Carrier, shipper groups say container security begins with loading

Carrier, shipper groups say container security begins with loading    The World Shipping Council, an association of ocean carriers, the International Mass Retail Association, an alliance of retailers and suppliers, and the National Industrial Transportation League, an organization of shippers, have submitted a “white paper” on container security to federal agencies.
   “Two of the most important responsibilities regarding container security are the secure loading (or ‘stuffing') and sealing of a container by the shipper, and the in-transit security of the container once a carrier picks up the loaded, sealed container from the shipper’s premises until the container is delivered to its destination,” the white paper said.
   “The secure stuffing of the container is where container security begins. Without it, in-transit security is obviously of limited value. Carriers do not load the cargo into or seal a container. The shipper performs those functions,” the white paper explained.
   The three groups proposed that a shipper should be required by law to seal a container upon stuffing it, and that ocean carriers must verify the seal.
   “The government should establish a requirement that no loaded container be stowed aboard a vessel without and intact, conforming seal,” the mutual white paper said.
   “We believe that continued enhancement of non-intrusive container inspection equipment … is critically important, as it answers the question of most importance and relevance, namely: ‘what is in the box?’ No container can be ‘smart’ enough to answer that question,” the paper noted.
   For the full white paper, see https://www.worldshipping.org