Industry View

CBP and Smart Containers: What Does It Know?

Dr. Jim Giermanski, chairman of Powers Global Holdings, gives us a break down of both RFID and Satellite Communications, two container security device technologies.

By Dr. Jim Giermanski

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Months later DHS responded to the demo:
DHS recognizes and benefits from the use of RFID technology to ensure the smooth and secure movement of both people and cargo into the United States. It is accurate that RFID systems are in use at U.S. ports of entry (air, sea and land) and have been adopted by a number of private-sector companies for supply chain management, asset and shipment tracking and inventory purposes. While RFID system used in maritime ports rely upon a variety of transmission frequencies for port and terminals operations, there is currently no one common RFID frequency in use throughout the global supply chain.

While it is technically feasible that the detection of RFID emissions could be used to trigger an explosive device within a container, DHS does not agree with the report's assessment that ports that employ RFID technology become more vulnerable to terrorist attack.

DHS admits in writing that using the FCC-approved frequency for shipping containers as a trigger mechanism for detonating an explosive device is technically feasible (capable of being carried out). In summary, the weaknesses of RFID use in container security are linked to significant problems:
1. The acquisition of or access to real property;
2. The cost of installing fixed antennas and transceivers;
3. The maintenance of these fixed sites;
4. The absence of a common global frequency;
5. The existence of diverse RF protocols;
6. The age of data transmitted ( distance between choke points); and
7. Its use as and IED.

Satellite and Tracking Communications
In general, there are two broad categories of satellite systems. The first and most widely known is geostationary or high-orbit satellites in equatorial orbit that appear to be stationary. Geostationary or geosynchronous satellites are approximately 36,000 kilometers or 23,320 miles above the Earth and rotate along with the earth. The second category is a low-earth-orbit (LEO) system which consists of satellites approximately 800 kilometers or 496 miles above the earth; these do not rotate with the earth. Both LEO and geosynchronous systems offer tracking and communications throughout a supply chain.

1. Satellite Benefits
Smart containers and their CSDs using satellite tracking and communications can provide a virtual chain of custody from foreign origin to U.S. destination. The container can send information and data in real time or close to real time 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Messages from to and from the container can be simultaneously sent to multiple links in that chain, importer, exporter, carrier, or government agency. Unauthorized access into the container can be detected and reported as it happens. Diversions of the container can be detected, to include the container's reporting of its own hijacking. Identification of the person supervising its stuffing, verifying contents and arming the container's satellite security system at origin will be recorded. The identity of the person authorized to open the container at destination will also be recorded and included in all the electronic records of the container's movement. Satellite equipped containers not only can utilize these sensors and transmit immediately what was detected, but also send signals to make changes like temperature adjustments in the container as the need arises. Satellite applications even allow for remote unlocking of the doors.