Napolitano Calls for Trusted Shipper Program

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano is gathering international support for an all-modes "trusted shipper" program similar to the trusted traveler program for airline passengers in the U.S.

Napolitano told reporters in London on Friday that the program would allow qualified shippers to move cargo with fewer inspections, while others would get "much more intensive inspection." She declined to give further details.

While the program appears to focus on air cargo security, Napolitano met in London with International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Efthimios Mitropoulos, and officials of the British government.

Two weeks ago Napolitano announced a partnership with the World Customs Organization to strengthen and extend air cargo security for the shipment of chemicals that terrorists could use to make explosives. She also said that government and the private sector should work together to "acquire advance information before goods are loaded onto planes, container ships, or trucks - so we can identify and screen items based on risk and intelligence."

-- Contact R.G. Edmonson at bedmonson@joc.com.