Security efforts still mixed

Oct. 1, 2003
The strange but true case last month of Charles McKinley shipping himself from New York to DeSoto, TX, in a wooden crate demonstrated that transportation security is far from flawless in the U.S. Indeed, two years after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, results of efforts to beef up the security of our transportation infrastructure remain decidedly mixed. The Container Security Initiative, which protects

The strange but true case last month of Charles McKinley shipping himself from New York to DeSoto, TX, in a wooden crate demonstrated that transportation security is far from flawless in the U.S. Indeed, two years after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, results of efforts to beef up the security of our transportation infrastructure remain decidedly mixed.

The Container Security Initiative, which protects containerized shipping from exploitation by terrorists, according to CBP commissioner Robert Bonner, involve deploying special teams to 20 major ports. Eleven more ports are expected to join the program over the next few years.

CBP has also doubled the number of personnel assigned to monitor cargo crossing into the country from Canada and Mexico.

The U.S. government has also developed an initiative with the Canadian government, Free and Secure Trade (FAST), designed to expedite processing at the border for companies that increase security within their supply chain.

However, other security efforts remain stalled. For one, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has decided to delay the implementation of fingerprint-based background checks for drivers who haul hazardous materials - an effort that would require checking an estimated 1.1-million drivers licensed to carry such goods.

About the Author

Sean Kilcarr | Editor in Chief

Sean reports and comments on trends affecting the many different strata of the trucking industry -- light and medium duty fleets up through over-the-road truckload, less-than-truckload, and private fleet operations Also be sure to visit Sean's blog Trucks at Work where he offers analysis on a variety of different topics inside the trucking industry.

Sponsored Recommendations

Tackling the Tech Shortage: Lessons in Recruiting Talent and Reducing Turnover

Discover innovative strategies for recruiting and retaining tech talent in the trucking industry at our April 16th webinar, where experts will share insights on competitive pay...

Stop Sweating Temperature Excursions

Advanced chemical indicators give you the peace of mind that comes from reliable insights into your supply chains. Compromised shipments can be identified the moment they arrive...

Stop Sweating Temperature Excursions

Advanced chemical indicators give you the peace of mind that comes from reliable insights into your supply chains. Compromised shipments can be identified the moment they arrive...

How Electric Vehicles Help You Prolong the Life of Your Fleet

Before adopting electric vehicles for commercial/government fleets, prioritize cost inquiries. Maintenance is essential; understand the upkeep of EV fleets. Here’s what you need...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!