TSA Demonstrates How to Uncover Hidden Improvised Explosive Devices

A handful of FSC attendees were selected to find the above IEDs, which were hidden on two vehicles. Photo: Jim Park

The team was led by David Cooper, highway and motor carrier manager at TSA, Daryn Frank, supervisory transportation security inspector, and Danny McGuire, transportation security specialist for explosives out of TSA's Chicago field office.

After brief introductions by both Cooper and Frank, McGuire took the stage and gave the audience an historical and technical overview of IEDs and their capabilities. He also presented a handful of videos demonstrating their destructive effects.

After briefing the audience, McGuire led them outside to a hands-on demo that included searching for IEDs on a mixer truck, provided by Ozinga Brothers, and a Ford Transit van.

Using vehicle inspection mirrors, two teams consisting of FSC attendees searched both vehicles for IEDs, finding devices that included pipe bombs, grenades set to explode when doors were open, both timed and remote devices, as well as devices that would be triggered by movement.

The presentation was adapted to improve the attendees' fleet security posture as part of TSA's Intermodal Security Training and Exercise Program (I-STEP).

TSA performs these exercises as part of I-STEP, which includes active shooter, hostage, and other similar demos.

Fleets may choosse to contact TSA to perform security assessments on their truck operations, free of charge. For more information, contact David Cooper at [email protected].

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‘Fire Ball’ Dutch manufacturer speaks out after Ohio State Fair tragedy

The Dutch company KMG that made the “The Fire Ball” ride that snapped mid-air, killing one and injuring several others at the Ohio State Fair Wednesday, has ordered all similar attractions in the Netherlands to be shut down, pending a full investigation, the Dutch newspaper Nu.nl reports.

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The Latest: Indiana operator halts use of ride

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The Latest on Ohio State Fair's deadly accident when a ride broke apart. (all times local):

Pascal Soriot 'here today' after bad trial results wipe £10bn from AstraZeneca value

AstraZeneca has suffered its worst one day share price crash since its formation in 1993, after bad results from a landmark lung cancer drug trial wiped more than £10bn from its market value. The plunge in value intensified speculation about the future of its chief executive Pascal Soriot - who again repeatedly declined to explicitly deny reports he is leaving to run Israeli rival Teva - and the company's vulnerability to takeovers three years after it rebuffed a £70bn offer by American giant Pfizer. But three top 20 shareholders, including star fund manager Neil Woodford, rallied to the management's defence, with one adding that any takeover attempt would be politically unpalatable. Mystic - a trial of AstraZeneca's immuno-oncology (IO) drug Imfinizi - failed to improve progression free survival in patients compared to using chemotherapy, the firm said. The trial was AstraZeneca's big play for a bite of the fast-growing IO drugs market, worth $8bn (£6.3bn) today and projected to reach $50bn in value. AstraZeneca share price Shares in AstraZeneca, whose interim results were overshadowed by Mystic, closed down 16pc at £43, well down on the £55 a share offer made by Pfizer three years ago. It's market valuation fell to £54.2bn, down from £64.7bn. Mr Soriot refused to be drawn on his own future when questioned by journalists, saying he was “here today” and “very committed to delivering our strategy”. He added: “I'm not a quitter - that's as far as I will go”. He admitted the FTSE 100 firm was exposed to another takeover bid but argued it would have been “even more attractive” if Mystic had produced positive results. He called for “patience” from investors for more comprehensive overall survival results from Mystic next year. Mick Cooper, analyst at Trinity Delta, said a takeover tilt was now more ...Read the rest of this story

Driver Assistance Technology as a Co-Pilot

The roundtable discussion was hosted by the U.S. National Safety Council. Photo: Stephane Babcock

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — Advanced driver assistance systems like the ones that sound an alarm if you're tailgating — or even apply vehicle brakes automatically — are proving themselves to be more than a novelty.

Schneider has already equipped 12,000 of its trucks with autonomous emergency braking systems that will act if a crash seems imminent. Related collisions have now dropped by 69% and their severity has plunged 95%, says Thomas DiSalvi, the fleet's vice president – safety and loss prevention. “This is ready for prime time.”

The underlying technologies have clearly come a long way, according to participants in a roundtable hosted this week by the U.S. National Safety Council.

In-dash and audible warnings give drivers a chance to react before automated brakes apply.

In-dash and audible warnings give drivers a chance to react before automated brakes apply.

Fred Andersky, director – customer solutions and marketing at Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, refers to early Eaton VORAD collision warning systems as “the old bridge detection system” because of false warnings that were triggered by more than surrounding hazards. But it all laid the groundwork for the idea that technology could generate safety-related responses, he said.

Gains have also been based on another longstanding equipment update in the form of Antilock Braking Systems (ABS). Those made possible the Electronic Stability Controls (ESC) that automatically apply selected brakes to help prevent rollovers. Meanwhile, the data from cameras and radar needed to monitor lane positions and following distance have built on such brakes and stability controls to create collision mitigation systems that keep a virtual foot hovering above brake pedals.

It's why Andersky is concerned by suggestions that the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration might sacrifice plans to mandate Electronic Stability Controls – answering a presidential order ...Read the rest of this story

Purkeys Offers Solar Charging Solutions For Inactive Equipment

Purkeys has is offering two solar charging solutions, the Solar Bolt and Solar Dash, designed to help fleets keep batteries charged in inactive equipment.

The Solar Bolt is installed on the roof of a trailer to provide a constant charge to electrical accessories such as liftgate batteries and reefers. The Solar Dash is placed on the dash to help keep batteries charged over extended periods of inactivity.

These products are designed to complement conventional charging systems used by fleets to keep batteries in a high state of charge. These solar solutions are particularly useful during long summer days, according to Purkeys.

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