It seems everyone is up-in-arms over this port deal. A firm out of the United Arab Emerance is buying out the British firm P&O, this will result in an UAE corporation operating six US ports. There are screams coming from both sides over possible security concerns raised by having an Arab country managing US ports. I don’t think that security is the issue here. The ports will still be owned and secured by the state and local Port Authorities, they are the ones that hire and manage the security for the ports. Generally the UAE corporation will be responsible for the logistical operations of the port, scheduling, warehousing, etc. I can’t wait till they have to deal with US dock worker Unions, they may have wished they never made this deal if it goes through. Personally I think the ports could and should be better run than they now. Having run loads out of these place, I have found they are poorly managed and inefficient. I really dread seeing P&O come up on a dispatch because I know it will be a major headache!
The problem I have with this deal is why are any of our ports operated by foreign firms? Do we not have any US firms that can do the job and if not, why? The United States has one of the best transportation systems in the world, why are we renting out the management to major endpoints to foreigners? Why is the Port of Long Beach run by a Chinese firm? These are the question I want to see answers to. I would like to see some of the major trucking/logistic companies here step up and take over the management of our ports. I know they would be run a whole lot more efficient than they are now.
Check out these blogs for more:
Basils Blog
Don Suber
GOP Bloggers
Drumwasters Rants
I made it back to the house last night for a couple of days. I have some business to take care of and just needed a break from driving.
Everyone stay safe.
DR
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