Forwarders’ Forum: The future of US air cargo is at stake

Shippers need to register for the TSA Certified Cargo Screening Standard Security Program, become a secure packing facility or face challenges after the Impracticable to Screen Amendment program ends Oct. 31. With the sunset of TSA’s Impracticable to Screen (ITS) Amendment program, beginning Nov. 1, cargo that is impossible to screen, such as drums with chemicals, large machinery and jet engines, will be unable to fly on international freighter or passenger flights out of the United States. [caption id="attachment_93852" align="alignright" width="280"] Brandon Fried, Executive Director of the U.S. Airforwarders Association[/caption] That is, unless the shipper is enrolled in the TSA Certified Cargo Screening Standard Security Program (CCSSSP) or becomes a secure packing facility (SPF). The Airforwarders Association , working with its partner, the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America , sponsored a series of webinars and in-person events reaching more than 1,000 stakeholders in Miami, Chicago, Seattle, Los Angeles, Houston and New York, providing TSA officials an opportunity to explain the programs and options available to shippers. The TSA’s CCSSSP and SPF options are similar to the U.N.-recognized known consignor programs in many countries, which allow companies that ship goods to demonstrate they have secure facilities and standard security protocols to prevent tampering instead of physical detection systems. Unfortunately, many shippers with ITS cargo have not registered for the CCSSSP or the SPF and will likely face challenges when flying ITS goods out of the United States after Oct. 31. There may be many reasons shippers are reluctant to fall under TSA regulations and prefer to leave the problem to their freight forwarders. However, freight forwarders will have no flight options for ITS shipments after the deadline. This restriction will leave time-consuming ground and ocean transportation as the only available choices. This restriction is a severe problem for shippers who rely on air cargo to get their ITS goods to market quickly and efficiently. It is also a problem for some consumers, who will likely face longer wait times due to increased ground and ocean transportation use. While the ITS deadline is almost upon us, the TSA must ensure that shippers know the situation and the consequences of not registering for the CCSSSP or the SPF. The agency should also work with freight forwarders to develop solutions for shippers reluctant to fall under TSA regulations . TSA’s SPF program The SPF program allows certain shippers to pack their cargo and have it certified as secure without going through the TSA’s screening process. However, this program has had limited interest and no applicants so far. The SPF program is an intended option for shippers with large ITS cargo volumes, such as those found in e-commerce . However, it is important to note that shippers report that the program is complex and requires significant time and resources. A promised revision of the SPF from TSA has not materialized but may be a more palatable option to some companies once released. Call to action The future of U.S. air cargo is at stake. If shippers do not register for the CCSSSP or participate in the SPF program, they will face significant challenges in moving their ITS goods out of the country. The TSA and the freight forwarding industry must work together to ensure that shippers prepare themselves for the changes coming next Wednesday by continuing the outreach effort after the deadline and quickly processing CCSSSP and SPF applications received after that.

Forwarders’ Forum: The future of US air cargo is at stake

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