Al-Qaeda Has Infiltrated US Trucking Industry
An attack using our own trucks against us is likely and imminent.
(PRWEB) August 21, 2005 -- “The safety of the nation’s logistics industry and
the security of the entire country has been seriously compromised by our failure
to provide finger print screening for all Commercial Driver (CDL) applicants,”
states Terry M. Evans, CEO of Fleet Defender Consulting Services, LLC, a private
company providing anti-terrorism consulting to trucking companies. “Without
question, terrorists, convicted felons and other undesirables are traveling the
country, legally driving 80,000 lb. big rigs throughout every community in
America. We have quite literally made our highways a welcome mat for terrorism.”
Given that trucks are the number one tool used by terrorist worldwide,
the prospect that anyone can gain access to a tractor trailer is particularly
chilling. The government recently mandated finger printing only for the Haz-Mat
endorsement. However, this represents an extremely small fraction of the CDL
driver population and having the endorsement is voluntary.
Safety and
security officers with trucking companies across the country have reported
thousands of drivers opting out of the Haz-Mat endorsement when confronted with
fingerprinting.
“You can bet there’s a reason these guys are avoiding
fingerprinting,” states Mr. Evans.
Thus far, the government’s only
apparent response to the grave threat of terrorism using trucks has been to fund
the multi-million dollar Highway Watch Program. The program presents a basic one
hour awareness training session to truck drivers and other interested parties.
“While this awareness training is a welcomed service, would it not make
more sense to first screen people before providing them with anti-terrorism
awareness training?” asks CEO Evans. “Many of my fine and talented colleagues in
the Highway Watch Program have expressed the same concerns.”
“Finger
printing all CDL drivers must be mandatory and must be done now without further
delay,” urges Mr. Evans. “Failure to take this basic security step is
inexcusable and unacceptable.”
Evans urges readers to forward this
article to their elected representatives and demand immediate action.
“Americans often wonder how they can make a difference in the war on
terrorism. Here is the opportunity to make a real difference," Mr. Evans says.
Readers wanting more information or to contribute or participate should
visit the company website at www.fleetdefender.com.
# # #
Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/8/prweb275244.htm