STEPS TO TAPA CERTIFICATION

The first step in pursuing TAPA Certification is to read the Facility Security Requirements (FSR), Trucking Security Requirements (TSR), and Freight Brokers Security Requirements (FBSR) documents. Each document includes a “checklist” outlining each standard and a detailed description. (You will need to determine if you will certify your facility or your trucks and which level of certification.)

The second step is to audit your facility or fleet to evaluate the current status of your facility/fleet against the requirements. Before this self-audit, you must determine which level of security is needed for your product(s) and security environment. Level A (FSR) and 1 (TSR) are the most protective. Many global companies use a combination of protection levels based on variables such as:

• country crime or cargo theft data
• product value or type
• product volume
• criticality to the supply chain

Conducting this evaluation will provide a gap analysis that will inform you which areas of your security need to be improved, enhanced, or acquired.

The third step is contacting one of the TAPA-approved audit providers. These companies will provide you with proposed costs/fees associated with the audit process itself. They will also be able to coordinate the scheduling of an audit and put you in contact with an auditor. Once you establish a relationship with your audit provider, they will be your best resource for clarification questions regarding the standards as they relate specifically to your facility/fleet. As part of this step, you will need to sign up with TAPA Americas for standards training.

Commonly asked Question: What is the difference between TAPA certification and TAPA membership? And, is a Logistics Service Provider or manufacturer required to have a membership to be TAPA certified?

Answer:  TAPA Membership is being a member of the association. In the Americas, you are not required to be a TAPA member to have your Facilities TAPA Certified. Facility Security Requirements (FSR) set minimum standards for security and industry best practices for facilities storing and handling HVTT assets. They also specify the proper methods for maintaining those standards. FSR certifications apply to individual facilities, not entire companies. Only those companies that achieve FSR certification for every one of their facilities can claim to be “TAPA-certified.” Facilities must receive FSR certification through an audit process from a TAPA-approved auditor.

Facility Security Requirements (FSR) – (Click here to learn more.)

Facility Security Requirements (FSR) set minimum standards for security and industry best practices for facilities storing and handling HVTT assets. They also specify the proper methods for maintaining those standards. TAPA members who purchase supply chain services should choose suppliers who meet or exceed TAPA’s FSR certification requirements.

FSR certifications apply to individual facilities, not entire companies. Only those companies that achieve FSR certification for every one of their facilities can claim to be “TAPA-certified.” Facilities must receive FSR certification through an audit process from a TAPA-approved auditor.

Trucking Security Requirements (TSR) – (Click here to learn more.)

Trucking Security Requirements (TSR) set minimum security standards and best practices for over-the-road carriers of HVTT goods. These voluntary standards are not part of the formal certification process, but we highly recommend that companies employ them as an essential part of the shipper-carrier relationship.

Incident Information Reports state that over 85% of all cargo theft in North America involves trucks. Carriers and shippers must work closely to secure this part of the transportation supply chain.

Freight Brokers Security Requirements (FBSR) - (Click here to learn more.)

The Freight Broker Security Requirements (FBSR) Standard provides a landmark framework designed to elevate security offerings across the freight brokerage industry. This new framework sets a critical benchmark for protecting high-value cargo and reducing supply chain risk in an increasingly complex logistics environment.

Designed specifically for brokers who arrange transportation without owning physical assets, the FBSR provides a structured, tiered approach to implementing security protocols that align with the needs of shippers and carriers.

NOTE: Please remember that FSR, TSR, and FBSR certifications cover only the minimum required standards. Some geographic areas and types of HVTT cargo may require even higher standards.

Audit Providers – (Click for List of TAPA-Approved Audit Providers)

TAPA-approved auditors use the highest FSR standards when auditing transportation supply chain facilities. Companies needing certification must contact a TAPA-approved audit provider. A list is located on our website. The company requesting the audit pays all audit costs. If the completed audit results in a satisfactory score, TAPA AMERICAS will issue the appropriate A, B, or C-level certificate through the auditing firm.

Certification applies ONLY to a specific facility within the transportation supply chain. A company cannot claim to be TAPA-certified unless each facility has a current certification.