Cargo Industry Perspectives from Hearing on TSA Reauthorization Bill
At a July 12, 2011 House Subcommittee hearing, several associations testified on issues related to authorization of the Transportation Security Administration for fiscal year (FY) 2012-2013. Trucking industry representatives shared concerns about security rule overregulation, redundancies, and the TWIC reader, while those in the air cargo transport industry sought funding to improve the screening of consolidated shipments and for low tech solutions such as canine inspections. They also expressed support for expanding CBP's air cargo pre-departure pilot to others.1
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Trucking Industry
Redundancies in Security Rules Need to be Reduced
The American Trucking Association (ATA) stated that its members strongly support enacting the MODERN2 Security Credentials Act of 2011 (H.R. 1690) because of its potential to relieve truck drivers and trucking companies from the redundant background checks and security requirements in HM-232F, the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT), and the Certified Cargo Screening Program (CCSP).
Agencies Must Improve Information Sharing
In addition, ATA stated that federal agencies must improve interagency communication and coordination. For example, if a CCSP compliant carrier is applying for C-TPAT certification, the carrier’s application should undergo an accelerated C-TPAT certification and validation process.
Want TWIC Reader Final Rule to be Issued Soon
The ATA views the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) as a single instrument that can satisfy the needs of multiple agencies requiring background checks in various operating environments. However, ATA stated that as long as TWIC is simply used as a flash-pass, it will be no more secure than a driver’s license or any other photo identification. Therefore, ATA urged the Committee to ensure that TSA and the Coast Guard do not delay issuing a Final Rule for TWIC readers.
Air Transport Industry
Need for New Technologies to Screen Consolidated Shipments
The Cargo Airline Association (CAA) urged Congress to ensure the funding necessary to continue research on promising new technologies to screen high risk air cargo shipments, especially those that might be able to screen consolidated shipments.
CBP’s Air Cargo Pilot for Pre-Departure Data Needs to Expand
According to CAA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has begun a Pilot Program to determine the feasibility of submitting data on international air cargo shipments earlier than presently required. More work needs to be done for the high volume areas of the express environment and the pilot needs to be expanded to the heavy freight environment, air freight forwarders, and passengers.
The Air Transport Association of America (ATAA) adds that cargo-security enhancements should take place further up the supply chain in order to ensure the efficient flow of goods.
Continue Work to Test Known Shipper/Shipment Improvements
ATAA also states that it supports ongoing initiatives to test aspects of Known Shipper/Shipment Programs that expedite the clearance of shipments that meet certain requirements.
Canine Teams are Effective and Should Increase
Both CAA and ATAA state that low tech initiatives, such as the use of canines, has proven effective in screening air cargo, and should be expanded to allow the use of private, but TSA-certified, animals as a primary screening method.
Int’l Harmonization of Security Standards Needed
As the air cargo business is global, CAA also states that every effort should be made to arrive at harmonized international standards for securing the entirety of the supply chain, so companies are not required to adopt widely different security practices.
1This hearing was held by the House Committee on Homeland Security's Subcommittee on Transportation Security.
2Modernizing of Document and Elimination of Redundant Identification and Security Credentials Act (MODERN)
(See ITT's Online Archives or 05/13/11 news, 11051301, for BP summary of the House Subcommittee's markup of the MODERN Security Credentials Act.
See ITT's Online Archives or 05/11/11 news, 11051120, for BP summary of congressional hearings on TWIC deficiencies, credentialing redundancies, etc.
See ITT's Online Archives or 06/0911 news, 11060904, for BP summary of CBP announcing plans to start an air cargo security freight forwarder pilot program, which includes the submission of advance data.)