ATA commends TSA for improving ground cargo security

In a Nov. 16 letter to TSA, ATA voiced support of TSA’s Certified Cargo Screening (CCS) Program. The program increases the transparency of requirements for the ground movement of air cargo by permitting motor carriers to become regulated parties.

The Trucker News Services

11/18/2009

ARLINGTON, Va. – The American Trucking Associations (ATA) commends the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Air Cargo Office for its long-term efforts to develop security programs for the ground transportation of air cargo, the lobbying group stated in a  news release.

In a Nov. 16 letter to TSA, ATA voiced support of TSA’s Certified Cargo Screening (CCS) Program. The program increases the transparency of requirements for the ground movement of air cargo by permitting motor carriers to become regulated parties. Under the Indirect Air Carrier Standard Security Program (IACSSP), the CCS Program’s precursor, motor carriers were non-regulated entities and could not access IACSSP regulations. This previous lack of transparency discouraged many motor carriers from participating in the ground movement of air cargo.

Additionally, ATA applauded TSA’s decision to accept the Security Threat Assessments (STA) on those individuals holding a Hazardous Materials Endorsement on their Commercial Drivers License, a Transportation Worker Identification Credential or a Free and Secure Trade card. Accepting these qualifications eliminates the need for redundant background checks for passenger air cargo operations. ATA believes that TSA should further the integration and interoperability of various STAs and modal security programs.

While the CCS Program is an important step in improving national security, TSA can improve the program by moving from a facility-based concept to a company-based enrollment model. This would allow TSA to certify a company by validating a random sample of the company’s air-cargo handling facilities, eliminating the need to verify each location. ATA also recommends expedited approval for companies that already participating in the Department of Homeland Security sponsored programs, such as the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT).

To view the entire letter, click here.

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