running during outages; power conversion systems, which ensure the availability and continuity of high-quality energy; and static transfer switches, which automatically reroute power loads between sources without interruption.

Beyond equipment sales, the agreement includes training, spare parts, long-term service contracts and a full range of expert services covering prevention, measurement and analysis, consultancy, deployment and optimisation. Socomec will provide product and technical training to Daitron’s team, while Daitron handles installation, servicing and day-to-day client support in Japan.

The target market spans data centres, semiconductor plants, industrial facilities, hospitals and green buildings, all areas where even brief power interruptions can prove costly. Data center demand in particular is surging, driven by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure, with colocation and enterprise facilities among the primary targets.

“Daitron knows the Japanese market inside and out. They have the people, the relationships, and the hands-on experience, and we bring the technology to match,” said Socomec Asia-Pacific CEO O’Niel Dissanayake. “It’s a natural fit, and together we can offer something neither company could deliver alone.”

“Japan’s data centres, chip factories and industrial plants all require power systems they can count on,” said Masaharu Kato, corporate officer of Daitron. “Socomec’s technology is exactly what these customers need, and our job is to make sure it’s installed, maintained and supported properly. That’s what we do best.”

The partnership comes as Japan faces a step change in power demand. Electricity consumption is expected to grow 5.3% over the next decade, driven by data centres and semiconductor factories, according to the country’s grid operator. Industrial energy demand alone is forecast to rise 18.3% over the same period.

That growth is creating strong demand for reliable power infrastructure. Data centres, for example, run around the clock and cannot afford downtime, making backup power and efficient energy management essential. Socomec’s systems are designed to reduce power consumption without sacrificing reliability, a balance that is becoming increasingly important as operators look to manage both costs and environmental commitments.

Both companies say project planning and bids are already underway, with a long-term goal of expanding the partnership’s reach across Japan as demand grows.

About Daitron

Daitron Co., Ltd. is a Japanese engineering and trading company founded in 1952 and headquartered in Osaka. Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TYO: 7609), Daitron sells and manufactures electronic components, semiconductor processing equipment and power supply systems. The company has more than seven decades of experience serving Japan’s electronics and manufacturing industries.

SOCOMEC: When energy matters

Founded in 1922, SOCOMEC is an independent industrial group of more than 4,800 experts spread across the world in 30 subsidiaries. Our vocation: design, manufacture and sale of electrical equipment, with a strong expertize in critical power applications. In 2025, SOCOMEC achieved a turnover of 997 million euros (not yet audited).

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SOURCE Socomec

Technology

Multi-Destination Travel Surges Across Asia-Pacific This Labour Day, Trip.com Group Data Shows

Published

1 hour ago

April 30, 2026

Multi-city travel across Asia-Pacific grew 35% year-on-yearMulti-city travel outpaces single-destination growth by more than 2xSoutheast Asia sees strong double-digit growth, with Thailand up to 52% YoY

SINGAPORE, April 29, 2026 /CNW/ — Multi-city travel across Asia-Pacific grew 35% year-on-year this Labour Day period, according to data from Trip.com Group. Several Asia-Pacific markets including Japan, South Korea, parts of Southeast Asia and Mainland China celebrate Labour Day, driving strong cross-border and domestic travel flows across the region.

Over 30% of international trips now span multiple destinations, highlighting a continued shift towards more complex, itinerary-led travel. This shift reflects a growing preference to maximise time and value with multiple destinations within a single trip rather than a single location.

Multi-destination trips become a defining travel pattern

While single-destination travel continues to account for most bookings, growth is increasingly driven by more complex itineraries. Multi-destination bookings are growing at more than twice the pace of single-destination travel, reflecting stronger demand for flexibility and deeper exploration.

Travellers are increasingly structuring trips across multiple cities to maximise both time and value, with popular combinations including:

Tokyo – Osaka – Kyoto (Japan)Seoul – Busan (South Korea)Bangkok – Phuket (Thailand)

These itineraries reflect a growing preference for multi-stop journeys that blend urban experiences with leisure destinations.

Southeast Asia sees fast growth in multi-destination travel

Across Southeast Asia, demand for multi-destination travel is rising steadily, with strong growth across key markets of Thailand: 52%, Malaysia: 40%, and Singapore: 17%, according to Trip.com Group data.

Top outbound destinations across Southeast Asian markets include Japan (Tokyo, Osaka), South Korea (Seoul), China (Shanghai, Beijing), Thailand (Bangkok), Indonesia (Bali).

In other parts of Asia such as Hong Kong SAR, multi-destination travel also grew by over 50% year-on-year, highlighting growing preference for more complex itineraries over traditional single-destination trips, particularly in well-connected urban markets.

In Mainland China, domestic travel remains a strong base, while overseas journeys are increasingly shaped by multi-destination itineraries, with over 40% of outbound trips spanning multiple destinations and continuing to grow.

This suggests that travellers in this region are increasingly combining multiple cities within a single trip, supported by strong regional connectivity.

Japan’s domestic travel momentum on the rise

Japan is also seeing shifts in domestic travel behaviour, even as outbound demand continues to grow.

In Japan, domestic travel is growing rapidly, indicating rising interest in travelling within the country, accounting for one-quarter of all flight bookings, and to cities such as Tokyo, Sapporo and Okinawa.

Intra-Asia travel dominates Labour Day demand

The Labour Day holiday period continues to be driven by regional travel within Asia-Pacific, with travellers favouring destinations that offer ease of access, diverse experiences, and flexible itineraries.

The Group’s data highlights the continued strength of short-haul travel, supported by strong connectivity and shorter flight durations.

More broadly, the way people travel across Asia-Pacific is evolving. Travellers taking a more deliberate approach to how they plan their trips. While cross-border journeys are increasingly shaped by multi-city itineraries, domestic travel remains a strong and steady part of the landscape. Together, these patterns point to a more flexible and value-conscious mindset, as travellers look to make the most of both time and budget.

About Trip.com Group

Trip.com Group is a leading global travel service provider comprising of Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Qunar. Across its platforms, Trip.com Group helps travellers around the world make informed and cost-effective bookings for travel products and services and enables partners to connect their offerings with users through the aggregation of comprehensive travel-related content and resources, and an advanced transaction platform consisting of apps, websites and 24/7 customer service centres. Founded in 1999 and listed on NASDAQ in 2003 and HKEX in 2021, Trip.com Group has become one of the best-known travel groups in the world, with the mission “to pursue the perfect trip for a better world”. Find out more about Trip.com Group here: group.trip.com.