A TSA officer scans a bag. Every person who takes part in the logistics process must do their part to keep the process secure. (Wikimedia)
We often use the phrase “do what you do best and outsource the rest,” which works great when discussing outsourcing certain business operations.
This statement isn’t true, however, when it comes to logistics security. Every entity who uses logistics (that means all of us) need to take ownership of making their piece of the logistics process secure. That means Congress needs to pass appropriate laws, those in the transportation industry need to establish and follow procedures that address the laws’ intent, and end users need to be mindful of the potential risks and follow the necessary procedures.
According to the Congressional Research Center, the current Congress faces multiple transportation security issues.
“The nation’s air, land, and marine transportation systems are designed for accessibility and efficiency, two characteristics that make them highly vulnerable to terrorist attack. While hardening the transportation sector from terrorist attack is difficult, measures can be taken to deter terrorists,” the report reads. “The dilemma facing Congress is how best to construct and finance a system of deterrence, protection, and response that effectively reduces the possibility and consequences of another terrorist attack without unduly interfering with travel, commerce, and civil liberties.”
According to the report, several challenges remain:
- Effectively screening passengers, baggage, and cargo for explosives threats
- Developing effective risk-based methods for screening passengers and airport workers with access to aircraft and sensitive areas
- Exploiting available intelligence information and watch lists to identify individuals who pose potential threats to civil aviation
- Effectively responding to security threats at airports and screening checkpoints
- Developing effective strategies for addressing aircraft vulnerabilities to shoulder-fired missiles and other standoff weapons; and
- Addressing the potential security implications of unmanned aircraft operations.
The truth is, logistics security threats are not new. It used to be that the attacks were from criminals seeking an economic return from illegal transactions such as drug sales, weapons sales, piracy, illegal immigration, etc. While those are still major issues, the threat of terrorism makes transportation more of a target rather than a means to an end.
No matter the purpose, threats to transportation, the supply chain, or warehousing are all dangerous and expensive. We at On Time Logistics take the utmost care to make sure each component of our part of this process is safe and secure. This protects our clients, our couriers, and our community.