TSA offers air cargo security outreach

TSA offers air cargo security outreach    The U.S. Transportation Security Administration has scheduled an educational blitz to inform manufacturers, retailers and logistics companies about the benefits of participating in the Certified Cargo Screening Program.
   The program was designed as a way for businesses to self-inspect air cargo and prevent backlogs at airports as of Aug. 1, when a new rule mandating that all cargo carried on passenger planes must be screened. Cargo that is not prescreened must be checked by airlines, which will result in palletized shipments being deconsolidated for inspection and impair the integrity of shipments.
   The first event will be held by the National Industrial Transportation League and the Express Delivery and Logistics Association on Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. The free 90-minute webinar will feature Douglas Brittin, the TSA's air cargo manager, and Tom Lewandowski of Geodis Americas, who will talk about his company's experience setting up a CCSP. Register for the webinar here.
   The TSA will host five webinars of its own from Feb. 25 to June 10, with future dates to be determined.
   TSA officials will also conduct a series of seminars around the country, beginning Feb. 24-25 in Houston and running through mid-June in Miami.
   The outreach program is reminiscent of the one conducted last year by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to spread the word about another rule, the Importer Security Filing, which requires significant changes in business processes.
   Registration for TSA seminars or webinars can be found here.