Patent ID: 8441336

Claim:
A system for enhancing the security of high value cargo during shipment within an enclosed cargo container without enabling the cargo container to be distinguished from similar cargo containers carrying shipments of lower value cargo, the system comprising: a plurality of cargo containers, each of the cargo containers being an enclosed container that exclusively contains cargo; each of the cargo containers including an Internal Locking Mechanism (ILM) configured to prevent opening of the cargo container when the cargo container is closed and the ILM is locked, the ILM being externally undetectable when the cargo container is closed; each of the cargo containers including a Base Unit (BU) at least attached within the cargo container and cooperative with the corresponding ILM, the BU being externally undetectable when the cargo container is closed; an electronic OnBoard Identity Module (OBIM) which is removably enclosable within any of the BU's, the OBIM when enclosed within one of the BU's being able to secure and release the corresponding ILM, unlocking of the ILM being inhibited when the ILM is secured and unlocking of the ILM being enabled when the ILM is released, the OBIM being thereby transferable between the cargo carriers as needed, so as to secure whichever of the cargo carriers is carrying the high value cargo, the OBIM being configured for wireless communication with external nodes when the OBIM is enclosed within one of the BU's and the corresponding cargo container is closed; and a Security management System (SMS) configured for wireless communication with the OBIM, the SMS including a processor and software configured so as to transmit a signal to the OBIM causing the OBIM to secure the ILM, and transmit a signal to the OBIM causing the OBIM to release the ILM.