In 2007, Congress passed the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act more commonly known as the 9/11 Act. This new law mandated that all cargo transported on a passenger aircraft be screened for explosives by August 1, 2010. At the time, the deadline seemed far off on the horizon, but as we move closer to the summer, 100 percent screening is now a reality for all CII.

TSA recognizes cargo may only be a small portion of our business operation, but we must consider how the deadline will affect their operational continuity, punctuality, and customer satisfaction.

Every shipment of cargo carried on passenger aircraft will require screening at piece level, prior to being transported on any passenger aircraft. Skids and pallets will have to be taken apart, screened and reconfigured. The 9/11 Act specifically identifies the types of screening allowed ranging from physical inspection to various technologies. If airlines are forced to screen cargo, similar to how passenger baggage is screened, there is a potential for delays and damage to shipments. The screening process affects all cargo on passenger planes, but TSA believes large shippers and exporters will feel the greatest impact.

TSA developed the Certified Cargo Screening Program (CCSP) as a solution to help industry reach the 100 percent screening mandate. The program enables us to pre-screen cargo, avoiding any potential bottlenecks at the airport. We have been able to quickly incorporate physical screening into their shipping process at a small cost to our operation.

TSA is strongly encouraging companies to examine all their options in screening cargo on passenger planes. Shippers should contact their freight forwarders to determine if any of their products are transported on passenger aircraft. Many freight forwarders have already joined CCSP and in many cases will be able to help companies through the screening process.

Overview

A key component of TSA’s response to the 9/11 Act mandate is the Certified Cargo Screening Program (CCSP). Under CCSP TSA will certify cargo screening facilities located throughout the United States that screen cargo prior to providing it to airlines for shipment on passenger flights. Participation in the program is voluntary and designed to enable vetted, validated and certified supply chain facilities to meet the 100 percent screening requirement.

CCSP is a practical, supply chain solution, which provides security while ensuring the flow of commerce. Cargo is screened at the most efficient and effective point. It is done before individual pieces of cargo are consolidated for shipment.

Certified Cargo Screening Facilities (CCSF) must carry out a TSA approved security program and adhere to strict chain of custody requirements. Cargo must be secured from the time it is screened until it is placed on passenger aircraft for shipment. With the cooperation of the entire air cargo community, the CCSP provides the framework for achieving 100 percent screening domestically.
Benefits

Screening 100 percent of cargo on passenger aircraft is designed to ensure the safety of the traveling public. TSA designed CCSP to provide businesses with the option to screen cargo in a cost effective manner and at various points of the supply chain.

CCSP allows businesses to:

* Screen cargo where it is packaged
* Maintain in-house packaging integrity
* Avoid screening log jams at the airport
* Build bulk configurations to minimize cost

CCSP:

* Is supported by the air freight and air carrier industries
* Leverages best practices from global supply chain programs
* Allows businesses to choose the best and most effective model for their needs