DHL is TAPA-certified in North America
DHL Express has achieved full Transported Asset Protection Association certification for all of its key North American facilities following the recent certification of its Los Angeles and San Francisco gateways.
Its North America locations include its U.S. express hub in Cincinnati, gateways in Miami and New York, and its principal gateway in Toronto. DHL Express is the only integrator in North America to achieve this milestone.
TAPA is an industry security accreditation that is awarded to facilities that meet the highest security standards for handling high-value and other commodities in global supply chains. The certification is awarded after the completion of a rigorous and detailed audit conducted by independent TAPA-trained and accredited auditors.
'Knowing that every one of our key locations has met the rigorous requirements for TAPA certification assures our customers that DHL Express maintains the highest levels of security within the supply chain,' said Adrian Whelan, senior vice president and head of global customs and security for DHL Express.
Globally, there are more than 150 TAPA-certified DHL Express hubs and gateways, including all major hubs and gateways.
The combined total of DHL TAPA-certified sites in North American now stands at 20, including those operated by two other DHL business units, DHL Global Forwarding and EXEL Supply Chain. There are DHL TAPA-certified sites in Colombia and Brazil, and certifications are in the process for other key Latin America sites.
DHL Global Forwarding has been working with TAPA since its inception in 1998, making it one of the first companies to achieve TAPA certification. All seven U.S. Global Forwarding gateways and another five facilities are TAPA-certified. Additionally, the Global Forwarding facility in Bogota, Colombia, is TAPA-certified. DHL Supply Chain manages a TAPA-certified site in Houston for two key technology sector customers and two in Brazil.
The TAPA certification process is a two-day, comprehensive security audit. Independent auditors evaluate each facility's security measures, employee security training programs, access to shipment sorting zones, facility alarms, security reporting and investigations and many other security requirements. TAPA certification is recognized globally as the industry standard for cargo facility and transportation security.
'DHL's commitment to the security standards demanded by shippers is evident by the company having brought so many of its sites successfully through the certification process,' said Alan Spear, chairman of TAPA Americas.
TAPA is an association of high-tech and other companies promoting higher security standards in the international shipping and air cargo industry. The association provides a forum that unites global manufacturers, logistics providers, freight carriers and law enforcement agencies with the main goal of reducing losses from international supply chains.