High security standards confirmed: trans-o-flex receives TAPA certificate

• As the first location in the trans-o-flex Express network, Hürth was certified according to the FSR-C standard
• Branch near Cologne to become a showcase location for future TAPA certifications

For its location in Hürth near Cologne, the express delivery company trans-o-flex has received the certificate of the Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA). trans-o-flex had been audited according to the TAPA FSR-C standard by the globally recognised security organisation specialised in transport and logistics and received the certificate at first attempt.

FSR-C stands for Facility Security Requirement Category C and is the first TAPA certification level. “In terms of security, this standard is more stringent than anything else in ISO quality management and is the ideal basis for the ongoing development of our security processes and technology”, explains Wolfgang P. Albeck, CEO of trans-o-flex. Albeck intends to make Hürth a showcase location for future TAPA certifications. “It is the standard according to which we will gradually have the other locations certified.”

From Albeck’s point of view, the certification has mainly two major advantages. “On the one hand, the TAPA certification is another step towards increasing the safety of our entire processes and systems according to the most stringent standards. On the other hand, it enables us to credibly document the high security standards we have already reached.” For the certification, all safety-relevant processes must be described and audited annually. In addition to this, clearly defined technical safety systems are required, which are also audited annually. Finally, everyone involved in transport and handling must regularly take part in safety training courses. TAPA, which was founded by demanding dispatchers, also sets very specific structural standards, e.g. for fences, access regulations or video surveillance. Consequently, the Hürth site, in the run-up to the certification, was also provided with a new video management system that, for example, enables a targeted and rapid search for individual missing parcels. As part of the yard management, the system also records every vehicle license plate number on the premises and simultaneously directs the lorries to the correct loading gate.