International analyzes implications of Homeland Security Act

International Truck and Engine Corporation today released a white paper addressing the transportation industry implications of the Homeland Security Act, including relevant legislation, emerging security systems and technologies, and recommendations for action among key customer segments. The paper, available online at http://www.internationaldelivers.com, is the result of a research project aimed at understanding the demands facing International customers in an industry bracing for regulatory change. "It's imperative that we as a truck manufacturer take the initiative to make sure our customers have the right tools and knowledge to meet new security standards," said Phil Christman, vice president, product development, International Truck and Engine Corporation. "Our goal is helping companies understand how new regulation and new technology will impact their businesses, especially when it comes to understanding and planning for cost-effective investments in new systems, equipment and training."Based on several weeks of research, the International white paper describes the details of the Homeland Security Act, including government-mandated tests currently underway to test the costs and feasibility of technologies such as telematics, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and other vehicle and cargo security tools."Safety and security are critical issues in our industry," said Vera Gavrilovich, the white paper's primary author and director, customer relationship management and market analysis, International Truck and Engine Corporation. "The next few months will be especially important for our customers, as regulatory decisions are made and transportation companies must respond accordingly."For example, the white paper details how new rules announced in 2003 by the Research and Special Programs Administration of the Department of Transportation are expected to cost freight companies $88.3 million to implement in the first year and $29 million each year thereafter. Under these new rules, about 43,000 companies will need to have security plans in place by September 25, 2003.Other pending regulatory decisions include a safety permit program currently under deliberation by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the outcome of which will impact companies that transport hazardous materials. The International white paper also details a series of technology solutions currently under review by a consortium of companies, including International, in partnership with the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA). Those solutions include:Driver, passenger and cargo verification systems, including biometric identification systems, coded or electronic vehicle entry, and automatic vehicle shutdown;Vehicle cargo security technologies, such as "smart" seals, wireless linking via Dedicated Short-Range Radio Frequency (DSR-RF), and optical cargo scanners;Vehicle and cargo tracking capabilities, including Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags, container profiling software, and Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) systems; and Emergency Response Systems, such as wireless and satellite driver communication tools, geo-fencing and remote vehicle disabling technologies.Based on the successful introduction of the Diamond LogicTM Electrical System, which provides the overall electrical, diagnostic and communications infrastructure of the Industry's First High Performance Trucks®, International is uniquely positioned to integrate new security systems into existing, proven technology.