US government should use technology, not inspections to fight drugs - AfA
- Latest News
- Wednesday, 17 April 2024
A 100 per cent physical inspection of air cargo pharma packages in the US to tackle the fentanyl drugs crisis would bring air cargo operations to a halt and must be avoided, says Brandon Fried, executive director of the Airforwarders Association (AfA).
Instead, the government should leverage advanced data analysis and cutting-edge detection technologies to target suspicious shipments without impeding the flow of commerce, he told delegates at the CNS Partnership Conference.
“We understand the urgency ... and we are committed to working alongside government.
“By working together, we can hold bad actors accountable while ensuring the smooth and efficient movement of legitimate goods.”
Fried also said an ongoing lack of investment in infrastructure in the US was putting the future of air cargo at risk.
“The Key Bridge incident is just one symptom of a larger issue: a lack of investment in air cargo infrastructure and operations, particularly evident at cargo areas of our major airports, where truck waiting times routinely reach two to three hours, even with decreased shipment volumes compared to the pandemic peak.
“This inefficiency disrupts supply chains and hinders economic growth.”
The Airforwarders Association (AfA) and the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) recently released a white paper. based on a nationwide survey of industry stakeholders to pinpoint areas requiring investment.
• Direct public sector financial support: specifically mandated for development initiatives that address infrastructure backlogs and upgrade facilities.
• A universal digital electronic application: A streamlined digital application process for security and to reduce wait times.
• Industry-wide training programs: Investing in workforce development ensures a skilled and efficient air cargo workforce.
• Modernisation of security processes: Upgrading the Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) badging process will enhance security and expedite cargo movement.
• Consistent policy interpretation and enforcement: Clear and consistent guidelines for all stakeholders to create a predictable and efficient operating environment.
