New technology could turn intermodal cargo containers into "smart" containers that can detect and report break-ins as well as broadcast their identity and contents. Customs officials hope this new technology will help reduce the threat of container-borne weapons of mass destruction.
The U.S. customs service is employing new systems and tools for detecting chemical and biological materials that may be hiding in shipping containers.
A real-time tracking system developed years ago for the Defense Department is emerging as a crucial component of an industry-driven cargo security network that aims to prevent terrorists from smuggling weapons of mass destruction into major ports.
The authors propose the development of a virtual border security program that would protect the U.S. from terroist use of the intermodal transportation system to attack the homeland.