The logistics sector is developing rapidly and, as a result, new supply chain management concepts are constantly emerging. Cargo transportation safety plays a decisive role in customer satisfaction, and the issue of vehicle reliability therefore remains a priority.
In an effort to follow market trends and meet logistics industry demand, the AsstrA corporate group has developed an offering designed specifically for companies working with high-value special-purpose equipment, device prototypes, medicines, and highly resellable goods like precious metals, electronics, and tobacco products.
Delivery time is between 24-48 hours within the European Union. Standard vehicles manufactured with amended technical specification are used for the express deliveries in compliance with safety standards V1, V2, V3, V4, and V5. The classes’ distinctions depend on the types of security systems used, cargo space, and the goods able to be transported.
In addition to added security, shipments are monitored by a third party at every stage. 24/7 visibility allows quick responses to emergencies in whichever country the truck and driver happen to be.
Development of the offering was coordinated by Head of AsstrA Express Delivery Christian Eckstein, and Groupage Cargo Specialist Daniel Hajduk.
“The pilot project was implemented jointly with an interested client who agreed to participate. The AsstrA team chose a reliable transport partner who also shared a similar approach to business. We successfully managed to create a well-coordinated team as a basis for future investments in this service offering,” says Daniel Hajduk.
“At the next stage, it was necessary to engage a security agency and a company providing security systems,” adds Christian Eckstein.
The AsstrA team, working with a Dutch company specializing in a narrow range of security systems for vans and trucks, have developed a customized monitoring solution. To avoid potential risks, the first stage of such a shipment involves background checks on all participants including AsstrA employees, drivers, and the owners of AsstrA’s transport partner company. After completing these verifications, the security systems were installed in the appropriate rolling stock. The project involved 3 vans weighing up to 3.5 tons with a carrying capacity of up to 1 ton.
“This initiative's leaders, including Christian Eckstein and myself, were invited to the Netherlands for a two-day training. It involved theoretical and practical components where they described how the system works. Finally, the organizers tested our knowledge of the system and what to do in case of an emergency. We all received positive results and became certified participants in the monitoring process.
The security company we partnered with also organized a course on transport processes. In the classroom, they explained the rules for drivers fulfilling such orders and also explained how to respond to unexpected or dangerous situations during transportation. They checked our knowledge of this as well and we all had excellent results,” adds Daniel Hajduk.
After completing a one-month test phase on EU roads, there was a maintenance check on the vehicles’ monitoring systems. After being approved by a third-party representative from the security department, the AsstrA team officially launched the solution and began to present the new possibilities to clients. After the lengthy preparatory process, the AsstrA Group now regularly organizes secure express deliveries as an authorized V4 Security Carrier.
