MoDOT To Implement First-In-the-Nation Homeland Security Review

JEFFERSON CITY – A new, first-in-the-nation partnership between the Missouri Department of Transportation, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance and the national Department of Homeland Security will reduce security threats to Americans and the trucking industry.

Under the partnership, when MoDOT Motor Carrier Services investigators perform safety checks on trucking companies and their equipment, they will also assess the companies’ security needs. When the program is fully implemented early next year, investigators will offer advice to help transportation firms correct possible security issues.

“This new component to our visits will help safeguard the motor carrier industry against a terrorist attack,” said Ben Goodin, motor carrier enforcement administrator.  “We’ll tell companies about potential problems we notice and perform safety audits, including a review of drivers’ records.”

Security assessment information collected under the new program will be sent to federal safety and security agencies. The Transportation Safety Administration will use it to monitor trends and develop plans to cope with potential security issues. Threat assessment information will also be provided to the Missouri Homeland Security Office and law enforcement agencies as needed.

“We’re honored to be the pilot state for this program,” Goodin said. “It will be an additional safeguard for Missouri and the nation.”

For more information on MoDOT’s emergency preparedness, please visit www.modot.org or call 1-888 ASK MODOT (888-275-6636).

Editor’s note:  Recorded comments on this topic from Ben Goodin, motor carrier enforcement administrator, are available by calling MoDOT’s sound bite service at 1-866-847-7173 or visiting www.modot.gov/newsroom.