NCJ Number
80856
Date Published
1981
Length
68 pages
Annotation
This annual report from the Secretay of Transportation describes cooperative efforts between the Government and the transportation industry to prevent cargo theft between March 1980 and March 1981 and recommends that the Government's role be reduced to minimal technical assistance and liaison.
Abstract
Executive Order 11836, issued in 1975, required the Secretary of Transportation to reduce theft-related losses in transportation, annually evaluate cooperative programs between the Government and private industry, and recommend future actions. For 1979, the Nation's estimated transportation freight bill was $203 billion with losses attributed to theft probably totaling over $1 billion. Following the text of Executive Order 11836, this report traces Federal initiatives in cargo security and then reviews educational and motivational activities undertaken by the National Cargo Security Program during 1980, principally field projects in several major cities, seminars for local law enforcement officials, and the collection of cargo losss data. Efforts by other Federal agencies in combating cargo theft are detailed. The discussion of cargo security programs conducted by industry focuses on the National Cargo Security Council of the Transportation Association of America, the Shippers National Freight Claims Council, and labor organizations. Individual chapters address preventive actions and cargo loss data for the air, motor, railroad, and maritime transportation sectors. The report concludes that although cargo losses from theft appear to have stabilized, the overall effectiveness of the cargo security program is very difficult to measure and the impact of the Department of Transportation's (DOT) role is not known. Moreover, it is clear that the most important elements for a successful cargo security program involve a continuing commitment by carriers, shippers, and local governments. The Secretary of Transportation recommends rescinding Executive Order 11836 and shifting leadership and responsibility for collecting data back to carriers, shippers, and local governments. Federal agencies should continue to fulfill their statutory obligations regarding cargo security, but the DOT should provide only minimal technical assistance, liaison, and loss trend interpretation. Graphs and tables are included. For the 1980 report, see NCJ 80857.