Cargo Facts

No products in the cart.

SUBSCRIBE
  • NEWS
  • DATA
  • FEATURES
  • LIVE EVENTS
  • PODCAST
  • WEBINARS
    • Webinar Library
  • CONSULTING
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Freighter Transactions
  • Capacity & Demand
  • Conversions
  • Carriers
  • AAM
  • E-Commerce
  • The Future
Cargo Facts
  • NEWS
  • DATA
  • FEATURES
  • LIVE EVENTS
  • PODCAST
  • WEBINARS
    • Webinar Library
  • CONSULTING
Log In
No Result
View All Result
Cargo Facts
No Result
View All Result

Forwarders’ Forum: A letter to the Vice Admiral

Brandon FriedbyBrandon Fried
June 2, 2015
in Archive, Technology
0
Share on FacebookShare on LinkedIn

President Obama recently nominated Coast Guard Vice Admiral Peter Neffenger to lead the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Vice Admiral Neffenger brings to TSA three decades of service as a Coast Guard officer and appears to have the skills, experience and abilities to lead the TSA in its risk-based mission to counter the ever-evolving terrorist threat to transportation.

TSA has gone without a permanent leader for almost five months since John Pistole departed to be the president of Anderson University in Indiana. While the agency has been in capable hands under the direction of acting administrator Mel Carraway, having a nominated and confirmed administrator allows for a more politically decisive path in achieving the necessary objectives in protecting the transportation system.

Should Vice Admiral Neffenger reach Senate confirmation and take the helm, one of the first items on his desk will be this letter from the airfreight forwarding industry:

Dear Vice Admiral Neffenger:

The air cargo sector in our country represents one of the fastest and most efficient methods of transporting goods between markets worldwide. Thanks to the hard work of stakeholder partners, including airlines, trucking companies and freight forwarders, our industry has successfully implemented the TSA risk-based approach to air cargo security that remains a shining example of what can be achieved when the private sector and government work together.

In recent years, with regard to air cargo oversight, TSA seems to have lost its focus, and the result has been a growing culture of fragmented policy implementation and confusion. The freight forwarding industry sees this daily, where 500 TSA air cargo inspectors – each working hard to carry out agency policy – lack definitive direction from headquarters on vital aspects of our security program. Letters of investigation initiated by inaccurate policy interpretation create confusion while burdening the forwarding community with human capital and legal defense costs.

The Airforwarders Association membership consists of many different-sized companies and business models. Several of these firms report that, despite flawless past records, their TSA agent inspection visits through April surpassed all of those experienced in 2014. Each visit results in information requests taking hours to fulfill, using staff needed for otherwise important business tasks. As an industry, we would like to better understand the reason behind this increase and, in the process, work with TSA to restore such visits to a more reasonable and less resource consuming level. Perhaps the onset of this dysfunction began two years ago during a massive TSA reorganization, where the air cargo division, once an independent entity within TSA, lost its identity and was absorbed into the agency’s aviation division. People with significant air-cargo-related knowledge either left TSA or were moved to other sectors. They were replaced by people who lack the requisite experience their predecessors had in dealing with our industry.

Since the reorganization and resulting identity shift, air cargo decisions are made within the confines of policy, legal and enforcement silos, where communication between each is strained. The result is a fractured policy interpretation and an environment characterized by delayed programs and indecisiveness.

An example of this dysfunctional shift is the long-anticipated release of the revised Indirect Air Carrier Security Program. TSA promised that we would see it last fall but, as of this writing, the program still has not been released. Our industry provided important input to the TSA on many aspects of the anticipated program, and we are anxious to see the agency use the program to create an easier operational environment that is reflective of current realities while maintaining the highest levels of safety.

Also, last year Airforwarders Association Chairman Chris Connell testified on Capitol Hill about TSA overseeing a private canine cargo-screening pilot that would be overseen by TSA but funded by industry. We believe that this additional screening method will not only speed up the process but also address certain screening challenges unmet by existing technology. Unfortunately, almost a year later, TSA still has not responded to our request.

We need to work collaboratively in restoring an environment that alleviates the “gotcha” mentality within the TSA air cargo inspector ranks. This means a stop to enforcement over minor perceived infractions and more emphasis on overall efficiency. Just as the TSA has developed its “riskbased approach” to security, shifting TSA from a one-sizefits- all approach to security based on risk has empowered the agency and our industry to become a model of efficiency worldwide. We urge the agency to work harder to help us realize the enormous potential of translating this approach into vibrant and competitive supply chains for American industry and consumers.

Finally, we would like to invite you and your newly appointed staff to experience a “week in the life” of a freight forwarder. The AfA would be delighted to arrange for our members to open their businesses to you for this purpose, so that you can experience, first-hand, the operational impact of regulations and enforcement initiatives concerning our business.

