US Chamber of Commerce Protests 100 Percent Scanning

Adding more information to an article I wrote last week on 100 percent scanning...

More protests are coming forth on the idea of 100 percent cargo scanning in US Commerce.    Bill HR-1 in the US House of Representatives and S.509 in the US Senate proposed adoption of the 9/11 commissions recommendations with the added proviso that by 2010 all air cargo in US commerce must be inspected. That concept is great political rhetoric, but is not practical based on current technology and TSA capability. The program is projected to cost $3.6 billion dollars just to implement!   

The US Chamber of Commerce and Business Europe both protested the same thing in a letter drafted to Congress in the past week. This is clearly an example of political posturing that will not help our logistics and transportation infrastructure.

What really intrigues me though is S.509 sponsorship in the Senate by Senators Inouye (D-Hawaii) and Stevens (D - Alaska).  This is the kind of legislative rhetoric I would expect instead from Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Hilary Clinton (D-NY), whose state was hardest hit by 9/11 but whose political connection to reality is sometimes suspect.  Both were highly vocal during the Dubai Ports World/P&O Ports purchase fiasco.

I am all for security, but there has to be a better way than the blunt force trauma to our logistics infrastructure these two bills propose. (Check this link for a high level breakdown of the measures in both bills)

This article was clipped from Logistics Management magazine and can be read in full at the link below.

clipped from www.logisticsmgmt.com Global concerns speak out against 100 percent cargo scanning Tom Andel, Executive Editor Logistics Management April 18, 2007 WASHINGTON-The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Business Europe sent a letter to Congress last week they hope will turn minds and hearts against 100% cargo scanning at overseas ports. The letter was addressed to the chairs of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and the House Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs. The authors of this letter represent the world's two largest business federations, representing millions of companies responsible for the majority of trans-Atlantic trade and employing up to 14 million people. One-hundred percent scanning was one of the provisions of the proposed homeland security rules that global traders say would raise costs and lead to job losses. The reason for the timing of this letter is to reach lawmakers as conferees are selected for the next hearing on this matter, which is expected to take place within the next two weeks. Jason Conley, senior manager, Homeland Security, for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, told Logistics Management that not only would there be consequences from this mandate for 100 percent scanning and sealing, but the three- to five-year timeframe for instituting it is unrealistic and could cause repercussions for U.S shippers. "This could lead to reciprocal requirements coming out from China," he says. "The fundamental problem with 100% scanning is you have limited assets overseas, limited Customs officers, and limited funds. We’d have to engage in cooperative agreements with each host country to accomplish this scanning."

Add Freightdawg.com to your social bookmarks!