Los Angeles -- After more than a year since the law was enacted, the Transportation Security Administration is finally providing specifics on the screening of cargo aboard passenger airlines.
Attendees of the Airports Council International North America Air Cargo Conference held in Los Angeles recently listened intently as Doug Britten, air cargo manager for TSA outlined in blunt terms what will be required of those participating in TSA's Certified Cargo Screening Program, which allows for Certified Cargo Screening Facilities to screen cargo prior to acceptance for shipping by the forwarder or airline.
"If a company chooses to participate (as a CCSF), they will be regulated," said Britten. This is a voluntary program and the "industry will bear the whole burden of this program," he added.
No federal funds will be provided to offset the cost of having to invest in screening equipment, as well as the hiring of employees, which have to be vetted first by the federal government, Britten said.
Britten couldn't provide any cost estimates for those companies considering becoming a CCSF, but said a cost analysis was in the works.
He recommended companies wait until TSA releases the list of approved screening equipment before investing in any devices.
Those companies eligible to become a CCSF include third party logistics providers, manufacturing facilities, warehouses and distribution centers if the center directly tenders cargo to a freight forwarder or air carrier.
CCSFs must adhere to stringent security requirements set by a TSA security program, which will include procedures and a mechanism to prevent unauthorized entry to facilities where certified cargo is being screened.
Cargo handling and storage facilities must be physically secure with fencing, gates and locking devices as well as adequate lighting and alarms system. The facility must also allow for initial and recurring certification by TSA or its approved organization.
The Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 mandates 50 percent screening of cargo at the piece level by February 2009 and 100 percent by August 2010. So far, 40 companies have signed up for Phase 1 of the CCSP program, said Britten.
TSA is pursuing a phased approach with limited groups of supply chain companies in 9 U.S. cities throughout the first half of 2008.
Current exemptions and alternate means of screening for shrink-wrapped, strapped and banded shipper pallets will be eliminated, TSA said.
Those companies choosing not to become CCSF are likely to face bottlenecks at the airport. "These changes are expected to cause significant air cargo handling delays at airlines where all screening is currently performed," said a TSA handout distributed at the conference.
"We support the CCSP program," said Steve Alterman, president of the Cargo Airline Association. "We think it is a good way to balance the need for security on passenger airplanes and meet the needs of the shipping public. We hope it works from a political and practical aspect."
Robert W. Moorman
