CNA Adopts CargoNet

Chicago-based business insurer CNA has joined CargoNet, a database network managed by ISO (Jersey City, N.J.) that combats cargo theft through improved sharing of cargo theft information between insurers and other industries and law enforcement. As a charter member of CargoNet, CNA will participate in a national initiative centered on secure information sharing, education/training and loss prevention services, as well as investigative support.

CargoNet provides a central database and related functionality that enables the immediate reporting of cargo theft to law enforcement professionals nationally, as well as secure and confidential information sharing among other concerned parties, including insurers, transportation companies, manufacturers and retailers, according to Maurizio Scrofani, managing director, CargoNet. The CargoNet initiative began in early 2009 with collaboration between ISO and the Naitional Insurance Crime Bureau. CargoNet's database and information-sharing system were designed by a group of law enforcement, insurance industry, and supply-chain experts, according to Scrofani. Investigations support and law enforcement liaisons are coordinated by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). ISO built the database and provides data management and analysis for the system, which went live on Jan. 31.

"It's universally agreed that better data collection and sharing are critical to combating cargo theft," comments David Shillingford, president of CargoNet. "We would not have been able to build the system needed to achieve this without the support of forward-looking insurers like CNA."

CNA's charter membership with CargoNet is a reflection of its long-standing commitment to loss control to help policyholders control costs and reduce business risks, asserts a joint press release from CNA and ISO. Among the other insurers that have joined CargoNet to date include Chubb, Allianz and The Hanover.

Anthony O'Donnell has covered technology in the insurance industry since 2000, when he joined the editorial staff of Insurance & Technology. As an editor and reporter for I&T and the InformationWeek Financial Services of TechWeb he has written on all areas of information ... View Full Bio