AA Cargo: Ready from day one
'We are ready. We've invested over $10 million the past three years in people, training, equipment and processes. And we've proactively communicated with our customers at the dock level so they know what to expect, how to handle the freight so we are as streamlined as possible,' David Brooks, president of American Airlines' cargo division, told American Shipper nine days before the 100 percent scanning rule went into effect.
Delays should be minimal 'because our clientele consists of global companies that have been paying attention to the issue' and have a screening strategy in place, Brooks said.
AA Cargo's preparations are aimed at making sure cargo acceptance at the dock is smooth and efficient, without confusion that can cause backups.
'We don't want to give people any excuse not to use air cargo,' Brooks said. 'And that's what we'll be focused on Aug. 1.'
AA Cargo has invested in the large aperture X-ray machines that can handle flat skids of cargo at its largest freight hubs, such as Dallas-Fort Worth. Those facilities will accept wrapped shipments that are not screened.
The Dallas-based carrier instructed shippers to present unscreened cargo two hours sooner than the normal four hours prior to departure. AA Cargo also raised its security fees, though there is no fee for shipments that come from a certified facility.
Brooks said American can't accept prebuilt customer-loaded containers unless it has permission to disassemble the load for screening.