This year has seen a
steady increase in
theft and hijacking
of electronic
goods, evidence that cargo
vulnerability remains one of
the biggest challenges facing
the industry.
According to Tiaan
Smith, head of department
at Combined Private
Investigations’ (CPI)
division Risk Management
Solutions (RMS), importers
of electronic goods, their
transporters and insurance
companies should be taking
appropriate measures to
ensure that they have a
successful risk management
solution in place. “Logistics
companies and importers/
exporters should get involved
with organisations such as
the Road Freight Association
and Transported Asset
Protection Association which
are actively involved in
combating cargo crime.”
CPI RMS has been
involved in the protection
of containerised cargo since
2009 and more recently
introduced airfreight
protection and armed escorts.
“We specialise in securing
high-value and high-risk
cargo in transit,” says Smith
whose team has had a “no
loss” record year-on-year for
the past five years.
Securing cargo to the
value of R16 billion per
annum and operating
mainly between
Johannesburg and Durban,
Smith says the main
challenge facing the rail
sector in particular at
present is the ability to
convey cargo in a secure
and timeous manner,
handle large volumes, and
in the process remain cost
effective.
Having recently
introduced its 4th generation
tracking unit suitable for use
in both road and rail, Smith
says tracking of cargo is
essential in the South African
environment.
“This unit in particular
has various unique features
and warning systems in
place. We are currently in
the process of introducing an
automated system to ensure
seamless communication
and reporting on this unit.”
Smith says with new
legislation being proposed to
ban trucks on roads during
peak hours, the security of
cargo will again be under the
spotlight.
“The positive side could
be that drivers will be forced
by law to rest. This will
combat the driver fatigue
problem that is responsible
for many accidents and loss
of life. The negative impact,
however, will be that
congestion will increase
over peak times. Delivery
times to clients will be
interrupted. Costs will
increase as trucks will be
forced to stay over en route.
This will lead to drivers
stopping in unsafe areas,
leading to a higher risk of
hijackings and theft.
A lack of facilities for
both vehicles and drivers
will become a problem as
the current safe stop-over
points will be congested.”
INSERT & CAPTION
We specialise in
securing high-value
cargo in transit and
have had a “no loss”
record for the past
five years.
– Tiaan Smith
