Chuck Raymond warns of much tougher container security

Chuck Raymond warns of much tougher container security Horizon Lines chairman, president and CEO Chuck Raymond warned members of the Jacksonville Propeller Club Thursday night to expect much tougher container security rules out of the new Congress, but added the changes could also increase efficiencies in the process.
   Raymond said that new security rules and the data that will flow between parties to a transaction as a result of the rules have the potential to bring new efficiencies to the handling of international freight.
   He said that we can expect some brand of RFID tagging and tracking to come into the system that will ultimately allow better tracking of goods than what is now found in the 'black hole' of intermodalism.
   Raymond also said that he expects the rapid growth of cargo flows to the East Coast from southern Asia and India will bring some of the largest container vessels in the industry to the ports. That will also create a need for short sea services, he said, adding, 'We are a company that is going to address that.'
   Raymond spoke as part of a series of CEOs addressing the Jacksonville Propeller Club. The dinner was sold out with 160 attendees. On February 7, the club will feature the annual state of the port address by Rick Ferrin, executive director of the Jacksonville Port Authority.