Many cargo transportation providers have implemented homeland security strategies, new research shows, but few would rate industry performance as excellent in any specific security area. For example, just 14% of industry executives questioned in the survey rated the industry's performance as excellent when it comes to conducting background checks. For security measures that include physical security and cargo inspection, between 2% and 9% gave the industry performance an excellent grade. The study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Statistics and Research Center and Deloitte & Touche USA LLP surveyed 103 executives representing the air cargo, maritime, rail, logistics and trucking industries. Other key findings:
- More than 80% of executives expect their firms to increase spending on physical security at facilities over the next 12 months.
- The air cargo (84%) and maritime (70%) sectors were viewed as the most vulnerable areas in the industry.
- 47% said they would increase rates to fund security initiatives.