Tags: Airforwarders Association (AfA)securityU.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA)Viewpoints
Previous Post

Power 25: Forwarders 21-25

Next Post

Express competition heats up in China

Related Posts

JJ Hornblass, Will Nida and Yash Kadadi
Technology

Forerunner wins EMEA Demo Challenge

May 8, 2025
Lynden's Lockheed Model 382G Hercules
Technology

Lynden Air Cargo to upgrade Hercules fleet

May 2, 2025
Technology

Six tech startups to compete for ‘Best in Show’ at Cargo Facts EMEA 2025

April 23, 2025
Next Post

Express competition heats up in China

Please login to join discussion

Stay informed with our newsletters

Cargo Facts Connect Podcast

  • About Us
  • Help Center
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy & Usage Terms
  • ADA Compliance
  • Advertise
  • Archive

 Manage Cookie Consent

Follow Us

twitter linkedin podcast podcast podcast
© 2025 Royal Media
No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Data
  • Features
  • Live Events
  • Podcast
  • Consulting
  • Subscribe
  • Log In / Account
  • Webinar Library

© 2022 Royal Media & Cargo Facts

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Data
  • Features
  • Live Events
  • Podcast
  • Consulting
  • Subscribe
  • Log In / Account
  • Webinar Library

© 2022 Royal Media & Cargo Facts

THIS WEBSITE USES COOKIES

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “I CONSENT”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.

