New TSA Cargo Screening Procedures

Starting on Aug. 1, 2010, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will be required to screen all cargo transported on passenger aircraft. One of the provisions required under the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act, this screening will be a more intensive process than is currently in place.

Under the impending new rules, every shipment of cargo carried on passenger aircraft will require screening at piece level, prior to being transported. Skids and pallets will have to be taken apart, screened and reconfigured. To address potential delays and damage to shipments, TSA has developed the Certified Cargo Screening Program (CCSP) which will offer a pre-screen option to shippers.

TSA is encouraging business owners who ship a good deal of product to determine whether or not their shipments are being delivered via passenger planes. In many cases, companies that use a freight forwarding or consolidating service to ship product will work with that service provider to ensure the new screening process doesn’t delay shipments.

Under CCSP, TSA will certify cargo screening facilities located throughout the United States that screen cargo prior to providing it to airlines for shipment on passenger flights. In many instances, businesses can sign-up under the CCSP to have their cargo facilities certified in accordance with TSA requirements.

For those small businesses not wishing to sign up for the CCSP program, TSA has compiled a list of Independent Cargo Screening Facility (ICSF) screening locations at which large quantities of product for shipping can be screened. Please click here to learn more about the ICSFs.

Please click here to learn more about the CCSP program.