Supply Chain Managers Balance Risk vs. Cost in Security and Contingency Plans

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img src="/sites/default/files/images/articles/printeditiontag_new.gif" width=120 align=right>The trade community of manufacturers, importer-exporters, customs brokers, carriers and logistics companies has improved cargo security since 9/11, although the ever-expanding international networks can never be made completely invulnerable to terrorist attacks, according to supply chain and security experts.

In the face of war, these same experts say it is critical that the United States not cripple itself economically by choking the flow of trade with extreme security measures. Companies engaged in moving freight through the supply chain are attempting to identify prudent ways to enhance security. They are investing money to protect proprietary data sent over the Internet, fence in buildings and lots, track vehicles and harden other obvious security soft spots. Government is taking additional steps of its own.

ut is it enough?

“Let’s be very clear. If somebody wants to get a package into this country and they are willing to spend enough time and money, they can,” said Walter Raheb, a lobbyist on trade and transportation issues for a Washington, D.C., law firm. “What we need to do is provide the best level of security in a way that won’t cripple the economy.”

For the full story, see the March 24 edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.