HSM IT ServicesTransportation and Logistics
Trucking, courier, warehousing and logistics companies in Alberta keep goods moving with dispatch systems, telematics and connected warehouses. HSM IT Services keeps operations running around the clock and protects against the ransomware and fraud that target the supply chain.
Transportation and logistics companies operate on tight schedules and thin margins. Dispatch and transportation management systems, electronic logging devices, telematics, warehouse management systems, scanners, label printers and customer portals all need to work at all hours. Drivers depend on mobile devices and in-cab technology, while warehouses rely on reliable Wi-Fi and connected equipment. An outage in dispatch or the warehouse can affect deliveries across Alberta and beyond. Terminals, yards and offices may also be spread across several communities with different connectivity options.
The sector is frequently targeted by ransomware because downtime disrupts customers and supply chains. Fraud is another serious problem, including fictitious pickups, double brokering, fraudulent load board activity and email schemes that redirect payments to carriers or brokers. Attackers who gain access to a dispatcher's or accountant's email can use it to deceive customers and partners. Shared accounts and high driver turnover make access control difficult. Many of these schemes rely on urgency and on staff being too busy to verify requests.
Carriers that operate across provincial or international borders are federally regulated and may be subject to PIPEDA, and they must meet federal electronic logging device requirements. Cross-border shipments involve electronic manifest submissions to the Canada Border Services Agency. Customers, brokers and insurers increasingly ask about security controls. Managing devices, segmenting networks, securing email and maintaining tested backups help logistics companies protect operations and meet these expectations. These steps also make it easier to resume operations quickly after an incident.
Risks we see most
Ransomware disrupting dispatch
Encrypted dispatch, TMS or warehouse systems can stop pickups and deliveries and damage customer relationships.
Freight and payment fraud
Criminals impersonate carriers, brokers or shippers to steal loads or redirect payments.
Driver device management
Phones and tablets in trucks are lost, damaged or shared, and can expose company systems if unmanaged.
Warehouse network weaknesses
Scanners, printers and connected equipment on unsegmented networks can give attackers a path to core systems.
Account sharing and turnover
Shared dispatch and portal logins make it hard to remove access when drivers or staff leave.
How HSM IT Services helps
- Mobile device management and support for driver phones and tablets
- Warehouse Wi-Fi, cabling and support for scanners and label printers
- Monitoring and after-hours support for dispatch and operations systems
- Email security and verification procedures to reduce freight and payment fraud
- Individual accounts and fast offboarding for drivers and dispatch staff
- Backups and recovery planning for TMS, accounting and customer data
Rules and standards that apply
- Alberta Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA)
- PIPEDA for federally regulated extra-provincial carriers
- Federal electronic logging device (ELD) requirements under the Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of Service Regulations
- CBSA eManifest requirements for cross-border shipments
This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm your obligations with your lawyer or regulator.
Services for this sector
Managed IT Services
Our Managed IT Services puts all your technology under one phone call: computers, networks, cloud, cybersecurity, phones, printers, cabling, cameras and access control. We monitor, maintain and support it all for a predictable monthly fee, so problems are caught early and your team can focus on the business.
Learn moreMobile Device Support
Our Mobile Device Support manages the smartphones and tablets your staff use for email, Teams, field apps and customer contact. We enrol and configure devices, protect company data on both company and personal phones, troubleshoot problems and handle lost or stolen devices quickly and securely.
Learn moreNetwork and Firewall Management
Our Network and Firewall Management designs, secures and maintains the switches, Wi-Fi, firewalls and internet connections your organization depends on. We monitor performance, keep firmware current and review firewall rules so your network stays fast, stable and difficult for attackers to move through.
Learn moreEmail Security
Our Email Security protects your organization from phishing, malware, business email compromise and domain spoofing. We combine advanced filtering, sender authentication with SPF, DKIM and DMARC, account protection and staff reporting tools, so fraudulent messages are blocked and suspicious ones are caught quickly.
Learn moreQuestions we hear
Can you support our drivers' phones and tablets?
Yes. We use mobile device management to set up, secure and update driver devices remotely, install required apps and lock or wipe devices that are lost. We can also configure devices so drivers only have access to the apps they need, which reduces distractions and support calls.
Do you offer support outside business hours?
Yes. Logistics runs around the clock, and we offer support and monitoring arrangements that match your hours of operation. Critical systems such as dispatch and internet connections can be monitored continuously so problems are identified and addressed quickly, even overnight or on weekends.
How can we reduce fraud involving fake carriers and brokers?
Technology helps through email security, multi-factor authentication and alerts for suspicious account activity. Process matters just as much, including verifying carriers through established channels and confirming payment changes by phone. We help you combine both and train dispatch and accounting staff on the warning signs.