All Major DHL Express Facilities in North America now TAPA-certified

PLANTATION, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DHL, the world’s leading logistics company, announced today that it has reached a significant milestone in further enhancing the security of its global shipping network. Following the recent certification of its Los Angeles and San Francisco gateways by the Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA), DHL Express has achieved full TAPA certification for all of its key North American facilities. Its North America locations include its U.S. Express hub in Cincinnati, Ohio, gateways in Miami and New York City and its principal gateway in Toronto, Canada. DHL Express is the only integrator in North America to achieve such a milestone.

“Security is of the utmost importance to our customers, to the regulators and to us as a company”

TAPA is a highly sought-after industry security accreditation, which is awarded to facilities that meet the highest security standards for the handling of high-value and other commodities in global supply chains. The certification is bestowed upon the completion of a rigorous and detailed audit conducted by independent TAPA-trained and accredited auditors.

“Security is of the utmost importance to our customers, to the regulators and to us as a company,” said Adrian Whelan, senior vice president and head of Global Customs and Security for DHL Express. ”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. We are continually looking for ways to provide the very highest levels of security for our customers.”

DHL Express is the global leader with more TAPA-certified facilities within its worldwide network than any company in the express and logistics industry in the world. There are more than 150 certified DHL Express hubs and gateways around the globe, 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 sites in Latin America.

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 Global Forwarding gateways in the U.S., and an additional five facilities, are TAPA-certified. Additionally, the Global Forwarding facility in Bogota, Colombia is also 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.

Daniel Gomez, head of security for DHL Express’ Americas Region, added: “In 2010, DHL Express achieved best-in-class results with the lowest loss run rates on record in the industry. Maintaining this record, while always striving for better ways to serve our global customers is our number one priority.”

“It is TAPA members such as DHL that take the security standards and methodologies and turns them into real-world best practices. 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, 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 unique forum that unites global manufacturers, logistics providers, freight carriers and law enforcement agencies with the main goal of reducing losses from international supply chains.

About DHL

DHL – The Logistics company for the world

DHL is the global market leader in the logistics industry and “The Logistics company for the world”. DHL commits its expertise in international express, air and ocean freight, road and rail transportation, contract logistics and international mail services to its customers. A global network composed of more than 220 countries and territories and about 300,000 employees worldwide offers customers superior service quality and local knowledge to satisfy their supply chain requirements. DHL accepts its social responsibility by supporting climate protection, disaster management and education.

DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL. The Group generated revenue of more than 51 billion euros in 2010.