Timing, cost concerns persist, but forwarders okay with 100pc screening

AN Airforwarders Association (AA) survey has determined that most forwarders are "cautiously optimistic" that the August 2010 deadline for screening 100 per cent of air cargo could be met without costly delays.

The findings were recently shared with the House Homeland Security Committee's Subcommittee on Transportation Security.

"The freight forwarding industry has made tremendous investments in equipment, time and resources to ensure it will meet the August deadline, and we are confident in our ability to do so," said the AA report.

AA executive director Brandon Fried told congressmen that forwarders were still concerned that "just in time" cargo survive intact, without delays and extended lock out times, and also that additional screening techniques and facilities be certified in order to ensure competitive pricing for forwarders.

"Discussions of instituting new systems this close to the August deadline, such as federalisation of screening, are unrealistic, disruptive and counter-productive to our industry's ability to comply," said Mr Fried.

"There are fundamental flaws with federalising screening, ranging from the lack of existing facility space at many Category X airports to a lack of TSA budget and personnel to staff such an effort," he said.

Washington DC-based AA was founded in 1990, and today provides lobbying, training, information and other services for its 300 member companies. The association works closely with the US Congress, US federal regulatory agencies and administration departments, air carriers, service providers, and other industry-related entities throughout America and abroad.
(Source:www.schednet.com)