US shippers warned of stricter security rules for larger air cargo loads

US freight forwarders have been urged to prepare for stricter cargo security rules by the Airforwarders Association (AfA) or face not being able to fly larger shipments.

AfA executive director Brandon Fried said that from October shippers wishing to fly cargo that cannot be screened – due to size or volume restrictions – will need to be enrolled in one of the Transport Security Administration (TSA)’s authorised cargo security programmes.

“There will only be three options after October 31; join one of the programmes, use seafreight instead of airfreight, or don’t ship cargo at all,” Fried told delegates at the CNS Partnership Conference in Miami.

“TSA is holding the line on this, there will be no extension. We have started in-person meetings, as well as webinars to explain the options and we need forwarders to work with their shipper customers and support them to work with TSA and join a programme.”

Security requirements around scanning cargo have been ramped up in recent years as International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) rules have required that United Nation states will be required to screen 100% of cargo before it is loaded on freighter aircraft, as they are currently required to do with belly freight.

These requirements were implemented by the TSA on June 1, 2021.

Also on the panel with Fried, John Beckius, executive director, air cargo division, policy, plans and engagement, TSA, said: “To support this effort, TSA is providing an opportunity for additional shippers, assemblers, and manufacturers to apply security during the packaging process that will be sufficient to reduce the need for screening later in the supply chain.

“To participate in this option, these entities will need to become a Certified Cargo Screening Facility, which means they will be certified by TSA to assemble, pack, secure, and tender cargo for air transport in a secured manner such that no additional screening will be required.”

AfA will be holding its next face-to-face meeting about the security programmes on June 27 in Chicago, working with the International Air Cargo Association of Chicago and the Chicago Brokers and Forwarders Association, followed by events in New York and Los Angeles.

US air cargo sector concerned over stricter screening rules

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