JOY ORLEK TIGHTENING UP an already tight ship is the motivation behind the latest development at security specialists Special Cargo Handling. The company, which offers technology-driven armed surveillance and armed escorts for the transport of valuable and refrigerated cargo, has now set up its own in-house reaction unit. “We set it up three months ago and one of the benefits is speedier reaction time,” says managing director Marius Louw. “We know exactly where the vehicle is and can therefore respond far more quickly.” As South Africa’s crime statistics continue to grow, Louw reports huge growth in demand for his company’s services. “We’ve seen this in the refrigerated market in particular, with medicines and pharmaceuticals an important element.” The door-to-door service, offering armed escorts from aircraft to final destination, has also attracted significant interest, he added. A key competitive benefit, says Louw, is the company’s logistics expertise. “We are not just a security company, but a security company that understands the logistics industry." The company’s mission however extends beyond its own business boundaries. “We have been a member of the Transported Asset Protection Association (Tapa) for some time and are now involved in the setting up of a local chapter of Tapa. “We are committed to helping to reduce crime by contributing to the association and sharing our knowledge about crime trends in the industry to help create a safer environment for all,” says Louw.
