U.S. Customs and the Transportation Security Administration have different programs for preventing explosives from being smuggled onto aircraft in the cargo. A new report recommends ways to further improve security.
New air cargo security rules require 100% screening of every shipment. The Transportation Security Administration says cargo from large warehouses with heavy security measures don’t pose a risk and can skip screening, but some say that’s unfair to companies that comply.
The TWIC program provides drivers with government identification cards, like a driver’s license, to access secured maritime facilities and vessels. U.S. citizens and certain immigration categories can apply for the program.
The dog days of summer may have a different meaning this year. Large numbers of explosives-sniffing dogs will be crawling over airport warehouses by July 1 to help meet a requirement for screening shipments riding on dedicated cargo planes.
Amazon is the bogeyman for many people. Freight forwarders say if they have to screen cargo to get it on all-cargo planes then electronic retailers like Amazon should too. They see a double standard in the making by the Transportation Security Administration.
The Transportation Security Administration’s top official for air cargo security is looking at a less-expensive alternative to intrusive inspection of all freighter shipments.
Freight forwarders are vying against all-cargo airlines and online merchants over whether export cargo should be screened or get a green light to the aircraft if it comes from a secure facility audited by the government.
The TSA is doing a better job partnering with airfreight companies on security, but better training and technology are needed to meet future security obligations.
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration is not ready to implement new international security standards for cargo carried on freighter aircraft that go into effect next year. Whatever the plan, the air cargo industry will face higher costs to inspect cargo.
The Transportation Security Administration doesn’t have all the answers for securing airports, passenger flights and air cargo, so it relies on industry advisers. Four new members are joining the industry-led security committee.
