League addresses U.S. security policy

NITL (The National Industrial Transportation League) -- Logistics Management, 4/29/2008 9:30:00 AM

In an address to attendees of the Multimodal 2008 Birmingham U.K., League Executive Vice President Peter Gatti said that the U.S. is committed to supporting programs designed to enhance security over its domestic and international supply chains. The conference was attended by over 600 registrants representing a broad cross-section of international professionals from freight, transport, logistics and supply chain managed industries.

The educational program began with Mr. Gatti telling the audience that the security of freight transport continues to be a prime concern for the U.S. government. He cited examples of recent legislation and programs advanced to protect vital supply chains. Without exception he said every mode has been affected in an attempt to prevent incidents caused by terrorism. As examples he referenced: the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT); 24 Hour Manifest Rule; the Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC); Container Security Initiative (CSI); Secure Freight Initiative (SFI); known shipper/ certified shipper programs for air freight; cross border security for both truck and rail; and the controversial advance trade data initiative commonly referred to as "10+2." He also referred to the passage of the SAFE Port Act of 2006 and the 9/11 Recommendations Act of 2007.

Mr. Gatti detailed the political and practical reasons why the U.S. is placing a priority on freight transport security and the challenges it presents to industry in achieving as safe and secure system as possible without compromising the effectiveness to move freight efficiently. One of the major challenges he said facing U.S. interests is the need to obtain compatibility with regimes that are being instituted by our trading partners. Unless efforts are successfully reached to achieve such compatibility, he said industry will be faced with escalating costs without corresponding benefits.

Mr. Gatti also said that the new requirements for the scanning of all cargoes aboard passenger aircraft as well as ocean containers bound for the U.S. will present formidable challenges for both government and industry. He concluded by stating the U.S. emphasis on freight transport security will remain a priority for many years to come.