TSA Expected to Deploy Air Cargo Certified Shipper Program in FY 2008
Although the Transportation Security Administration has posted few specifics, a July 2007 Congressional Research Service (CRS) report states that TSA expected to deploy an Air Cargo Risk Based Targeting (ACRBT) program that would build upon the known shipper program in FY 2008.
Sign up for a free preview to unlock the rest of this article
Communications Daily is required reading for senior executives at top telecom corporations, law firms, lobbying organizations, associations and government agencies (including the FCC). Join them today!
The ACRBT program was expected to include:
(1) freight forwarder management information;
(2) a risk-based freight assessment system; and
(3) a certified shipper program.
(A press article noted that this certified shipper program is envisioned as a version of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.)
Shipper-Managed, Expedited System for Air Cargo Meeting Security Standards
TSA has previously stated that the program could include an expedited system for air cargo originating from shipper facilities that have met specific and comprehensive security standards as identified by TSA.
According to the Airforwarders Association (AfA), TSA's certified shipper program is described as an upstream shipper-managed program for screening cargo prior to leaving the shipper's dock that will eliminate any further indirect air carrier (IAC) or airline screening process.
Participants for 'Phase 1' Locations
AfA also stated that TSA asked for the association's assistance in informing industry about the new program and in reaching out to the forwarder community to help TSA identify potential "phase 1" participants.
AfA states that it was TSA's intent to identify potential participants by August 20, 2007 and to fully roll-out the program by mid-2008.
Larger, global companies. According to AfA, TSA anticipated that most shippers who would be immediately interested would be the larger, global accounts. However, TSA would consider any shipper who might be interested in participating. In either case, the participants would (if they conform to the program standards) receive certification from TSA at the locations involved in "phase 1" of the program.
Preliminary target airports. AfA states that the preliminary target airports include the San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Chicago O'Hare International (ORD), and Logan International (BOS) (or Dulles International Airport (IAD) or the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).)
Certified Shipper Program Could Help Reach 100% Air Cargo Screening Requirement
Public Law 110-53, the "Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007," called on TSA to screen 50% of air cargo on passenger aircraft not later than 18 months after the date of enactment (August 3, 2007) and 100% of such cargo within three years of August 3, 2007. (See ITT's Online Archives or 08/10/07 news, 07081010, for a Part III of a multi-part BP summary of P.L. 110-53, regarding the air cargo screening requirements.)
P.L. 110-53 identified specific methods of screening that would be acceptable in meeting this requirement, including the use of x-ray systems, explosives detection systems, explosives trace detection, TSA-certified explosives detection canine teams, and physical searches conducted in conjunction with manifest verifications.
According to P.L. 110-53, additional screening methods may be approved by the TSA, as long as cargo documents and known shipper verifications are not used by themselves.
(The TSA is required to submit, not later than 120 days after August 3, 2007, a report containing an assessment of each exemption granted under 49 USC 44901(i)(1) USC for the required screening.)
CRS report, "Homeland Security Department: FY2008 Appropriations" (RL34004, dated July 17, 2007) available at http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/homesec/RL34004.pdf
AfA information on TSA's certified shipper program (dated 08/08/07) available at http://www.airforwarders.org/airmails/08082007.html
CRS report, "Air Cargo Security" (RL32022, dated 07/30/07) available at http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/homesec/RL32022.pdf
Journal of Commerce article (dated 09/03/07) www.joc.com