Security Letters

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B>Vital Information

I'm deeply concerned about the "Terrorist Tipster" letter to the editor in the Aug. 12 issue, expressing concerns about tips on potential terrorist activity being used in Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration compliance reviews for logbook violations.

From a practical standpoint, the FMCSA would need to do quite detailed research to extract information of this nature. Would they have incentive to search these data? Maybe, but I doubt it.

In addition, if someone is so blatantly disregarding hours-of-service regulations, I think the folks at the FMCSA will be able to find more than enough evidence to take a motor carrier to task without going to the "tipster" database.

My biggest concern is that this letter was posted by a safety consultant, who states, "Let’s not allow our patriotism and emotions to overrule our logic." The use of our drivers' eyes and ears to help prevent potential death and destruction to our families and property adds an incredible source to our intelligence efforts. To not provide this vital information because someone is concerned about Big Brother at FMCSA sifting through data for an enforcement action is far less than patriotic.

Michael P. Wilson

I>Senior Technical Manager

ISG/ISO, Inc.

ersey City, N.J.

Eyes and Ears

Three of our drivers were in the New York-Long Island area during the tragedy of 9/11, and assisted in traffic control while the nation watched in fear. The following day they were the first drivers to volunteer to deliver the emergency loads of perishable products that were used to prepare meals for emergency workers. They started a drive among their peers to garnish their tractors with American flags, and we were proud to be doing anything possible to show support.

In this time of crisis and national security awareness, our company continues to strongly encourage all of our drivers to report all suspicious activity they may encounter and to keep that extra attention focused on the tractor-trailers around them.

We would be proud to be the ones that stopped the next terrorist attack through reporting suspicious activity. As transportation professionals, we should all strongly promote the cause together.

Clearly, if you want to do as much as you can “to help secure our way of life,” as the writer of the Aug. 12 letter states, boundaries must not exist.

Kevin McGraw

I>Transportation Operations Manager

urris Logistics Inc.

ew Castle, Del.

These letters appears in the Aug. 19 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.

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