TSA Implements Another Element of the Air Cargo Strategic Plan in Order to Enhance Known Shipper Database
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued a press release announcing that on April 9, 2004 it implemented another element of its Air Cargo Strategic Plan by moving to enhance its Known Shipper database. The TSA explains that it is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to industry experts so that TSA can evaluate the latest techniques and technologies for identifying at-risk air cargo.
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(TSA explains that the Known Shipper database provides a systematic approach to assess risk and determine the legitimacy of shippers. Passenger Air Carriers and Indirect Air Carriers must comply with a broad range of specific security requirements to qualify their clients as Known Shippers.)
According to TSA, the RFI is seeking input from experts in cargo logistics, security assessment, cargo transport, and others who can provide insight into improving the identification and isolation of high-risk cargo. TSA states that these targeting tools will then allow agencies within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide a higher level of scrutiny to cargo it identifies as high-risk.
TSA explains that the Air Cargo Strategic Plan, which was approved in January 2004, details a multi-phased, layered approach towards strengthening air cargo security. The plan focuses on the following four major components:
enhancing the Known Shipper Program;
establishing a cargo pre-screening system that identifies potentially high-risk cargo and ensuring 100% of it is inspected;
launching research and development programs for air cargo; and
partnering with stakeholders to implement additional measures such as enhanced background checks on persons with access to cargo and new procedures for securing aircraft between flights.
TSA Highlights Measures Already Implemented under Air Cargo Strategic Plan
In its press release, TSA states that it has already implemented a number of measures called for by the Air Cargo Strategic Plan, these include:
A commitment of $55 million to develop new technologies for inspecting cargo for explosives, radiation, chemical and biological agents, and other dangerous substances;
Requiring foreign all-cargo carriers to comply with current cargo security procedures for domestic air carriers;
Requiring passenger and all-cargo carriers to perform random inspections of air cargo;
Beginning an effort to utilize current explosive detection technology to screen non-containerized "break-bulk" cargo; and
Expanding the Known Shipper database by involving more companies and collecting more information.
(See ITT's Online Archives or 11/20/03 news, 03112005, for BP summary of TSA's executive summary on the Air Cargo Strategic Plan.)
TSA Press Release (dated 04/09/04) available athttp://www.tsa.gov/public/display?theme=44&content=09000519800994a4