# Physical Cargo Security

*Last updated: 2026-06-26*

> Freight forwarders, warehouse operators, and carriers treat physical cargo security as all hands-on measures that protect goods from theft, tampering, and unauthorized access during transport and storage.

Freight forwarders, warehouse operators, and carriers treat physical cargo security as all hands-on measures that protect goods from theft, tampering, and unauthorized access during transport and storage. Practical tools include tamper-evident seals, access-controlled warehouse areas, CCTV surveillance, and documented handling protocols. In cross-border trade, physical security is directly assessed by customs authorities as part of programmes such as the AEO (Authorised Economic Operator) scheme, where supply chain integrity is a formal audit criterion. The concept is distinct from cybersecurity or data protection – physical cargo security deals solely with the material protection of goods and logistics infrastructure.

**Source:** [https://www.icao.int/Security/Cargo/Pages/default.aspx](https://www.icao.int/Security/Cargo/Pages/default.aspx)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Physical Cargo Security |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 97 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-26 |
| Source | https://www.icao.int/Security/Cargo/Pages/default.aspx |

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*Logistics Glossary — Freight Academy: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/physical-cargo-security](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/physical-cargo-security)*

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