TSA Warns of Cargo Backlogs with 100% Screening

(Thai Shipper.com)

U.S. homeland security and industry officials are warning that “most shippers have taken few steps to avoid potential supply chain disruptions resulting from screening backlogs at major airports,” reports the American Shipper. The warning comes ahead of the looming deadline for the U.S. Transportation Security Administration’s Certified Cargo Screening Programme that requires 100% screening of all cargo originating in the U.S. that is to be transported in the bellyhold of passenger aircraft starting August 1.

The report said that as of December 31, more than 120 shippers have been certified to screen their own cargo. A further 410 freight forwarders and 40 independent cargo screening facilities that meet TSA criteria have been approved to deconsolidate and inspect each carton by physical or technical means, according to agency figures.

“We don’t think enough shippers have a plan for dealing with the August deadline because many believe their freight forwarders will simply take care of all the arrangements,” TSA air cargo manager Douglas Brittin told industry stakeholders at a Washington meeting. “If it’s unscreened, it’s not going to fly. It might fly two hours later, six hours later, a day later. It depends on when the next flight is going there,” he said. Read more here.