Airforwarders seek risk-based security program
- Latest News
- Thursday, 18 November 2010
"Airforwarders and others in the air cargo industry are 100 per cent committed to safety and security," said Brandon Fried, executive director of the Airforwarders Association.
"We urge Congress to reject additional calls for 100 per cent screening of inbound cargo.
"Instead, policymakers should enact a risk-based system for global air cargo security, as recommended by the supply chain and our international partners."
The Airforwarders Association has recommended:
Improving inter-agency co-operation: Government bodies are now collaborating to streamline the international cargo security system. This must be expanded and should include the Department of State and Department of Commerce.
Including intelligence and supply chain solutions: Airport screening should not be considered a first line of defence but instead be an effective complement to solutions like CCSP and freight targeting from cargo manifests, already in place for domestic cargo. These should be expanded to the all-cargo universe.
Investing in additional methods and technologies for screening: Funds for developing technologies for screening, and reviewing existing technology and procedures should be allocated immediately. The EU and other foreign carriers are using pallet screening technologies that the TSA has deemed inadequate -- streamlining certification for these machines is an imperative first step in harmonisation.
Encouraging inter-industry co-operation and information sharing: CCSP brought shippers, passenger carriers and forwarders together and created solutions. The current effort must include all members of the international air cargo supply chain.
