All of our terminals (including those located overseas) are fenced, lighted, patrolled and guarded by trained Crowley security personnel 24 hours a day. Even our office personnel are fully knowledgeable of our company-wide security procedures. Crowley's been implementing tough security and safety procedures at all foreign ports long before they were called for. In fact, we're proud to say that we maintain the highest physical security standards set by U.S. Customs for foreign ports and cargo operations. And we make sure that all truckers and rail terminals that handle our cargo also meet our high standards of screening and protection.

Cargo Transfers

All cargo transfers are checked multiple times at our domestic ports. First, security seals and locks are inspected at dockside. Then, in the terminal, we carefully inspect underneath and on top of each container for signs of tampering. Plus, we double-check cargo dispatches and record driver identification. Finally, all equipment, drivers and documents are checked one last time at the departure gate.

Equipment Security

Crowley's also added new security features to our equipment. Our new 102"-wide 53' and 45' containers are built with heavy duty 3/8"-thick slam plates at the top and bottom. We've added special bolt-type seal latch attachments to lock the door and secure the doorframe. And in high-threat areas, rear-door locking bar seals and tamperproof decals are used in conjunction with convoy truckers and road escorts. These new elements make it tougher than ever for smugglers and thieves to gain illegal access to your cargo.

Employee Training and Self-Assessment

At the heart of Crowley's security programs is complete employee dedication and commitment. From Tom Crowley, President, Chairman and CEO of the company, to stevedores and vessel crewmembers at port terminals, security at Crowley is a company-wide effort.

Some of the key features of Crowley's security efforts are training and routine self-assessment. Crowley personnel receive security awareness and compliance training and all locations regularly survey and audit operations for security vulnerability. This allows the company to focus on improving security programs and reacting to new threats or exposures.

Security Programs

In addition to our own internal Standard Operating Procedures for security, we strictly adhere to the highest maritime industry standards and governmental regulatory requirements. Plus, whenever new security initiatives are introduced, Crowley leads the way in compliance. Crowley is an active member in some of the world's leading shipping security associations, including the World Shipping Council, the Maritime Security Council, the National Cargo Security Council, and the Oversees Security Advisory Council (OSAC) of the US State Department.

Within the Department of Homeland Security, Crowley works closely with regional and Washington, D.C. offices of the U.S. Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, and the Transportation Security Agency.