National Retail Systems Inc., a provider of logistics services to U.S. retailers, pharmaceutical companies and consumer goods manufacturers, announced that the company has received certification from the Transported Asset Protection for full compliance with TAPA’s new Trucking Security Requirements (TSR 2012) program.
The SGS Group, a global provider of inspection, verification, testing and certification services, performed the certification audit. According to TAPA guidelines, SGS TSR 2012 certifications are awarded following two separate audits of a company’s security operations related to policy/procedures and actual practice, including a physical inspection of the company’s truck fleet.
NRS operates a 200-acre distribution campus in Secaucus, N.J.; more than 1.2 million square feet of automated distribution center space in Los Angeles; a 140,000-square-foot high-speed transload center three miles from the Port of Savannah, Ga.; and dozens of trucking terminals nationwide moving more than 1 billion pounds of consumer products per year.
“This is further validation of the industry-leading processes and technology we have implemented at NRS to ensure our customers can move their products in a secure end-to-end network,” says John Tabor, NRS director of corporate security. “The threat of cargo crime is only increasing, and we are taking every measure possible to safeguard our company and our customers, while working with law enforcement nationwide to stop the threat.”
TSR 2012 has been established to ensure the safe and secure transportation of any TAPA member’s assets throughout the world by specifying the minimum acceptable standards for security throughout the supply chain. TSR 2012 outlines the process and specification for carriers to achieve compliance for their trucking operations. It is the intention of TAPA members to select carriers that meet or exceed TSR 2012 compliance requirements.
“Cargo theft is a multibillion dollar problem worldwide, and according to crime statistics, an average of 85 percent of all major cargo thefts occur during road transportation,” says Alan Spear, chairman of TAPA Americas. “TAPA believes that TSR certifications will result in members seeing a continued reduction in crime involving vehicles worldwide.”
“NRS ownership has invested significant capital in our security program to ensure the safe movement of our clients’ shipments,” Tabor says. “Our loss history, or lack thereof, is testament to that commitment. Working with TAPA, we can verify to prospective clients through this certification that we are industry-best.”
