Opinion: Legacy of Terrorism - Securing the Cargo
By George Rodriguez
I>Director of Cargo Security
ransportation Security Administration
On my long drive back home to Leawood, Kan., I thought back on my career with the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms. I was an incident commander at the Murrah Federal Building bombing in Oklahoma City. I also was responsible for handling ATF’s response to the Los Angeles riots, assisting area authorities in the investigation of 1,000 arson fires and multiple gun store burglaries. After those events, I thought that never in my lifetime would we Americans again face such devastating attacks on our country. Then came Sept. 11.
Like many others, I wanted to do something about this tragic incident. I knew that there were many retired law enforcement officers who had similar feelings, but I also realized that I had the unique experience of having been the director of security for Yellow Freight, a progressive company that valued security for both its customers and employees.
Opportunity knocked several months later, when I was offered a position with the newly founded Transportation Security Administration. I was asked to head up the Cargo Security Department in TSA’s Land and Maritime Directorate, which was to develop a comprehensive cargo security plan for maritime, highway and rail. Easily said, but difficult to accomplish.
From Day One, Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta and Adm. Richard Bennis, my immediate boss, have emphasized that any security plan not only would have to improve security but also do it without impeding the supply chain or being unreasonably expensive. I was given the mandate to reach out to all stakeholders and solicit their input in our search for solutions. From May to August, I have spent the majority of my time dealing with the transportation industries and federal and state regulatory, enforcement and intelligence agencies to get their input.
One thing is certain: There is no silver bullet. The solution must involve technology, education and improved security procedures. Having one without the other will leave us vulnerable and exposed. And we cannot accept that.
ere are some of our accomplishments to date. TSA’s Cargo Security Department has spent numerous hours reviewing and testing technological devices that could be useful in protecting freight. Maritime has been of significant interest because of this mode’s obvious importance — we import more than 6 million containers a year into the United States. Much of our work has emanated from programs such as the Container Working Group, a joint DOT and Customs Service effort, which includes representatives from all transportation modes and their related associations and industries.
e are also providing oversight and some funding in support of Operation Safe Commerce, another government-private industry program that tests not only technological systems but procedures as well.
In August, the TSA rail cargo security staff met with the chiefs of police of all the Class I railroads in North America. Because the railroads have historically employed a private police force, we believe the railroads are uniquely positioned to contribute to the overall security of the nation’s transportation system. During the conference, our staff made presentations outlining the mission and goals of TSA and discussed the initiatives we are planning. The chiefs informed us of the steps they have taken, including the industry’s Terrorism Risk Analysis and Security Management Plan, and their future plans to ensure the security of their properties.
TSA staff is also working with other government agencies to address issues such as placarding of hazardous materials, increased security for the movement of spent nuclear fuel and other nuclear products, and the integrity of security seals for intermodal container traffic.
We have not overlooked trucking. We have made numerous contacts with American Trucking Associations and other organizations, such as the National Cargo Security Council and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, to discuss cargo security. We have discussed a national policy of locking all freight conveyances on U.S. highways. Studies independently conducted by company security departments have revealed that by locking their trailers, truckers become less of a target for thieves — and that protection can be extended against terrorists.
Numerous initiatives are under consideration. But the bottom line is that TSA will not issue regulations without first conducting ample research and giving the industries an opportunity to comment. That is our responsibility.
In the interim, transportation companies and workers must exercise good security common sense in the conduct of their business. Do not expose your employees to unnecessary dangers. Develop a crisis management plan for your company to minimize any damage. Report all suspicious activities to your local, state or federal law enforcement agency. Practice sound security practices and participate in the development of proposed regulations through your associations.
The writer began his law enforcement career in 1965 as a police officer in his native San Antonio, and in 1970 launched a 26-year career with the federal government’s Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms. In 1997, he became director of security for Yellow Corp. In May 2002, he was named director of cargo security for the Transportation Security Administration.
This story appeared in the Sept. 9 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.
