Transport Facilities Raise Security

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Transport Facilities Raise Security

By LARRY MARGASAK Associated Press Writer

October 8, 2001, 7:16 PM EDT

WASHINGTON -- The nation's freight railroads restricted movement of some cargo and activated a full-time crisis center after U.S. military strikes against the Taliban, the industry's trade group said Monday.

As the attacks began Sunday, railroads began restricting operations near stadiums and other public places where crowds congregated, said Peggy Wilhide, spokeswoman for the Association of American Railroads.

At the request of law enforcement, the railroads have been conducting computer checks of employees against a list of names supplied by the FBI.

Wilhide would not specify which materials were restricted.

Attorney General John Ashcroft alluded to new restrictions at a news conference Monday, but said authorities were not trying to stop all shipments of materials that could be terrorist targets.

"We're asking companies to develop security plans which are reasonable and which provide a way to secure cargo and facilities, but not to cease operations," he said. "We want secure operations. We do not want to cease operations."

The American Trucking Associations said truck security was increased after the Sept. 11 attacks -- especially after it was learned that suspected terrorists obtained commercial driver's licenses for transporting hazardous materials.

The measures included:

_Performing new background checks.

_Designating specific drivers for certain cargo.

_Keeping hazardous cargo from populated areas.

_Ensuring that cargo is sealed at each stop along a route.

_Instructing drivers not to render roadside assistance except for clear emergencies.

Duane Acklie, chairman of the trucking group, said in testimony prepared for Congress this week that the industry also wants access to FBI criminal databases to perform background checks.

Mike Russell, the trucking group's spokesman, said law enforcement officials have told the organization that access was denied in order to keep tight control of the information.

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On the Net:

Association of American Railroads: http://www.aar.org/

American Trucking Associations: http://www.truckline.com/ Copyright © 2001, The Associated Press

-- Anonymous, October 08, 2001


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