AS MORE emphasis is placed on security measures for the tank truck industry, carriers should take a look at their programs that are already in place.
“I see no reason to take down the system that you have in place today,” said Mark Abkowitz of Visual Risk Technologies.
He pointed out, however, that once security programs are in place, they have to be continually evaluated and adjusted as necessary. By taking a look at the those in place, more ideas may be generated for improvements. “We don't live in a world of zero risk so we always have to be prepared for emergencies,” he said.
Carriers join others in the transportation industry involved as risk managers, including various regulators, shippers, and the public. “We need to recognize that there are a lot of stakeholders that need to come to the table,” Abkowitz said. “I don't think we really know how to characterize security today.”
Shippers are putting together protocols that they are discussing and implementing with their carriers that prioritize safety and security concerns.
“The real key is to avoid the catastrophic event that could potentially put you out of business,” he said.
Safeguards include communications with shippers about where their shipments are at any given time and carrier in-house security assessment, which may generate new planning ideas.
Abkowitz suggested some questions for carriers to consider about security planning: Can you afford not to do it? Can you be competitive if you don't? Will you otherwise be out of compliance? How do you translate security program investment into the bottom line?
Carriers will have to determine if a particular program is achievable in the operation, both physically and fiscally.
Electronic surveillance and detection equipment should be considered. “Those that have them in place can detect potential problems before they occur, and detect them if they do occur,” he said, adding that data base systems are essential in order to review and analyze information.