The TSA has issued new
regs with the intended purpose of strengthening air cargo security.
These latest announcements are designed to protect the more than
50,000 tons of cargo that is transported aboard passenger and
all-cargo aircraft each day. The security requirements mark the
first substantial changes to air cargo regulations since 1999, and
represent a joint government- industry vision of an enhanced
security baseline.
"Working with the industry we have set a solid foundation for a
major segment of the transportation network," said TSA Assistant
Secretary Kip Hawley. "In addition, TSA is working with our
partners on a series of separate operational measures that raise
security in air cargo."
The Air Cargo Final Rule makes permanent some practices already
in place and adds others. Major new security measures include:
- Consolidating approximately 4,000 private industry Known
Shipper lists into one central database managed by TSA. This will
allow TSA to have more visibility into the activities of companies
shipping on passenger aircraft and permit more in-depth vetting of
known shippers.
- Requiring background checks of approximately 51,000 off-airport
freight forwarder employees.
- Extending secure areas of airports to include ramps and cargo
facilities. This will require an additional 50,000 cargo aircraft
operator employees to receive full criminal history background
checks.
- Requiring the employees of more than 4,000 freight forwarders
to attend enhanced security training courses developed by TSA.
These new measures will
be enforced by an expanded force of air cargo inspectors. In the
coming weeks, TSA will complete the hiring of 300 air cargo
inspectors. These inspectors are stationed at 102 airports where 95
percent of domestic air cargo originates.
The policy changes implemented by the final rule complement
ongoing TSA operational and technological initiatives that aim to
strengthen air cargo security through a risk-based approach that
balances the twin goals of enhancing security without unduly
disrupting the flow of commerce. Operational measures recently
implemented include:
- Surge initiatives that incorporate an element of
unpredictability into the daily inspection activity of
approximately 1,000 aviation security inspectors at airports across
the country.
- Using transportation security officers and TSA equipment to
screen cargo that is delivered directly to airport ticket
counters.
- Expanded use of canine explosives detection teams in air cargo
facilities.
The details of how to
implement the new regulatory changes are spelled out in the
security programs that air carriers and freight consolidators must
maintain. Draft security programs will be provided to the carriers
and consolidators for comment concurrent with release of the Final
Rule. Enhancements are expected to be phased in during the next six
months.
Assistant Secretary Hawley said, "In the time-sensitive and
dynamic air cargo industry, a layered security approach is
essential to thwarting would-be terrorists. Today's important
policy enhancements, when combined with ongoing operational and
technological initiatives, create a more vigorous, risk-based
strategy for enhancing cargo security. We will continue to invest
-- along with our partners in industry -- in policies, programs and
ideas that raise the bar even higher."
TSA claims that the new cargo rule is "another example of how
TSA works with its industry partners to ensure the security of air
cargo. When industry partners do not fulfill their security
responsibility, the agency takes immediate and appropriate
action."
In recent weeks, TSA revoked the air carrier certification of
J.H World Express, Inc., based in Los Angeles; Inter-Shipping
Chartering Corporation, based in Miami; and denied the renewal of
the cargo security program for Aramex International Courier, based
in Washington, D.C. and New York. These enforcement actions
prohibit the companies from tendering cargo for transport on
passenger aircraft in the United States and reinforce the agency's
commitment to ensure the air cargo industry meets its
responsibilities.