Airforwarders Association exec testifies at Senate hearing

Airforwarders Association Executive Director Brandon Fried testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation Subcommittee on Security, at a field hearing in Boston, Mass., on Feb. 24. Sen. Edward J. Markey convened the special hearing, "Promoting Safe Skies through Scanning and Screening: Oversight of Air Cargo Security," to discuss air cargo security topics at Boston International Airport ( BOS ). The hearing called on industry experts as witnesses to examine specific security topics, including the oversight of certified cargo screening facilities and screening technology, as well as air cargo’s role in the trade and security supply chains. The full list of witnesses included: John Beckius, executive director, Air Cargo Division, Transportation Security Administration; Edward Freni, director of aviation, Massachusetts Port Authority; Brandon Fried, executive director, Airforwarders Association; Jennifer Ritter, flight attendant, United Airlines, on behalf of Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO; and Steve Urchuk, chief technology officer, Analogic. Fried testified on behalf of the Airforwarders Association to provide the perspective of freight forwarders as related to air cargo oversight and inefficiencies by the TSA . Fried outlined the benefits of the Certified Cargo Screening program, which has supported the development of cargo-screening security for almost a decade. He also highlighted industry-supported initiatives, such as the Third-Party Canine Program (3PK9), which has supported the cargo screening by trained canines and handlers, a program approved in December 2018. According to Fried, although nongovernmental screening programs have made strides in development and proven critical to global cargo security chains, support from the government is irregular and lacking. He said government action is required to support initiatives, such as TSA vetting and testing of new technology, increased communication and access to resources, and updated and clarified regulations to ensure consistent interpretation and industry-wide implementation of policies. “Interpretation and implementation of that policy should be in agreement,” said Fried. “Security deteriorates when operators do not have a clear understanding of regulations due inconsistent policy interpretations. We understand that 100% consistency is not always attainable. However, inconsistent interpretation of policy decisions and poor communication of those resolutions to the inspectors result in high cost to the industry and delays in our nation’s commerce.” Fried said the Airforwarders Association urges TSA Administrator David Pekoske to ensure a mechanism allowing regulated parties to obtain policy guidance from the TSA , and improve the communication of policy decisions between the Policy, Plans and Engagement Division and its cargo inspector workforce and Air Cargo Division staff. Fried also suggested establishing an industry ombudsman’s office to assure communication between stakeholders. The Airforwarders Association represents more than 275 member companies dedicated to moving cargo throughout the supply chain. Its members range from small businesses with fewer than 20 employees to large companies employing more than 1,000 people, and business models varying from domestic to worldwide freight forwarding operations. A full recording of the hearing can be viewed at the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation’s website.

Airforwarders Association exec testifies at Senate hearing

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