A cargo security sensing system includes a smart container having a sensor, wherein the smart container is a standard shipping cargo container that includes the sensor. The sensor may be any suitable type of sensing device capable of sensing changes in environmental conditions. The sensing system includes a plurality of dumb containers in corresponding relation to the smart container, wherein, the dumb container may be any suitable shipment container, including the same type of cargo shipment container or other type, as the smart container, excluding the sensor. The system for cargo security provides for the smart container to detect an event occurring with respect to either the smart container itself and/or the nearby dumb containers. An event may be an occurrence detected by the sensor, such that the smart container may notify of any potential security breaches in any of the containers.