In a bid to safeguard valuable cargo against theft and pilferage, DHL Global Forwarding has forged security partnerships with Air China Cargo and Shanghai Pudong International Airport Cargo Terminal Ltd (PACTL). The objective of these partnerships is to co-operate in crime prevention and to come up with standard procedures to meet shippers' security requirements.

Under the memorandum of understanding, the three parties agree on standard operating procedures for high-value and high-risk cargo. A working committee involving participants from the three sides as well as from trucking companies and other outfits involved in air cargo processing will be formed with a brief to improve handling procedures for valuable cargo.

In addition, the three partners will share best practices and information about crime trends and launch joint investigations. The three companies intend to set up a joint task force to implement crime prevention measures.

"Security in today's supply chain can only be efficient and effective when all involved parties promote collaboration, open communication and best practices," said Robert Larsen, senior vice-president and head of global security for DHL.

According to DHL Global Forwarding, the agreement with Air China and PACTL is the first security partnership of this kind in China. It follows the establishment of a security partnership between the forwarder and Malaysia's MASkargo in March.

The earlier deal has brought some tangible results. "We have had several follow-up meetings with the security counterparts from MASkargo. One significant achievement was a joint security investigation conducted by both DHL and MASkargo resulting in the arrest of two cargo terminal contract workers for theft of mobile phones at Kuala Lumpur airport on 31 July," said Siew Yue Wah, regional head of security, Asia-Pacific, DHL Logistics.

First and foremost, these security partnerships are about prevention of cargo crimes, but they also have an impact on security measures against acts of terrorism.

"The primary aim and focus of the partnership of the programme is on cargo crime prevention, but we do share industry best practices on air safety and anti-terrorism," Siew said.

DHL intends to develop similar partnerships with other operators.

"We have had meetings with other major carriers such as Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, China Eastern and Philippine Air Lines and are awaiting their responses on joining the partnership. Shanghai airport police is expected to sign a cargo crime prevention partnership with DHL in December.

"The Manila International Airport Authority and the Philippines National Police/Airport Security Group are also expected to join the partnership in December," Siew said.