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From the "as if we needed another reminder that collective insecurity is alive and well" files: The National Cargo Security Council's (NCSC) membership rolls recently swelled to 1,000 — a 740 percent increase compared with the organization's total five years ago.

The Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and a subsequently tighter government-industry bond helped drive the increase, MCSC officials said in an April 22 prepared statement.

"The loss from cargo theft in the U.S. amounts to $18 billion annually," said NCSC Chairman David Jones, who also is vice president of corporate loss prevention and security for Tommy Hilfiger USA Inc. "Our members have coalesced with 27 government agencies and private sector associations to reduce cargo crime and, since 9/11, to protect our borders and assure the safe and secure movement of global trade."

The 35-year-old NCSC comprises security professionals from air, truck, rail, maritime and intermodal carriers, as well as law-enforcement agencies, retailers and manufacturers of pharmaceuticals, drugs, electronics and clothing.