Where the TSA fits in: official says the agency won't 'replicate' the work of Customs and the Coast Guard.(Supply Chain Security)

Ever since July, when Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge issued an internal order that appeared to give the Transportation Security Administration overall responsibility for cargo security, the trade community has been confused, uncertain and full of questions.

Will the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection report to the TSA, or work side by side with it on matters of cargo security? Is Customs, the traditional guardian of U.S. ports and border crossings, being relegated to a subordinate role? Should foreign countries now be dealing with the TSA? How will an emerging behind-the-scenes power struggle between Customs and the TSA get resolved? How does cargo and …