Cookie settingsI CONSENT

Review our Cookie Policies
.
Manage Cookie Consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
34f6831605sessionGeneral purpose platform session cookie, used by sites written in JSP. Usually used to maintain an anonymous user session by the server.
34f6831605sessionGeneral purpose platform session cookie, used by sites written in JSP. Usually used to maintain an anonymous user session by the server.
a64cedc0bfsessionGeneral purpose platform session cookie, used by sites written in JSP. Usually used to maintain an anonymous user session by the server.
a64cedc0bfsessionGeneral purpose platform session cookie, used by sites written in JSP. Usually used to maintain an anonymous user session by the server.
AWSALBCORS7 daysThis cookie is managed by Amazon Web Services and is used for load balancing.
AWSALBCORS7 daysThis cookie is managed by Amazon Web Services and is used for load balancing.
cf_use_obpastCloudflare sets this cookie to improve page load times and to disallow any security restrictions based on the visitor's IP address.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement1 yearSet by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie is used to record the user consent for the cookies in the "Advertisement" category .
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement1 yearSet by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie is used to record the user consent for the cookies in the "Advertisement" category .
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
CRAFT_CSRF_TOKENsessionThis cookie is set by the provider Craft CMS. This cookie is used for the purpose of website security that is Cross-Site-Request forgery prevention whenever a form is used.
crmcsrsessionGeneral purpose platform session cookie, used by sites written in JSP. Usually used to maintain an anonymous user session by the server.
crmcsrsessionGeneral purpose platform session cookie, used by sites written in JSP. Usually used to maintain an anonymous user session by the server.
JSESSIONIDsessionThe JSESSIONID cookie is used by New Relic to store a session identifier so that New Relic can monitor session counts for an application.
JSESSIONIDsessionThe JSESSIONID cookie is used by New Relic to store a session identifier so that New Relic can monitor session counts for an application.
LS_CSRF_TOKENsessionCloudflare sets this cookie to track users’ activities across multiple websites. It expires once the browser is closed.
LS_CSRF_TOKENsessionCloudflare sets this cookie to track users’ activities across multiple websites. It expires once the browser is closed.
PHPSESSIDsessionThis cookie is native to PHP applications. The cookie is used to store and identify a users' unique session ID for the purpose of managing user session on the website. The cookie is a session cookies and is deleted when all the browser windows are closed.
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
CookieDurationDescription
_zcsr_tmpsessionZoho sets this cookie for the login function on the website.
_zcsr_tmpsessionZoho sets this cookie for the login function on the website.
663a60c55dsessionThis cookie is related to Zoho (Customer Service) Chatbox
663a60c55dsessionThis cookie is related to Zoho (Customer Service) Chatbox
bcookie2 yearsLinkedIn sets this cookie from LinkedIn share buttons and ad tags to recognize browser ID.
bcookie2 yearsLinkedIn sets this cookie from LinkedIn share buttons and ad tags to recognize browser ID.
bscookie2 yearsLinkedIn sets this cookie to store performed actions on the website.
bscookie2 yearsLinkedIn sets this cookie to store performed actions on the website.
cbCookieAcceptedsessionThis cookie is used by Caspio (FAT Database) has not yet been given a description. Our team is working to provide more information.
cbParamListsessionThis cookie is used by Caspio (FAT Database) has not yet been given a description. Our team is working to provide more information.
e188bc05fesessionThis cookie is set in relation to Zoho Campaigns
e188bc05fesessionThis cookie is set in relation to Zoho Campaigns
iamcsrsessionZoho (Customer Support) sets this cookie and is used for tracking visitors (for performance purposes)
iamcsrsessionZoho (Customer Support) sets this cookie and is used for tracking visitors (for performance purposes)
langsessionLinkedIn sets this cookie to remember a user's language setting.
langsessionLinkedIn sets this cookie to remember a user's language setting.
li_gc2 yearsLinkedIn uses to store consent of guests regarding the use of cookies for non-essential purposes
li_gc2 yearsLinkedIn uses to store consent of guests regarding the use of cookies for non-essential purposes
lidc1 dayLinkedIn sets the lidc cookie to facilitate data center selection.
lidc1 dayLinkedIn sets the lidc cookie to facilitate data center selection.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
CookieDurationDescription
AWSALB7 daysAWSALB is an application load balancer cookie set by Amazon Web Services to map the session to the target.
AWSALB7 daysAWSALB is an application load balancer cookie set by Amazon Web Services to map the session to the target.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
CookieDurationDescription
_ga2 yearsThe _ga cookie, installed by Google Analytics, calculates visitor, session and campaign data and also keeps track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookie stores information anonymously and assigns a randomly generated number to recognize unique visitors.
_ga2 yearsThe _ga cookie, installed by Google Analytics, calculates visitor, session and campaign data and also keeps track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookie stores information anonymously and assigns a randomly generated number to recognize unique visitors.
_gid1 dayInstalled by Google Analytics, _gid cookie stores information on how visitors use a website, while also creating an analytics report of the website's performance. Some of the data that are collected include the number of visitors, their source, and the pages they visit anonymously.
_gid1 dayInstalled by Google Analytics, _gid cookie stores information on how visitors use a website, while also creating an analytics report of the website's performance. Some of the data that are collected include the number of visitors, their source, and the pages they visit anonymously.
CONSENT2 yearsYouTube sets this cookie via embedded youtube-videos and registers anonymous statistical data.
CONSENT2 yearsYouTube sets this cookie via embedded youtube-videos and registers anonymous statistical data.
vuid2 yearsVimeo installs this cookie to collect tracking information by setting a unique ID to embed videos to the website.
vuid1 yearVimeo installs this cookie to collect tracking information by setting a unique ID to embed videos to the website.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
CookieDurationDescription
__Host-GAPS2 yearsThis cookie allows the website to identify a user and provide enhanced functionality and personalisation.
_dc_gtm_UA-1038974-181 minuteUsed to help identify the visitors by either age, gender, or interests by DoubleClick - Google Tag Manager.
_dc_gtm_UA-1038974-71 minuteUsed to help identify the visitors by either age, gender, or interests by DoubleClick - Google Tag Manager.
_fbp3 monthsThis cookie is set by Facebook to display advertisements when either on Facebook or on a digital platform powered by Facebook advertising, after visiting the website.
_fbp3 monthsThis cookie is set by Facebook to display advertisements when either on Facebook or on a digital platform powered by Facebook advertising, after visiting the website.
fr3 monthsFacebook sets this cookie to show relevant advertisements to users by tracking user behaviour across the web, on sites that have Facebook pixel or Facebook social plugin.
fr3 monthsFacebook sets this cookie to show relevant advertisements to users by tracking user behaviour across the web, on sites that have Facebook pixel or Facebook social plugin.
VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE5 months 27 daysA cookie set by YouTube to measure bandwidth that determines whether the user gets the new or old player interface.
VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE5 months 27 daysA cookie set by YouTube to measure bandwidth that determines whether the user gets the new or old player interface.
YSCsessionYSC cookie is set by Youtube and is used to track the views of embedded videos on Youtube pages.
YSCsessionYSC cookie is set by Youtube and is used to track the views of embedded videos on Youtube pages.
yt-remote-connected-devicesneverYouTube sets this cookie to store the video preferences of the user using embedded YouTube video.
yt-remote-connected-devicesneverYouTube sets this cookie to store the video preferences of the user using embedded YouTube video.
yt-remote-device-idneverYouTube sets this cookie to store the video preferences of the user using embedded YouTube video.
yt-remote-device-idneverYouTube sets this cookie to store the video preferences of the user using embedded YouTube video.
yt.innertube::nextIdneverThis cookie, set by YouTube, registers a unique ID to store data on what videos from YouTube the user has seen.
yt.innertube::nextIdneverThis cookie, set by YouTube, registers a unique ID to store data on what videos from YouTube the user has seen.
yt.innertube::requestsneverThis cookie, set by YouTube, registers a unique ID to store data on what videos from YouTube the user has seen.
yt.innertube::requestsneverThis cookie, set by YouTube, registers a unique ID to store data on what videos from YouTube the user has seen.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
CookieDurationDescription
34f6831605sessionGeneral purpose platform session cookie, used by sites written in JSP. Usually used to maintain an anonymous user session by the server.
ig_putmasessionNo description
xn_uuid1 monthThis cookie is set by NING during sign-in, and serves as your identity on the network, and indicates that you are signed in.
Save & Accept
Powered by CookieYes Logo