Global Supply Chain Security

Global Supply Chain Security is an exemplary and comprehensive examination of the Department of Homeland Security’s initiatives to protect our nation’s supply chain and a must-read for everyone. Giermanski’s thorough examination of the vulnerabilities and the steps taken to fix the glaring gaps clearly reinforces the importance of continuing to be ever vigilant to terrorist attacks on this important segment of our economy.

This book on the current state of procedures and technology to prevent catastrophic security failures in ocean and land cargo shipping should be required reading by public officials and concerned citizens. Giermanski is an authority on the topic, currently heading a transportation security company and formerly serving as director of transportation and logistics studies at Texas A&M International University. He is highly critical of current Department of Homeland Security border security procedures and technology to keep US citizens safe from weapons of mass destruction. He describes supply chain security in clear language as electronic records of effective security procedures and controls at every step of container transportation, from original loading to unloading at the final destination, with container and trailer integrity maintained to prevent unauthorized introduction of materials or persons. The book comprehensively describes legislative acts and international agreements on cargo security, whose requirements are too often not met. Giermanski identifies many procedural and technological flaws in ocean and land cargo security. His evaluation of Homeland Security’s incompetence in dealing with the security elements in global trade and resulting vulnerabilities add up to a whistleblower’s horror story. More press coverage of these weaknesses seems warranted. Extensive, excellent references and index. Summing Up: Highly recommended. General readers; upper-division undergraduates through researchers/professionals.