In international trade, the issue of security is very critical. The major concerns in the international trade are drug trafficking and security well being of the country. There are several security threats posed to the country through international trade. These include shipment of mass destruction weapons and other dangerous goods. It also includes drug smuggling into the country. It is, therefore, necessary to have necessary measures to maintain cargo security in the country’s borders, ports, and airports.
There are several stakeholders involved in cargo security. One of the main stakeholders in the Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This agency is involved in securing the nation’s borders as well as protecting the members of the American public from any threat which may negatively impact on their lives (Ritter, Barrett & Wilson 218). This agency plays a significant role in protecting the country from any act of terrorism. As a part of the homeland security, CBP has faced tough challenges in its effort to fight terrorism in the country (Ritter, Barrett & Wilson 222). This agency applies a multilayered strategy to maximize the security levels. The agency has also embraced modern technology to maximize the security level in the country. One of the security measures undertaken by CBP includes scanning of the cargo.
Another stakeholder involved in the cargo security is the carrier. The carrier has the responsibility of presenting the necessary information about the cargo. This information is very important while inspecting this cargo in strategic positions. It will also be useful in preventing the incorporation of unwanted material with the cargo. This plays a significant role in the maintenance of the country’s security. The other duties for the carrier in cargo security improves controlling the loading and discharging of the cargo (Jennifer 19). The carrier is also involved in issuing the bills of landing. These functions also play an important role in maintaining security in the country.
Interaction of personnel involved in cargo security
In order to have effective security, it is advisable for the personnel involved in the cargo security to have an effective interaction. For instance, CBP must access the necessary information for it to carry out its exercise appropriately. In this case, the importer may give the right description of the cargo in question. In this process, it will be easy for the CBP to detect any additional products in the cargo. In this case, CBP will be able to detect things like the mass destruction weapons which may be shipped into the country through the cargo. In this case, the provision of wrong information may prove the whole exercise important.
On the other hand, CBP must use the information given by the importers and carriers in ensuring the cargo security. This information can only be useful if used appropriately in checking for unwanted material in the imported products. The screening of the cargo will also depend on the available information (Lake 12). Currently, the Homeland Security has promoted interagency cooperation to maximize the security level in the country. For instance, the interagency visa revocation process has significantly helped in giving notifications on suspected terrorists and relevant supporting information to different agencies concerned (Ford 9). This has significantly helped in the identification of criminal activities.
Works Cited
Ford Jess. “Border Security: New Policies And Increased Interagency Coordination Needed To Improve Visa Process.” GAO-03-1013T. 2003. Web.
Lake, Jennifer. “Border and Transportation Security: Overview of Congressional Issues.” CRS Report for Congress. RL 32705. 2004. Web.
Ritter Luke, Barrett Michael and Wilson Rosalyn. Securing Global Transportation Networks: A Total Security Management Approach. New York: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2007.