The national debate over port ownership and cargo security often features this sobering statistic: only 5 percent of cargo containers arriving in the United States are inspected. But perhaps an even more disturbing statistic is that fewer than 1 percent of cargo containers — Pentagon cargo excepted — are tracked with simple radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags — a technology that could help pinpoint where a container has been and whether someone has broken into its seal in transit.
Each RFID tag can store a unique ID number that is “read” by fixed or handheld electronic readers. Such tags can also store bits of information from attached sensors. They present an obvious and relatively cheap way to help address the cargo security question.
The problem isn’t a technological one, [Daniel] Engels points out. Rather, the industry has been slow to recognize a business model, governments aren’t forcing the industry’s hand, and the global cargo industry has not been motivated to forge standards.
Getting RFID to work for both harbor security and logistics is probably overdue. A matter of prioritizing technology over politics.
Agreed!
Opposition to RFID tags in ports broke a couple years ago. The biggest opposition came from the unions because ports would be able to work more efficiently and use fewer people.
The problem isn’t an industry thing at all. Ask the longshoremen’s union for their postition on RFID tags.
Why is it that the current administration is so gung-ho about national security but they don’t want to protect our ports and borders? I don’t think they care about our country’s security. Their goal is to generate fear so they can keep controlling the sheeple and stay in power. They won’t get serious about port security until a nuclear bomb goes off in a port.
Dave — your comment might be more useful if based on fact instead of prejudice. For example, here’s a press release quote from APL Freight, a major container carrier, about a West Coast project:
“APL and ILWU officials worked closely on everything from planning to testing and implementation of the Real Time Locating System. “The unique collaboration among APL, the ILWU and our technology partners in developing this technology application illustrates the commitment by all parties to bring the best possible service to the shipping community,” said Bowe.”
This results, in fact, from a program developed mutually in 2002 — between the union and the freight company to utilize RFID. So, you’re only four years wrong. Minimum.
I’m confused…..doesn’t anyone KNOW that our ports in America have been foreign owned for YEARS?
“The ports began leasing terminals to foreign companies, including from Japan, in the 1970s, a process that accelerated later as U.S. carriers such as United States Lines went bankrupt or were acquired. Ports also sought to lock in foreign vessels unloading at their facilities by offering leases, according to Frost, who said 80 percent of U.S. terminals are now operated by overseas-based companies.”
http://www.ecnnews.com/cgi-bin/15/etstory.pl?-sec-Biz+fn-usports.0301
These management companies that lease and own our ports could care less about adding to costs, to keep us safe, etc. It would add to the bottom line.