TSA Air Cargo Screening Mandate

Compliance with the Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act of 2007 law requires 100 percent screening of air cargo moving on passenger planes by August 2010.

This means all shipments must go through a Transportation Security Administration (TSA)-approved piece-level screening before loading onto a passenger aircraft.

The TSA warns that if the screening process is left only to the airlines, shippers could experience significant delays, an increase in processing/cut-off times and costs. This is an acute concern at gateway cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, San Francisco, Houston, Seattle and Atlanta.

Congress did not allocate funds for the screening process, and the air cargo industry must cover the costs. Airlines don’t have adequate space to take apart cargo pallets, screen the individual cartons, and reassemble the pallets before loading on the plane.

Shipments run a high risk for physical inspection (opening cartons and removing contents) and possible “contamination” while shipments wait on freight forwarder and airline docks and vehicles. The situation will be exacerbated when the economy improves and shipment levels return to their prior intensity.

Actions To Consider

The TSA recommends a supply chain solution to achieve the 100 percent screening mandate.

The Certified Cargo Screening Program (CCSP) certifies manufacturers, warehouses, distribution centers, third party logistics providers and similar facilities that voluntarily and successfully apply and follow the TSA-mandated security standards. Shippers experience minimal costs and need not buy screening equipment.

As a Certified Cargo Screening Facility (CCSF), you will be able to tender cargo directly to a passenger aircraft or freight forwarder. The program allows screening by a trusted, vetted and audited facility; initiates and maintains shipment integrity throughout the supply chain; and enables physical screenings in the packing process. Noatum Logistics Logistics may fulfill shipping needs that are moving from a CCSF.

The TSA has stated that if you have not applied by now for CCSP, you will not be approved in time for the August 2010 mandate. To request a CCSP application for future certification, e-mail ccsp@dhs.gov.