In this timely work, James Giermanski describes the advent and development of security operations in the global supply chain, outlining the respective contributions of governmental and nongovernmental stakeholders to this worldwide concern. Global Supply Chain Security explores the potential impact of port-related catastrophic events in the United States and their effects worldwide, concentrating, in particular, on the United States’ contribution to global container security. Offering insights on deficiencies in U.S. policies, Giermanski underscores the vulnerabilities in the supply chain that U.S. government agencies have ignored, avoided, and even denied. Global Supply Chain Security treats both the terrestrial and maritime borders of the United States, reserving for special analysis the threat to the nation’s southern border of hazardous materials or materials in transshipment or in-bond, as well as the questionable leadership exhibited by the Department of Homeland Security in its diagnosis and treatment of these threats. Finally, Giermanski covers the important role played by the private sector and the off-the-shelf, innovative products that have been introduced to supply chain management and security.

"This book on the current state of procedures and technology to prevent catastrophic security failures in ocean and land cargo shipping should be required reading by public officials and concerned citizens. Giermanski is an authority on the topic, currently heading a transportation security company and formerly serving as director of transportation and logistics studies at Texas A&M International University. He is highly critical of current Department of Homeland Security border security procedures and technology to keep US citizens safe from weapons of mass destruction. He describes supply chain security in clear language as electronic records of effective security procedures and controls at every step of container transportation, from original loading to unloading at the final destination, with container and trailer integrity maintained to prevent unauthorized introduction of materials or persons. The book comprehensively describes legislative acts and international agreements on cargo security, whose requirements are too often not met. Giermanski identifies many procedural and technological flaws in ocean and land cargo security. His evaluation of Homeland Security's incompetence in dealing with the security elements in global trade and resulting vulnerabilities add up to a whistleblower's horror story. More press coverage of these weaknesses seems warranted. Extensive, excellent references and index. Summing Up: Highly recommended. General readers; upper-division undergraduates through researchers/professionals." - CHOICE