OTTAWA — The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) announced today the launch of a "first-of-its-kind" study to examine cargo crime activity in Canada and explore solutions to tackle this problem.

The trucking group will be working with the provincial trucking associations, law enforcement and representatives from the insurance industry on the project.

It’s expected to be completed by the summer of 2010 and its results will be discussed at a CTA workshop on cargo crime held on October 5th in Toronto.

"The purpose of this study is to identify the trends in cargo crime across the country, identify best practices in combating cargo crime, and develop an action plan for the private and public sector to address this important issue," said CTA CEO David Bradley.

Although there is activity within the law enforcement, insurance and carrier communities in addressing cargo crime, efforts are not coordinated, says CTA.

"There appears to be much momentum within the carrier, insurance and law enforcement communities to deal with this issue. The goal of this study is to focus these efforts in one direction by consulting with stakeholders and recording their recommendations on what needs to be done," says Bradley.

CTA has contracted Lansdowne Technologies to coordinate the study.