It’s no secret that supply chain security is top of mind for almost everyone these days. Ever since 9/11, an increasing focus has been placed on keeping global transportation networks safe from harm. And there’s a lot to cover: On any given day in the United States, approximately 8 million truckloads of freight travel across 4 million miles of highway; 1.5 million rail cars traverse over 170,000 miles of track; 2,400 flights pass through about 400 airports; and roughly 325 seaports transfer more than 25,000 containers.

Sponsored by LeanLogistics, the session highlighted the growing importance of supply chain security, delved deeply into the vulnerabilities that exist in many of today’s supply chains, and gave attendees solid advice on how to avoid those potential problems.

The speakers for this keynote session were the authors of the new book Securing Global Transportation Networks: Luke Ritter, CEO of Trident Global Partners, a specialist in commercial and military transportation and logistics; J. Michael Barrett, a terrorism and homeland-security expert with an extensive background in military intelligence and national security; and Rosalyn Wilson, manager of Reality Based IT Services, Ltd. [RBIS], an IT security firm and subsidiary of SYS Technologies.

Together, the trio shared their concept of Total Security Management (TSM). This comprehensive solution approaches security in the context of sound business practices and integrates security prerogatives across all of the activities of an enterprise.

The session speakers discussed the value of using what they called a “holistic” approach to freight management as shipments move around the globe. They also offered advice on how to develop and implement risk management and security best practices that span the entire value chain. One of the most important steps in that process includes evaluating suppliers, distribution channels, and internal policies and procedures in a way that prepares a company for disruptive events such as terrorism, political upheaval, natural disasters, and accidents.