Air Cargo Security Alliance wants shipment tax to pay for cargo screening

The Air Cargo Security Alliance (ACSA), a coalition of 300 American indirect air carriers, direct shippers and customs brokers, has petitioned US Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano to have federal air cargo screening paid for by a $0.05 cent per pound fee on all shipments.

As it stands, said ACSA spokesman Michael Whately, the TSA's Certified Cargo Screening Programme will "force most small to mid-size forwarders and indirect air carriers (IAC) to face insurmountable costs and logistical hurdles before they can enter the market.

This will result in reduced competition and just-in-time shipping options for businesses will be limited, reported Atlanta's AirCargo World. For many, he said, the "100 per cent screening mandate without a federal screening programme operating at all American airports makes economic viability impossible".

So in addition to the CCSP, the trade association wants the TSA to operate federal screening centres at major US airports, provide screening where cargo is loaded on passenger aircraft, coordinate with the CCSP and other air cargo security programmes, impose fees to pay screening, extra law enforcement, plus costs of background checks and training through an air security fund.

(Source: www.schednet.com)