Security at the Ports: Unrealistic Goals for Scanning Cargo??

[Pat Lupica]

Twelve million containers are expected to arrive at US ports in 2008, which is up from 5.8 million in 2001; it is important to note that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) staffing to monitor the increase of containers in 2008 is less than in 2001 . The Bureau of Customs and Boarder Protection (CBP) has stated that 90% of the world’s trade is moved via ocean cargo containers, and that nearly half of the US trade by dollars is transported by ocean containers . More than ever, US firms are either producing over seas or buying from foreign suppliers. Since September 11, 2001 numerous initiatives have been implemented to protect against the threat of terrorism, but how do initiatives translate to businesses practices? Because of the mass quantities being shipped, it is important that initiatives are easy to understand and as comprehensive as possible so to minimize costs, time, and confusion for those who actually have to execute the initiatives while running their core businesses.

September 11, 2001 is the benchmark, and in most cases the driver for initiatives discussed in the attached paper. Prior to September 11, 2001 the CBP agency (formally Treasury’s Bureau of Customs) was chartered with regulating commercial activities and enforcing trade laws; much of the CBP focus was aimed at preventing the smuggling of drugs into the US. After September 11th, the agency’s charter was expanded to include inspections for weapons of mass destruction. CBP uses several procedures and various technologies (in concert with foreign counterparts) to meet its charter, many of which are described in the attached file.