We are proud to announce a significant step forward in securing the UK's supply chain! Our own Harry Hughes, UK Regional Lead for TAPA EMEA (Transport Asset Protection Association, EMEA region), recently joined Steve Parker, Director General of the British International Freight Association (BIFA), on BIFA TV to discuss a powerful new collaboration between our two associations.

This partnership is a game-changer, focused on uniting the industry to effectively tackle the growing threat of freight crime in the UK. As a leader in logistics, FET Logistics is committed to driving these essential security initiatives.

Understanding the Power of TAPA

As Harry explained in the discussion, TAPA was first established in 1997 by high-tech companies experiencing significant losses. It evolved in 2000 to become the Transported Asset Protection Association, recognising the need for a wider industry focus.

Today, TAPA is a global force with over 1,200 members, including law enforcement, manufacturers, shippers, logistics service providers, and freight forwarders. Our mission is clear: to minimise cargo losses across the industry by setting and promoting global security best practices.

The TAPA Arsenal: Standards & Intelligence

TAPA provides its members with invaluable tools to mitigate risks and plan secure operations:

TAPA Intelligence System (TIS): This proprietary database is where TAPA gathers detailed intelligence on historic cargo crime. Members use TIS to actively risk-assess routes and plan journeys, steering clear of current crime hotspots.
Industry-Leading Security Standards: TAPA has developed four globally respected standards, regarded as the best practices for supply chain security:

TSR (Transported Security Requirements): Focuses on the security protocols for trucking and road freight.
FSR (Facility Security Requirements): Specifies requirements for securing warehouses, distribution centres, and cross-docks.
PSR (Parking Security Requirements): Ensures that parking locations offer verified secure conditions for resting drivers and parked cargo.
Cyber Standard: A new initiative to address the rising threat of cyber-related cargo and supply chain attacks.

A United Front: TAPA & BIFA

The renewed alignment between TAPA and BIFA is crucial for strengthening the UK's freight sector. This collaboration means that vital cargo crime information and industry best practices will be shared seamlessly, directly benefiting the vast BIFA membership.

As Harry noted, BIFA members now have easier avenues to engage with TAPA’s resources.

Membership Options: BIFA members can now explore various levels of TAPA membership, including the new Country Membership, which provides cost-effective access to the standards, training, certification ability, and the powerful TIS database.
Global Connection: The worldwide membership option grants access to major events like the annual EU conference (this year in Oberhausen, Germany, June 10th-11th), which brings together hundreds of delegates focused solely on preventing cargo crime.

FET Logistics: Driving Security Forward

At FET Logistics, we believe that collaboration and adherence to the highest standards are the only way to safeguard high-value assets. Our involvement, through Harry Hughes's leadership at TAPA, underscores our commitment to not just meeting industry standards, but actively shaping them.

We encourage all our partners and fellow industry players to explore how TAPA's standards and intelligence can fortify your operations against the persistent threat of freight crime. This partnership with BIFA marks the start of a safer, more secure future for the UK logistics sector.