Report Examines Law Mandating Scans of All U.S.-Bound Cargo Containers by 2012

  • Jun 27, 2008

In the high-stakes strategy of homeland security, Congress is demanding that by 2012, cargo containers bound for the United States receive 100-percent scanning prior to loading. Will this move ensure 100-percent cargo security for the nation? What are the potential disruptions to container terminals and other international trade business operations? Is this measure even feasible?

Senior Editor R.G. Edmonson takes an in-depth look at the controversies surrounding this mandate in the June 23 cover story in The Journal of Commerce.

The Journal, founded in 1827, is published by Commonwealth Business Media Inc., a subsidiary of United Business Media plc.

Edmonson reports that two weeks ago, at a hearing arranged by New Jersey Democrat Sen. Frank Lautenberg, chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee subcommittee on maritime transportation, administration witnesses were called to account for why they couldn't meet the 2012 deadline.

Congress' own watchdog agency, the Government Accountability Office, and the Deputy Customs Commissioner raised issues of risk management, technological inadequacy, manpower shortages and potential diplomatic and sovereignty problems. But Congress reaffirmed its will to implement 100-percent scanning in four years while government witnesses defended their position that the deadline was unrealistic.

Edmonson also examines the outcome of the World Customs Organization conference on the same subject, held two days before Lautenberg's hearing. The conference brought together government and international trade leaders and scanning technology manufacturers. There, a panel of terminal operators offered a novel suggestion: The threat of a nuclear or radiological weapon secreted in a container could be mitigated by the latest generation of radiation monitors.

Edmonson explains that the outdated Radiation Portal Monitors could detect radioactivity, but were unable to make a distinction between an atom bomb and a sack of cat litter. The Advanced Spectroscopic Portal, a device created by the U.S. government and its industry partners to replace the RPM, actually identifies individual isotopes and has software that alerts and operator when radiation is coming from a dangerous source. The ASP has shown that it can isolate a threat without disrupting the flow of traffic at terminal gates.

Edmonson's story goes into greater detail on pilot project results from the SAFE Port Act of 2006 and the Advanced Spectroscopic Portal, the possibility of mandatory cargo container scanning worldwide and the potential for private sector involvement.

For information on a full-access subscription to the print and electronic versions of The Journal of Commerce, call 888-215-6084 (8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. ET) or email cbizservices@sunbeltfs.com

.

Featured

  • Maximizing Your Security Budget This Year

    Perimeter Security Standards for Multi-Site Businesses

    When you run or own a business that has multiple locations, it is important to set clear perimeter security standards. By doing this, it allows you to assess and mitigate any potential threats or risks at each site or location efficiently and effectively. Read Now

  • New Research Shows a Continuing Increase in Ransomware Victims

    GuidePoint Security recently announced the release of GuidePoint Research and Intelligence Team’s (GRIT) Q1 2024 Ransomware Report. In addition to revealing a nearly 20% year-over-year increase in the number of ransomware victims, the GRIT Q1 2024 Ransomware Report observes major shifts in the behavioral patterns of ransomware groups following law enforcement activity – including the continued targeting of previously “off-limits” organizations and industries, such as emergency hospitals. Read Now

  • OpenAI's GPT-4 Is Capable of Autonomously Exploiting Zero-Day Vulnerabilities

    According to a new study from four computer scientists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, OpenAI’s paid chatbot, GPT-4, is capable of autonomously exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities without any human assistance. Read Now

  • Getting in Someone’s Face

    There was a time, not so long ago, when the tradeshow industry must have thought COVID-19 might wipe out face-to-face meetings. It sure seemed that way about three years ago. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
Most   Popular

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • ComNet CNGE6FX2TX4PoE

    The ComNet cost-efficient CNGE6FX2TX4PoE is a six-port switch that offers four Gbps TX ports that support the IEEE802.3at standard and provide up to 30 watts of PoE to PDs. It also has a dedicated FX/TX combination port as well as a single FX SFP to act as an additional port or an uplink port, giving the user additional options in managing network traffic. The CNGE6FX2TX4PoE is designed for use in unconditioned environments and typically used in perimeter surveillance. 3

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions. 3

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation. 3