CTVrede has been active as an inland terminal for over 30 years and forms an important link between the ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp. With terminals in Amsterdam and Westzaan and a team of 36 colleagues, the organization runs daily on reliability, safety and taking work off your hands.
The challenge: organize security without slowing things down
Criminal interference, identity fraud and stricter chain requirements make access control increasingly important. For CTVrede the goal was clear: the process must be more secure, but it also has to stay fast. No long waiting times, no paperwork at the gate and no uncertainty for drivers.
Patrick Mertens, Director of CTVrede, puts it simply:
“You want to be one hundred percent sure who is standing in front of you. But a driver should not experience any inconvenience.”
That is why CTVrede was not looking for a separate gate solution, but for an approach where identity and access are secured in advance, so the terminal operation keeps running smoothly. The proven reputation of the CargoCard and more than 23 years of experience from Secure Logistics matched this need.
The solution: identity control as the foundation for access
CTVrede was already working with the CargoCard and previously used finger vein technology for identity verification at access. The organization is now switching to facial recognition. In combination with a pre registration system, this creates a process where security and efficiency come together.
As part of the Trust Chain, both driver and assignment are checked in advance. This means identity and authorization are verified before arrival, allowing the truck to enter the terminal without unnecessary steps.
With ISPS status and AEO certification for both terminals, this was a logical next step.
“The experience should be that you can simply drive through. The checks have been done, the identification is correct and everything is ready at the terminal.”
The result: fast throughput without compromising security
Drivers immediately notice the difference. You stay in your cabin, experience less waiting time and can move on more quickly. CTVrede aims for a turnaround time of a maximum of ten minutes per truck and continues optimizing to go even below that. This is not only pleasant for you as a driver, but also essential for transport companies, shipping lines and terminal planning.
“The experience should be that you drive onto the terminal, already see your container suspended and see someone ready for you. You want to give drivers certainty. So you know you can do what you need to do and move on again. That only works if you organize it properly at the front end.”
“You want to be one hundred percent sure who is standing in front of you. But a driver should not experience any inconvenience.”
Continuing to develop together
CTVrede experiences the collaboration with Secure Logistics as natural and pleasant. The access process aligns with the daily operation and creates peace of mind at the terminal. Short communication lines also make it possible to act quickly.
“This belongs to us, it fits us and it truly adds value in creating a safe working environment.”
CTVrede appreciates that Secure Logistics takes time for implementation and is open to feedback. This makes it possible to keep improving together.
With ambitions towards further automation and a fully carbon neutral operation, CTVrede looks ahead. Patrick also sees opportunities for a broader role and multifunctional use of access and identity management through Secure Logistics, both within the logistics chain and beyond.
“It would be great if solutions become even more widely applicable, so you work with one system instead of different passes and separate solutions.”
