Air Cargo Supply Chains Face Critical Changes, Industry Stresses Caution in Reaction to Recent Bomb Threat

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Nov 08, 2010, 04:27 ET

NEWARK, N.J., Nov. 8, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Global supply-chain partners are scrambling to control the Washington reaction to recently revealed gaps in air cargo security. As the public sector pushes for swift redress of the risk level for air cargo, shippers and carriers are stressing caution on changes that will drastically affect the consumer.

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"Most people don't understand how interconnected global supply chains are. Any hiccup has colossal consequences," said Ken Lyon of the United Kingdom-based consulting firm Virtual partners. "Unfortunately, politicians have this urge to do something, even if it's not particularly sensible. If ... we have to inspect every shipment or it can't get on a plane, global trade would come to a halt."

Strong suspicion that al Qaeda is shifting its tactics and was behind the terror attempt is underscoring the palpable concerns for closing any loopholes. However, putting in place knee-jerk security restrictions could spell disaster for an industry based on efficiency and speed. Coordination with other governments, exploration of shared digital data and a watchful eye on the actions of our European partners is the answer for the moment, reports The Journal of Commerce.

Today's JOC Cover Story, written by Washington reporter R.G. Edmonson, examines the critical turning point in global air cargo supply chains – at a politically sensitive moment – and the severe implications that a rush to action would cause. This week's issue also includes analysis of the transportation impact of landmark U.S. elections that saw Republicans sweep back into control of the House of Representatives.

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CONTACT: Paul Page, The Journal of Commerce, Editorial Director, +1-202-355-1170, [email protected]

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R.G. Edmonson

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Paul Page

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SOURCE The Journal of Commerce