Port of Oakland Increases Seaport Security

PortWorld

November 1, 2010

The Port of Oakland has implemented a new truck registry system that will increase port security.

The Secure Truck Enrollment Program (STEP) will allow port security to access truck database information and report any suspicious behaviour to local law enforcement.

The implementation of STEP will add an extra layer of security to both the port and maritime services, a port representative explained during a news conference.

"An important element of sustained growth is protecting our people and the critical infrastructure vital to Port business," said Omar Benjamin, executive director of the Port.

The trucks signed up for STEP are associated with licensed motor carriers and trucking companies that have signed agreements with the port of Oakland to be partners in a secure port.

“We incorporated feedback from the trucking industry, truckers, terminal operators, port staff, local community members, and state and local law enforcement agencies as we moved forward. STEP needed to be implemented quickly and the success of the program is a testament to everyone’s cooperation and recognition of the importance of the program,” Benjamin said.

The port has contracted a team led by the Science Applications International Corporation to implement the truck registry programme.

More than 5,000 trucks have registered with STEP since April of this year.

http://www.portworld.com/news/i97636/Port_of_Oakland_increases_seaport_security