Walsh Western International invest up to EUR1 million in new transportation service to combat freight crime

With the estimated worldwide cost of freight crime now running at US$75 billion per year, Walsh Western International (WWI) have invested close on EUR2 million to ensure that security is top priority for their transportation services throughout Europe.

WWI will spend more than half a million Euro this year on strengthening their security through training, hardware and construction and have earmarked another EUR1 million updating and maintaining their security systems over the next two years.

WWI's clients, particularly in the hi-tech and healthcare sector, require secure transportation of high value products. WWI have specifically tailored their transportation services cut the risk of theft and pilferage by operating the most advanced satellite communications shipment tracking technology.

John McDunphy, General Director, Transportation, WWI said: "Freight crime is a major issue throughout Europe and a serious headache for many companies. With WWI's new secure service we are eliminating the chance of goods being stolen. Constant monitoring throughout the whole transportation process will ensure the highest standards of security are in place throughout the entire supply chain."

The satellite tracking technology monitors the exact location, speed and direction of each working trailer in the WWI fleet 24 hours a day seven days a week. The satellite tracking is carried out by a totally independent monitoring facility to ensure an even greater degree of security.

Each WWI trailer travels in convoy and is followed at various points in its route by private vehicles. Once loaded, the trailers become a totally sealed and alarmed unit. Any movement of the doors once this is completed or separation of the cab from the trailer will trigger an alarm.

If a trailer deviates from the set route an alarm will sound in the monitoring facility which will receive an update on the trailers' position in real-time prior to setting off pre-agreed emergency response procedures.

All WWI trailers are fitted with lockable storage racking systems designed to minimise handling of goods and prevent the movement of cargo in transit. This is particularly important in the case of sensitive medical equipment, computer goods and high value consumer goods.

At present WWI are seeking the TAPA (Technology Asset Protection Association) Certification. The TAPA was established in 1997 and recognises best practice in high security total logistics service. The assessment is measured against approximately 100 criteria and is then awarded one of three classes: A, B and C.

The estimated worldwide cost of freight crime at US$75 billion per year is according to the Federal Bureau of Intelligence (FBI)