A South African logistics company has become the first company in Africa to be approved as a Transported Asset Protection Association (Tapa) Parking Place Operator (PPO) for a certified truck parking site.
This follows the Tapa Europe, Middle East and Africa (Emea) launch of its Parking Security Requirements (PSR) programme in August this year to “build a growing network of secure parking places for high-value, theft– targeted goods travelling in supply chains across the Emea region”.
PSR marketing coordinator for Tapa Emea, George Wiessing, told FTW that Tapa had identified a “massive gap” in the provision of secure, comfortable parking spaces across the Emea region.
“Numerous countries in the region impose mandatory rest times for truck drivers, plus there are border delays – with high levels of violence and crime reported at some southern African borders. But there are insufficient rest stops and trucks just park anywhere along a trade route, thus increasing the risk of theft or damage to goods,” said Wiessing. He said Tapa – which consists largely of supply chain professionals – has 20 years’ experience in ensuring transported goods are safeguarded and suggested that Tapacertified parking sites would therefore provide the benefits of that experience.
“We have a number of procedures and protocols to which our PPOs must adhere and we have included independent auditing requirements as well as the vetting of employees and subcontractors at these facilities to minimise risks,” explained Wiessing. He said that in developing these facilities in conjunction with the industry, Tapa was basing these on global industry best practices. He agreed that safety could “never be guaranteed” but pointed out that it was just like individuals putting up fencing and locks on their homes.
“We know it will be a deterrent because we are making it harder for criminals,” said Wiessing. He said there were different levels of standards which applicants could fulfil and that eventually trained armed guards could form part of the PSR. “Furthermore, in developing these standards, we are looking beyond the safety of the truck drivers, the cargo and the multimillion rand truck itself but towards the comfort of drivers as well.” According to Wiessing this could include bathroom facilities and possibly restaurants.
FTW has often highlighted the plight of truck drivers who bemoan the fact that there are not enough rest stops along the major trade highways in southern Africa, which they say exposes them not only to crime but to poor hygiene.
Bridgewater Logistics is the certified South African operator.
There are insufficient rest stops and trucks just park anywhere along a trade route, thus increasing the risk of theft. – George Wiessing
