OVERVIEW

Since 9/11, the public and business sectors have become more educated regarding the new security rules and requirements that affect multiple aspects of conducting global business, but much remains to be learned. Mr. Hallock Northcott, President of the American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI) (discussed in Chapter 6) sums up the new post 9/11 security situation for U.S. importers who have procured product globally, by stating, "In pre 9/11, 'security' meant: Don't steal my stuff! Then what happened after 9/11? All of a sudden, the post 9/11 security priority has been redefined as being the top priority for the country!" Mr. Northcott is accurate with his statement. Placing the "risk" in the container en route to the U.S., while still on foreign soil, is now part of the main focus Customs uses to ensure that another horrific incident cannot happen.

Transportation has not been excluded and serves as the most critical point at which a security breach may occur. The ability to load a bomb or weapons of mass destruction must be nonexistent. This condition places the transportation service providers at the center of physically ensuring that such events do not happen. Individuals and corporations that procure product globally must now share the responsibility of ensuring safety and monitoring their supply chains, including oversight of the employees of truckers, steamship lines, airlines, and railways the individuals who are in contact with loading freight. These people are present when the containers are loaded and sealed and must comply...