Global transportation and logistics firm Ryder is pushing for greater U.S.-Mexico border security cooperation between the U.S. government and the private sector to help beef up the integrity of cross-border shipments.
“Long-term security issues along the southwest U.S. border, coupled with a recent increase in violence, are forcing companies that do business in Mexico to re-evaluate their supply chain security practices,” said Eugenio Sevilla-Sacasa, vp and managing director of Ryder Mexico at a special U.S.–Mexico border security conference hosted by Ryder at its Transportation Management Center in Ft. Worth, TX.
“As criminals increasingly look to leverage transportation and logistics networks for illegal activity, it is more important than ever for businesses to bolster security throughout cross-border transportation and supply chain operations,” he said.
At the event, Dept. of Homeland Security representatives discussed emerging threats and security trends impacting businesses with operations along the border between the U.S. and Mexico. Participants also received an update on the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT), a joint government-business initiative supported by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Other conference participants included officials from International SOS – a global provider of medical assistance, international healthcare, and security services – and LoJack Supply Chain Integrity.
“Increasing collaboration between government agencies and the private sector is one of the best ways to mitigate security threats against business,” said Sanford Hodes, vp-safety, health & security for Ryder. “We are … committed to continuing to share best practices and prevention strategies that improve security throughout our operations and those of our customers.”
