Al-Qaeda Has Infiltrated US Trucking Industry

(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 http://www.fleetdefender.com.

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