Logistics UK joins forces with TAPA EMEA to tackle freight crime

As freight crime incidents continue to affect operators nationwide, business group Logistics UK has formed a partnership with TAPA EMEA, the Transported Asset Protection Association's Europe, Middle East & Africa region, to help build information sharing and resilience across the logistics industry. Maddi Solloway-Price, Logistics UK's Head of Road Freight Policy says: "The safety and security of our members' staff while delivering for the economy is of paramount importance. "which makes our partnership with TAPA EMEA such a great fit for us.

As the world's leading supply chain security and resilience association, TAPA EMEA is committed to helping minimise losses from its members through information sharing, training and monitoring - all elements of moving goods which we are keen to help our members improve. "By tapping into their expertise, and sharing our own knowledge with them, we are confident that the partnership will help to drive awareness of and create solutions for future issues, before they occur."

Thorsten Neumann, TAPA EMEA's President & CEO

Thorsten Neumann, TAPA EMEA's President & CEO, said: "Growing industry collaboration to highlight the threat of cargo crime to supply chains in the UK, and increasing awareness at a government level, is very encouraging. "TAPA EMEA and our members are only too aware of the high level of freight crime across the UK.

As well as gathering and sharing more intelligence to understand when, where, and how these crimes occur, we also encourage industry stakeholders to use the various security and crime prevention solutions already available to reduce the chances of falling victim to cargo crime. "These include our own supply chain security Standards for facilities, trucking, secure parking, and cyber security as well as Driver Security Guides and training courses, all created to minimise supply chain losses." Establishing a working partnership with TAPA EMEA is the latest step on Logistics UK's path to improving driver safety and welfare for all its members.

The development comes hot on the heels of other agreements which have been established in recent months with NAVCiS (the National Vehicle Crime and Intelligence Service) and the app-based service Motorway Buddy, both with the intention of improving reporting around vehicle crime and highlighting ways for drivers to avoid and prevent potential criminal attacks on vehicles. Ms Solloway-Price, continues: "Logistics UK is redoubling its efforts to improve the safety and security of hauliers operating on the UK's strategic road network. "by improving information flows across the industry and sharing best practice to keep drivers and their vehicles as safe as possible.

"Our industry is one that the economy relies upon to deliver on time and our drivers are the backbone of that service - any information and guidance that we can share between our organisations will help to keep us all as well informed as possible to counteract potential criminal attacks. "Meanwhile, we will continue to share all intelligence that we gather with government representatives as we press for an improved nationwide network of secure parking and rest facilities." As part of the new partnership, representatives of Logistics UK will be attending the annual conference organised by TAPA EMEA, to discuss ways of working together and sharing information with their members.

This follows on from recent round tables held in London and Edinburgh with Rachel Taylor MP and representatives of the Scottish government where Logistics UK members outlined the challenges which are currently being faced by drivers when out on the UK's roads. Ms Solloway-Price continues: "Those of us who work in offices take it for granted that we are safe and secure at work, and can take a comfortable rest when the working day ends. "This is not a done deal for our logistics drivers - but in partnership with TAPA EMEA, NAVCIS and Motorway Buddy, Logistics UK is committed to driving change from the government."

Harry Hughes, TAPA EMEA's UK Regional Lead, added: "It's easy to dismiss the impact of cargo crime, until you suffer a major loss. "Then, the reality kicks in. Attacks on supply chains not only put frontline staff at risk, the resulting high-value losses can pose a real threat to customer relationships, too.

"By working more closely with Logistics UK and other partners in the UK, we believe we can collectively make a positive difference to the resilience of our national and cross-border supply chains."