Port security demands buy-in from individual companies

Locally developed products address credibility of southern African cargo ALAN PEAT WITH THE world plagued by terrorist threats, security has become a critical consideration, according to Johan Robinson, divisional manager of freight protection specialists, Transito. “This,” he told FTW, “is not an exclusive threat to the US but is a global threat that is being felt by many of southern Africa’s global trading partners. “The global trend of a greater emphasis on security has naturally extended to cargo, freight and logistics related industries.” Therefore, African states which are seeking to promote trade with the global trading system have to prioritise the implementation of security codes and initiatives such as the ISPS Code and the container security initiative (CSI) to ensure that freight and cargo from Africa and specifically sub-Saharan Africa achieves levels of credibility and acceptability. In SA, the SA Revenue Service (Sars) and the National Ports Authority (NPA) are overseeing the implementation of these security initiatives. “But,” said Robinson, “while this implementation of ISPS and CSI lies with the authoritative bodies, greater onus for the cargo will also lie with individual companies to provide detailed and accurate information pertaining to the cargo.” This is what Transito is offering the international freight and trading markets. It has a combination of basic products. A special locking device for containers, and satellite tracking of the containers under its control. It also takes care of cargo during the unpack procedure for less than container load (LCL) cargoes, and oversees the critical period while containers are open for customs inspections. “Having identified the vulnerability of freight and cargo in southern Africa, we have developed a holistic range of products and services which are leading edge by both domestic and international standards. “These are specifically designed to address the credibility of southern African cargo.” In ensuring this credibility and the transparency of the cargo movements, Transito has a vast southern African infrastructural network at its disposal. “This allows us to create secure transit corridors from point-of-origin to the port. “We are also further distinguished in the cargo security field by offering tracking of the cargo as opposed to merely the vehicle.” Transito’s objectives and operations are also relevant to the ISPS code and particularly the CSI, Robinson added, as it can assist client companies in compiling the necessary information for the cargo in transit.