High-value freight specialist DeSpir Logistics, owned by C.H. Robinson, has achieved the TAPA AMERICAS FBSR 2025 Tier 1 certification – a significant milestone in the company’s cargo security operations. The accomplishment makes DeSpir one of the first third-party logistics providers (3PLs) in North America to earn the highest certification available for freight brokerage.

Certification is based on the Freight Broker Security Requirements (FBSR) framework, developed by the Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA). TAPA is internationally recognized and its standards are focused on cargo protection, theft prevention and transportation risk management. “The FBSR program addresses security challenges related to high-risk and high-value freight, helping to reduce exposure to theft, fraud, cargo loss and other security breaches.

C.H. Robinson said the recognition comes as cargo-related criminal activity is becoming increasingly sophisticated.

“Cargo theft and fraud is becoming more sophisticated, so shippers need to know their critical shipments are backed by global security standards,” said Adam McDonough, vise president for capacity at C.H. Robinson. It also provides independent validation of the processes, oversight mechanisms and carrier standards used to secure high-value shipments, he added.

The milestone follows C.H. Robinson’s acquisition of DeSpir on June 22, 2026. The transaction augmented the global logistics provider’s capabilities in premium security, regulatory compliance and operational execution and broadened its network of thoroughly-vetted, security-focused contract carriers.

DeSpir manages transportation operations for high value high risk goods, temperature sensitive products and mission critical shipments. These movements require specialized handling, strict adherence to procedures, increased visibility and effective risk mitigation. The TAPA certification recognizes the company’s approach to shipment planning and monitoring, chain of custody controls and incident response procedures.

Rising cargo theft pressures high-value supply chains

The certification comes as demand for specialized, high-value logistics services increases. Verisk CargoNet reports that industrywide cargo theft losses were nearly $725 million in 2025, underscoring the financial exposure facing supply chains.

Pharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence infrastructure and semiconductors are among the categories most likely to be stolen, it said. They are very commercially valuable and strategically important, and therefore are especially vulnerable to security breaches during transportation.

C.H. Robinson is continuing to expand its operational procedures and certification portfolio to meet the needs of these growing market segments and provide an additional layer of protection for customers shipping critical freight.

C.H. Robinson Strengthens Quality Framework with New Certifications

C.H. Robinson is making a big push to strengthen the quality and compliance standards across its logistics activities, and DeSpir’s TAPA achievement is a part of that.

The company announced this week that it has achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification for its automotive operations. This expands the number of its ISO 9001:2015 certifications that currently cover North American medical and pharmaceutical services.

C.H. Robinson also holds Good Distribution Practice (GDP) certificates which underpin its healthcare and pharmaceutical logistics operations.

Together, these credentials demonstrate the company’s continued commitment to improving operational controls, enhancing service reliability and satisfying the ever more stringent security and quality demands of customers across specialized supply chains.