We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.
  • ::COVID-19 COVERAGE::
  • INDUSTRY PRESS ROOM
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
  • MEDIA FILE
  • Create Account
  • Sign In
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Free Newsletters
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
    • Mobile Apps
  • TRANSPORTATION
  • MATERIAL HANDLING
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • LIFT TRUCKS
  • PODCAST ETC.
    • Podcast
    • Blogs
      • Analytics & Big Data
      • Best Practices
      • Dispatches
      • Empowering Your Performance Edge
      • Logistics Problem Solving
      • One-Off Sound Off
      • Public Sector Logistics
      • Two Sides of the Logistics Coin
      • Submit your blog post
    • Events
    • White Papers
    • Industry Press Room
      • Upload Your News
    • New Products
      • Upload Your Product News
    • Conference Guides
    • Conference Reports
    • Newsletters
    • Mobile Apps
  • DCV-TV
    • DCV-TV 1: News
    • DCV-TV 2: Case Studies
    • DCV-TV 3: Webcasts
    • DCV-TV 4: Viewer Contributed
    • DCV-TV 5: Solution Profiles
    • MODEX 2020
    • Upload Your Video
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
    • Mobile Apps
  • TRANSPORTATION
  • MATERIAL HANDLING
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • LIFT TRUCKS
  • PODCAST ETC.
    • Podcast
    • Blogs
      • Analytics & Big Data
      • Best Practices
      • Dispatches
      • Empowering Your Performance Edge
      • Logistics Problem Solving
      • One-Off Sound Off
      • Public Sector Logistics
      • Two Sides of the Logistics Coin
      • Submit your blog post
    • Events
    • White Papers
    • Industry Press Room
      • Upload Your News
    • New Products
      • Upload Your Product News
    • Conference Guides
    • Conference Reports
    • Newsletters
    • Mobile Apps
  • DCV-TV
    • DCV-TV 1: News
    • DCV-TV 2: Case Studies
    • DCV-TV 3: Webcasts
    • DCV-TV 4: Viewer Contributed
    • DCV-TV 5: Solution Profiles
    • MODEX 2020
    • Upload Your Video
Home » low probability, high cost
big picture

low probability, high cost

November 1, 2006
Peter Bradley
No Comments

According toRon Suskind's book The One Percent Doctrine, in the days following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the Bush administration in essence adopted a "take no chances" policy on national security: that is, the government would treat a terrorist threat with even a 1-percent chance of occurring as if it were a certainty.

Suskind argues that philosophy has driven most of government security activities in the days since.

Add that to the widespread concern that terrorists might see international shipping containers as a perfect way to smuggle something like a dirty bomb into the country, and it's surprising, in a way, that government has not pushed harder for 100-percent inspection of containers. It certainly has been suggested. But fortunately, rational voices have persuaded Congress that imposing any such rule would bring gridlock to international commerce. Instead, the Department of Homeland Security and other agencies, along with business, have developed what they call a layered approach to container security. Programs like the Container Security Initiative and the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism are designed to help weed out shipments that might present a risk.

In the meantime, technological approaches to identifying risky cargoes have been undergoing testing. The best known example is in Hong Kong, where all containers entering port gateways undergo radiation and gamma ray scanning. Congress this fall mandates, among other things, container screening projects at overseas ports to test 100-percent screening. Other technology on the market combines radiation detection and active tags that could be deployed at a relatively low cost per container. (See our report on container security beginning on page 38.)

Given the millions of containers that flow in international commerce and the varying financial abilities, not to say willingness, of foreign ports or shippers to invest in any technology that doesn't offer business benefits, the issue won't be an easy one to resolve. Obviously, the government could impose 100-percent screening at U.S. ports. But in the case of something like a dirty bomb, discovery of a threat when it has arrived on our shores is too little, too late.

Clearly,the threat is real, though its extent is difficult to gauge. The financial cost of any effort is also real, and who should bear the burden is the subject of much debate. What is 100-percent clear: Shippers are right in the middle, like it or not.

Transportation Maritime & Ocean Regulation/Government Global Logistics
  • Related Articles

    Moog Animatics Introduces the Low-Cost SL17 SmartMotor

    Low Operation Cost of portable crushing plant

    AutoGuide says its modular AMR fleet acts as a low-cost AS/RS

Peterbradley
Peter Bradley is an award-winning career journalist with more than three decades of experience in both newspapers and national business magazines. His credentials include seven years as the transportation and supply chain editor at Purchasing Magazine and six years as the chief editor of Logistics Management.

Recent Articles by Peter Bradley

From temp to management: interview with Diane Garforth

Watching over intermodal's interests: interview with Joni Casey

Building resilience into the supply chain: interview with Yossi Sheffi

You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Most Popular Articles

  • Walmart launches plan to build micro-DCs inside dozens of retail stores

  • Relaxed regulations for drone parcel delivery to take effect in March

  • Gartner survey signals increased investment in resilience over the next two years

  • Increasing Urgency for Vaccine Supplies Drives Launch of New Vaccine Manufacturing Resources on Thomasnet.com

  • What Level of Automation is Right for Your Warehouse?

Now Playing on DCV-TV

7d82a38f f300 4f37 aac7 93ec8a60c08a

Heads Up: Your CEO Could be Calling!

DCV-TV 4: Viewer Contributed
The challenge on the table is how to make the best of a tumultuous transportation market. Watch this video to hear some tips to consider. Check out last week's 2MW: https://blog.tranzact.com/2-minute-warning/note-to-ceos-dont-blame-the-logistics-department OTR with Peter Tirschewell, from the Journal of Commerce...

FEATURED WHITE PAPERS

  • Time to rethink your lift truck power

  • Warehouse Management System Project Toolkit

  • Solving Talent Management Challenges Now and In the Future

  • Shaping Up Last Mile Delivery to Surpass Customer Expectations

View More

Subscribe to DC Velocity Magazine

GET YOUR FREE SUBSCRIPTION
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • NEWSLETTERS
  • ADVERTISING
  • CUSTOMER CARE
  • CONTACT
  • ABOUT
  • STAFF
  • PRIVACY POLICY

Copyright ©2021. All Rights ReservedDesign, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing