Security & Safety Briefs - Aug. 25 - Aug. 31
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The Latest Headlines:
- UPS Deploys New Customs-Security Technology
- Trucks on Way to Help With Katrina Relief
- NHTSA Suspends Mirror Rule for Smaller Trucks
- Virginia Launches New Drunk-Driving Initiative
- Trucks on Way to Help With Katrina Relief
UPS Deploys New Customs-Security Technology
UPS Inc. said Tuesday it became one of the first carriers to deploy a trade-processing system developed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to accelerate cross-border commerce while improving security at the nation’s borders.The Automated Commercial Environment, or ACE, is part of a multi-year modernization effort by the CBP that automates the flow of information about packages approaching U.S. borders in trucks, making it easier for customs agents to decide what they wish to inspect.
As part of the program, an electronic manifest for trucks was introduced in Blaine last December to replace a paper-based process.
Under a previous system, UPS had to submit paper manifests to CBP with shipment information, which the agency then had to review manually to select goods for inspection. Transport Topics
Trucks on Way to Help With Katrina Relief
Hundreds of trucks were on the way to help with medical supplies and meals to help victims of Hurricane Katrina, the Associated Press reported.The American Red Cross said it had 185 emergency response vehicles on the scene or en route, with those trucks providing meals to storm victims.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency said it has 500 trucks of ice, 500 trucks of water and 350 trucks of military meals ready to eat scheduled for distribution over the next 10 days.
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, whose agency oversees the Coast Guard, authorized the call up of 550 Coast Guard reservists to help in recovery operations, AP reported. Transport Topics
NHTSA Suspends Mirror Rule for Smaller Trucks
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Monday it had terminated a rulemaking involving passenger-side convex review mirrors in certain smaller trucks.The termination was in response to a request by the AM General Corp. to amend the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards on review mirrors for some smaller trucks, said Eric Bolton, a NHTSA spokesman.
The standard would have applied to vehicles with a gross weight between 10,000 pounds and 25,000 pounds, he said. Thelma Guerrero
Virginia Launches New Drunk-Driving Initiative
With Labor Day weekend approaching, Virginia kicked-off Checkpoint Strikeforce, a 5-month campaign to raise public awareness about drunk driving.Data released by Virginia indicates it is making major strides in combating drinking and driving with the program and related initiatives.
Last year, 343 people died in alcohol-related crashes in Virginia, compared with 361 in 2003, a 5% drop, and 375 in 2002, the Virginia State Police said in a release announcing the initiative.
Virginia said Labor Day weekend is the third-deadlines driving-under-the-influence weekend of the year. Transport Topics
