If you're not jumping out of your chair to continue—or begin—your cargo security efforts after reading the article about Carrier Corp.'s Mexican subsidiary on Page 49, you'd better do a little soul searching to make sure you're in the right business.

Hats off to Managing Editor Toby Gooley and writer John Kerr for uncovering the security compliance program developed by Bernardo Rodarte, Carrier Mexico's international sales and logistics manager. Rodarte's campaign was driven by hard-line business benefits—and a bit of healthy anxiety. His determination to guarantee success for the manufacturer of air conditioning equipment is downright inspiring.

Rodarte's approach to C-TPAT, the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, is one that U.S. shippers should be eager to adopt. He looked at the voluntary program, identified the potential benefits of participating, explained those benefits all the way up the line to top executives, and turned cargo security into a company-backed, compulsory mission.

During the campaign, Rodarte and his logistics team examined every aspect of the company's operations and implemented a number of enabling technologies. They followed ISO 9000 protocols to ensure consistent, companywide application of security standards. And as a warm-up for C-TPAT, Rodarte had his team undergo an audit by the Business Anti-Smuggling Coalition (BASC), a group that helps shippers prevent cargo crimes.

This Patton-like approach makes perfect sense. Carrier currently ships about 10,000 loads annually from its Monterrey, Mexico, facility to the United States. In 2006, the number of loads will increase by about 20 percent due to the increased size of the company's new, more energy-efficient units. When you consider that companies that aren't C-TPAT or BASC certified have a one-in-five chance of having their shipments inspected at the U.S./Mexico border—and that C-TPAT membership could slash customs-clearance times to just a few seconds—it's clear why Rodarte has made cargo security his main mission.

If you're involved in import/export operations, "Taking the high road to C-TPAT" is mandatory reading.

Thanks again to the 2,000-plus readers—representing $80.4 billion in freight spending—who took part in our 14th Annual Masters of Logistics survey. As I mentioned last month, you'll get an overview of the findings in this month's cover story (Page 32), then have a unique opportunity to join our research team in a live webcast on Wednesday, September 28.

To attend the Masters webcast, go to logisticsmgmt.com, click on "free e-newsletter registration," register, then click on the webcast box. We'll be blasting out registration updates throughout the month, and we look forward to answering any questions you may have about this year's study.

Michael A. Levans, Chief Editor