Security on the rise at transport facilities across the U.S.

Freight railroads across the U.S. are restricting the movement of some cargo and are activating a full-time crisis center after U.S. military strikes against the Taliban.

The Association of American Railroads said that as the attacks began Sunday, railroads began restricting operations near stadiums and other public places where crowds congregated.

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

U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft has asked companies to develop security plans which are reasonable and which provide a way to secure cargo and facilities, but not to cease operations. The American Trucking Associations have said that truck security has also increased after the Sept. 11 attacks – especially after it was learned that suspected terrorists obtained commercial driver’s licenses for transporting hazardous materials.

Security measures include 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, and instructing drivers not to render roadside assistance except for clear emergencies.