Thread: U.S. Warns Truckers on Border

March 27, 2009

U.S. Warns Truckers on Border

By CAM SIMPSON

WASHINGTON -- A government-funded intelligence group is warning U.S. trucking companies working in Mexico or near the border to establish special security procedures in light of the surge in drug-related violence along the key commercial corridor.

The Highway Information Sharing Analysis Center, which is financed by the Department of Homeland Security and run out of the Transportation Security Administration, issued an advisory on Friday warning drivers and trucking companies that they could be exposed to violence from Mexico's drug wars.

It was the latest indication of growing U.S. concern about potential ripples from a battle among drug gangs. Mexican narcotics barons, facing increased law-enforcement efforts to disrupt operations on both sides of the border, are warring over turf, including lucrative trafficking routes into the U.S. Some violence has spilled into border states, including Arizona. Already, Mexican authorities have reported breaking up hijacking rings near the border.

"Truck drivers carry a risk as they are involved in operations that might interest these criminals," the warning said, adding that drivers should "maintain situational awareness at all times and be extremely conscious of your environment."

The center urged trucking companies to set up internal reporting procedures so their drivers can maintain regular contact while in risky areas. It also advised firms to establish special distress signals. Center director Don Rondeau said transportation-industry representatives had sought advice on how to protect drivers and trucks.

Surface transportation-based trade between the U.S. and Mexico totaled $293 billion last year, up 2.3% from 2007, according to government data.

The Obama administration this week unveiled a plan aimed at stemming illicit Mexican drug shipments into the U.S., estimated to be worth at least $15 billion annually, and limiting weapons and cash smuggled back into Mexico.

Violence has become especially pronounced in border towns that are crucial links between the U.S. and Mexico, such as Ciudad Juarez and Tijuana.

The State Department has also been warning tourists and business travelers for some time about potential dangers of visiting Mexico, saying it "is imperative that travelers understand the risks." Portions of that warning are incorporated in the trucking advisory.

http://online.wsj.com

Drug violence threatens U.S. truckers
Mexico border a danger zone
Audrey Hudson (Contact)
Saturday, March 28, 2009

American truck drivers operating near the U.S.-Mexico border are being warned of increasing violence among warring drug cartels and are being told to stay alert against attacks or hijackings.

"Violence amongst Mexican drug cartels in the border states, on both sides of the U.S.-Mexican border, has exponentially increased in the past year," according to the alert from First Observer, a trucking security program funded by a Department of Homeland Security grant.

"Truck drivers carry a risk, as they are involved in operations that might interest these criminals," the alert said.

The alert cited the efforts of Mexican President Felipe Calderon to crack down on cross-border smuggling of drugs, which it says has hurt the cartels' operations.


GETTY IMAGES Trucks coming from Mexico prepare to enter the highway after crossing the border this week in Otay Mesa, Calif. Truckers have been advised to stick to toll roads and take other safety precautions against drug violence.


"With these difficulties, the cartels' gangs have become more aggressive and dangerous with their tactics," the alert said. "Violent crimes have surged throughout border cities, and the violence that primarily occurred on the Mexican side has begun to spill into the United States."

Though the alert did not come from the federal government itself, Sterline Payne, a spokeswoman for the Transportation Security Administration, said the agency agreed with the assessment.

TSA "concurs with the issuance of the alert and the information contained within," Ms. Payne said.

David Ogden, deputy attorney general, told the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on Wednesday that the department "has identified the Mexican drug-trafficking organizations as the greatest organized crime threat facing the United States today."

About 5,300 people were slain in drug-related fighting along the U.S.-Mexico border in 2008. The full threat of the drug cartels' operations includes kidnapping, bribery, extortion, money laundering and smuggling weapons from the U.S. into Mexico.

"Truck drivers may face an elevated risk of being a crime victim as their loads represent a potentially easy payoff for criminals," said Don L. Rondeau, director of the Highway Information Sharing and Analysis Center, which also was created by the Homeland Security grant.

"We're strongly urging American trucking companies and owner-operators to exercise extreme caution when making deliveries or pickups along the Mexican border," Mr. Rondeau said.

The highway center issued several guidelines for trucking companies that have scheduled deliveries in Mexico, advising them to stick to toll roads, to create a distress code to call for help, to report in with dispatchers after all scheduled and unscheduled stops, and to ensure in advance that cell phones can get roaming service.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton visited Mexico earlier this week and pledged $80 million worth of Black Hawk helicopters to help fight the drug gangs along the U.S. border. Mrs. Clinton also said the U.S. has a "co-responsibility" because of its appetite for illegal drugs and because of the gun sales flowing south.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano also announced that hundreds of new agents will be assigned to the border to stem the flow of weapons south from the U.S., which she says is fueling the drug war.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/200 ... er-threat/

TSA Warns Truckers Of Violence In Mexico
R.G. Edmonson | Mar 30, 2009 2:32PM GMT
The Journal of Commerce Online - News Story

* Security
* | Trucking
* | Government + Regulations
* | United States
* | Mexico

Drivers in cross-border operations to Mexico and along the U.S. Southwest border are being advised to take precautions to avoid being caught in the drug violence in the region, a Transportation Security Administration contractor said.

According to Total Security Services, Inc., which operates TSA’s Highway Information Sharing and Analysis Center, the violence among Mexican drug cartels has killed more than 200 Americans since 2004, and truckers may be victims of crimes ranging from hijacking and kidnapping to murder.

The Highway ISAC is recommending that drivers with deliveries in Mexico keep in scheduled contact with dispatchers and report in at every scheduled and non-scheduled stop. Drivers also should avoid unsafe highways, and establish a verbal “duress codeâ€