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For the first time, American Trucking Associations' Safety & Loss Prevention Management Council will focus one of its security forums on the threat of terrorism in the trucking industry.

Since Sept. 11, there has been a new sense of importance around securing the trucking industry against a possible terrorist attack.

The forum, scheduled for May 14-15 in Chicago, will discuss biometric security devices and personnel background checks, as well as issues like securing infrastructure, the transporting of hazardous materials and bioterrorism.

Security has taken a "back seat" in recent years, said Kevin Johnson, security chairman for S&LPMC, and the forum is an opportunity to reinvigorate and "rally the troops."

"There is a new sense of awareness that permeates throughout the transportation industry," said Johnson. "People more than ever need guidance and recommendations."

Tom Sheets, chairman of the National Cargo Security Council and director of security for CNF Inc., said trucking companies increasingly are working to shore up the global supply chain, with focus on tightening security on food products, petroleum and hazardous materials.

For more information on the conference, see the April 15 print edition of Transport Topics