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Although their firms have completed various security improvements, senior executives at many U.S. transportation companies believe the industry's performance isn't "excellent" in several key security areas, according to a study sponsored by accounting firm Deloitte & Touche USA L.L.P. and conducted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Statistics and Research Center.

In a survey of 103 executives at railroad, trucking, air cargo, maritime and logistics companies, only about 14 percent rated industry performance as excellent in vital security areas, such as background checks, physical security and cargo inspection.

"Cargo transportation companies across the industry are making progress in complying with federal regulations," said Christina Steinman, national director of Deloitte's aviation and transport services practice, in a prepared statement. "However, an effective homeland security strategy requires a comprehensive approach."

More than 80 percent of the executives expected their firms to increase security spending during the next year. More than half would leverage current profits or reserves and 47 percent would increase rates to fund security initiatives.

The study also found that about half of the executives planned to outsource some work, such as physical security, surveillance/intelligence, training programs and security assessments.