We identify sensitive cargo via the
information flow
from our client
OF THE two areas of cargo risk - damage and theft - the latter is the big problem in SA, according to Roland Naidoo, m.d. of Rail Road Africa.
In this country - and especially in the area surrounding Johannesburg - the big risk in our industry sector is hijacking, he told FTW.
Damage is virtually zero, but it's the hijacking nightmare that has hurt us most of all.
A main part of the answer for rail Road Africa, Naidoo added, is satellite vehicle-tracking.
We had to go the Netstar route, he said, as a preventative measure to protect our clients.
Another safeguard and monitoring procedure is re-sealing containers with an RRA seal. This, said Naidoo, alerts us to whether any theft has occurred on our leg of the logistics chain.
Another protection is added for certain of the more high-risk cargoes that are being carried.
We identify sensitive cargo via the information flow from our client, said Naidoo, We pre-alert Netstar to the time of departure and the route to be followed, then move out in a protected convoy - monitored along its route by the tracking system.
Certain companies with particularly sensitive cargoes add another risk management element. When we move their traffic, said Naidoo, we inform them. They then place their own seal on the container, and have security personnel accompanying the vehicle.
Supporting this physical security programme is insurance back-up. Said Naidoo: We take out more than adequate insurance - both landside and marine - to cover ourselves for any losses.
But a new element has been introduced into the industry's risk management procedures. A sharing of information, and mutual help, said Naidoo.
The container operators are now alerting each other to what is happening - with information being constantly filtered out amongst the companies.
This is a mutual crime-prevention exercise - and follows the logic that prevention is better than cure.
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