Air cargo/global logistics: The International Air Cargo Association asks Feds to create security standards
TIACA said it is concerned that much of the equipment currently certified for use for screening is inadequate and ill-suited for processing palletized air cargo.
Patrick Burnson -- Logistics Management, 11/23/2009
WASHINGTON—The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) is urging the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to expedite its evaluation of new technologies to support the pending 100 percent cargo screening mandate, scheduled to take effect in August 2010.In its comments to TSA regarding its “Interim Final Rule of Air Cargo Screening (IFR),” TIACA said it is concerned that much of the equipment currently certified for use for screening is inadequate and ill-suited for processing palletized air cargo. Existing technologies, the spokesmen added, are mostly only appropriate for the passenger screening environment.
“New technologies geared towards the air cargo environment and capable of screening at the consolidated level are urgently needed,” said Ulrich Ogiermann, TIACA chairman. “The availability of such technologies could have a significant impact on how the 100” screening threshold is met. We therefore urge TSA to ensure transparency in its review procedures , expedite its evaluation of new technologies and seek to deploy new technologies ahead of the August 2010 deadline.”
As reported in LM, air cargo screening requirements detailed in the IFR rely on existing technologies, notably TSA-approved methods of screening that include x-ray, explosives trace detection, explosives detection systems, explosives detection canine teams, and physical inspection along with verification of the description of the cargo on the shipping manifest.
The rule adds: “TSA may approve additional methods to ensure that the cargo does not pose a threat to transportation security and to assist in meeting the requirements of the 9/11 Act. TSA will continue to consider different technologies or methods for screening cargo transported on passenger or cargo flights. TSA would approve these additional methods and technologies based on their applicability and effectiveness in screening specific commodities.”
While accepting the general rationale behind TSA’s requirement that personnel with unescorted access to air cargo must obtain Security Threat Assessments (STAs) as a means of securing the supply chain, TIACA questioned the decision to impose a five-year expiration date on STAs, requiring a reapplication and payment of another fee.
TIACA spokesmen said a more reasonable solution is to design the STA database in an organic manner, to retain information on all STA applicants and recipients, and to periodically cross-check that information with any new information/red flags generated from the various terrorist and law enforcement databases used by TSA to vet individuals.
TIACA calls for air cargo liberalization
12/08/2008
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