The supply chain in Latin America faces substantial security challenges, from rising cargo theft to the need to meet international standards that ensure safe and reliable operations. This article examines the current issues, essential certifications such as ISO 28000 and TAPA, and the critical role of coordinated efforts between the public and private sectors. Additionally, it underscores the importance of engaging experts with a global perspective, like Besafe International, to adapt best practices to local realities and strengthen logistics resilience in the region.
The supply chain encompasses the entire process from raw material acquisition to final product delivery to the customer. Each stage of this complex system—from planning and manufacturing to transportation and warehousing—requires meticulous coordination to minimize risks, optimize resources, and ensure timely and optimal product delivery. In this context, logistics refers to the specialized activities that manage product storage and movement. While logistics is part of the supply chain, it specifically focuses on goods flow and control, complementing and enhancing overall system efficiency.
Supply Chain Challenges in Latin America
Cargo theft, or “asphalt piracy,” significantly impacts the Latin American supply chain, with countries like Argentina and Mexico reporting high incident rates. Argentina reports approximately four daily cargo theft cases, mainly concentrated in Buenos Aires Province, accounting for 56% of incidents. This crime raises operational costs due to increased insurance premiums and affects the reputation and logistics efficiency of involved companies.
In Mexico, cargo transportation security has faced severe challenges in recent years. The year 2023 was marked as a “black year” for road transport, with over 9,000 robbery incidents, 7,862 involving violence. The situation was already critical in 2022, with 20,131 cargo theft events, a 1.3% increase from 2021. High-incident states include the State of Mexico and Puebla, which account for 46% of these thefts. Mexican authorities have responded with strategies like the Balam-GN digital platform, which uses advanced technology to “shield” drivers by allowing rapid alerts and real-time response coordination.
In Chile, while specific cargo theft statistics are less detailed, significant incidents have been reported. In August 2024, for instance, a violent truck assault occurred in Maipú, where perpetrators intercepted a vehicle on Route 78, threatening the driver and his 9-year-old son. These incidents have prompted Chilean transport and security companies to pursue certifications like ISO 28000, preparing to meet increasingly stringent requirements from multinational companies demanding suppliers adhere to these standards.
The implementation of certifications like ISO 28000 and TAPA (Transported Asset Protection Association) is essential to mitigating asphalt piracy risks. ISO 28000 provides a framework for supply chain security management, aiding organizations in identifying and controlling potential risks. TAPA certification focuses on ensuring safe transportation and compliance with security standards at high-value product storage facilities.
Solutions to Strengthen Supply Chain Security
Increasing supply chain insecurity in Latin America has led companies to adopt various practical and strategic measures to mitigate risks associated with transporting and storing goods. Examples include:
Threat Analysis and Risk Assessment: Conducting an in-depth analysis of external threats based on geographic characteristics, routes, and storage points. This assessment enables companies to identify potential risks and develop suitable mitigation strategies.
Personnel Security and Continuous Training: Ensuring the safety of transport and logistics personnel is vital for reducing vulnerabilities. Continuous training on security protocols and emergency responses prepares drivers and employees for risky situations.
Evaluation of Employee Integrity: Maintaining security across the supply chain involves evaluating the integrity of all direct and indirect employees. This includes criminal background checks where permitted by law.
Supplier Evaluation and Selection: Companies must perform periodic assessments of suppliers to verify they meet required security standards, including proper vehicle use and adherence to supply chain protection regulations.
Surveillance and Access Control Monitoring: Installing surveillance systems in strategic locations and controlling access in warehouses, offices, and loading docks is essential to reduce unauthorized access risks.
Real-Time GPS Monitoring for Transport: GPS tracking allows real-time monitoring of vehicle locations, route deviations, unusual stops, or itinerary changes, helping detect potential theft attempts.
Strengthening Cybersecurity and Information Security Certification: With rising cyberattacks on supply chains, companies should implement robust cybersecurity protocols, such as ISO 27001 certification.
Coordination with Authorities: Collaboration with local and national authorities is crucial for maintaining security along transport routes and at storage facilities. Effective communication channels and close working relationships facilitate incident reporting and support during emergencies.
The Strategic Value of Investing in Logistics Security
Investment in logistics security and the adoption of international standards like ISO 28000 and TAPA go beyond being an operational necessity in Latin America; they represent a competitive strategy that strengthens operational resilience in a globalized and complex environment. Companies that choose these certifications not only protect their assets and secure their market position but also build trust with business partners and ensure operational continuity in the face of potential disruptions.
Given the issue of insecurity in the supply chain, an integrated and coordinated effort between the public and private sectors is essential. Through working groups, key stakeholders can analyze and develop effective strategies to address security challenges that impact the entire community. These solutions combine public security efforts with private security measures implemented by each company, creating a protective network that benefits all parties involved.
Specialized consultancies like Besafe International play a vital role by offering a global perspective tailored to local needs. With certified professionals and extensive experience, BeSafe International provides a comprehensive approach that adapts best practices from other contexts to the cultural and operational specifics of each Latin American market, delivering sustainable and effective solutions for the region's companies.
Investing in logistics security is not only essential to facing current supply chain challenges in Latin America but also represents a commitment to the region's economic and operational future. By working together, the private sector and authorities can build a safer, more reliable logistics environment, strengthening the foundations for sustainable and globally competitive growth.
References
1. Asociación Nacional de Transporte Privado (ANTP). Estadísticas de robo al transporte de carga. Recuperado de https://www.antp.org.mx/nd_img/indicadores/transportes/documentos/febrero2022/antp_SeguridadPatrimonial_Enero2022.pdf
2. Overhaul. México: Reporte Anual de Robo de Carga 2022. Recuperado de https://over-haul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SPANISH_Mexico-Annual-Report-2022.pdf
3. La Nación. La incertidumbre tras las PASO puso freno a la mayor alza de ataques de piratería del asfalto de los últimos años. Recuperado de https://www.lanacion.com.ar/seguridad/la-incertidumbre-tras-las-paso-puso-freno-a-la-mayor-alza-de-ataques-de-pirateria-del-asfalto-de-los-nid20092023/
4. Infobae. Aumentó la piratería del asfalto: la mensajería por ventas en internet es el nuevo blanco de los delincuentes. Recuperado de https://www.infobae.com/sociedad/policiales/2022/09/21/aumento-la-pirateria-del-asfalto-la-mensajeria-por-ventas-en-internet-es-el-nuevo-blanco-de-los-delincuentes/
5. DNV. ISO 28000 - Seguridad Cadena de Suministro. Recuperado de https://www.dnv.com/services/iso-28000-2022-seguridad-cadena-de-suministro.html
6. Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA). Certificación TAPA. Recuperado de https://tapa-global.org