As supply chains worldwide encounter escalating threats, effective risk management has become crucial for logistics service providers. Martin Taylor, the national risk manager at Rhenus Logistics, emphasises that it not only safeguards assets but also ensures regulatory compliance and maintains operational continuity in the face of disruptions."At Rhenus, we view risk management as integral to our business success, and we distinguish ourselves through our in-house security measures, providing clients with unparalleled control over every aspect of their operations," he told Freight News.Unlike many in the industry who rely on outsourced security service providers, the company manages security internally. This approach, says Taylor, not only sets Rhenus apart but also enhances its ability to respond swiftly to anomalies, ensuring that clients feel internally and externally secure."With events like Black Friday and the coming peak season, the pressure intensifies," said Taylor, indicating that cargo was more at risk, making the added value of robust risk management increasingly important. As more consumers turn to online shopping, criminals are also increasingly targeting courier vehicles, which means vigilance should be top of mind for logistics providers.According to Taylor, the heightened focus on risk management has fostered closer collaboration within the industry and with law enforcement to tackle the escalating threat of crime. "From October to December, incidents of hijacking and opportunistic crimes, often linked to increased consumer spending and e-commerce a c tiv it y, r ise dramatically. Not only are we working more closely as an industry, but stakeholders across the board are also joining forces to enhance security."He said it was not only criminal activity that was a threat. Information security is also a priority these days, with most clients requiring cyber mitigation protocols from their service providers. "Protecting client data is becoming a driving factor in our risk management strategy," said Taylor.He believes technology has become vital in managing risk. Meticulous planning and partnerships with service providers ensure safe and secure operations.Asked about challenges, he said broader societal issues, such as unemployment and border control, continued to affect crime rates nationwide, complicating logistics operations. "While we can't always solve these problems, we must adapt to the realities they create. This necessitates a constant awareness of existing risks and ensuring that strategies are in place to mitigate them and address issues as they arise." He emphasised that agility and resilience were fundamental to any risk management approach. "As the market evolves unpredictably, the ability to remain f lexible and adapt to various situations is critical." LV
