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THE US Air Forwarders Association, representing more than 300 members, is calling on the government to implement risk-based assessment for inbound cargo, instead of 100 per cent screening.
The association is demanding that Congress cooperate with the Transport Security Administration (TSA) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to introduce a risk-based programme for securing inbound cargo shipments on all cargo and passenger aircraft. It turned down calls for 100 per cent of inbound cargo screening, reports London's International Freighting Weekly.
"Air forwarders and others in the air cargo industry are 100 per cent committed to safety and security, but that is the only instance when a percentage is appropriate in any discussion of cargo security," said Brandon Fried, executive director of the Air Forwarders Association.
"Policymakers should enact a risk-based system for global air cargo security, as recommended by the supply chain and our international partners.
"The air freight forwarding industry has worked tirelessly to achieve new screening mandates and has been instrumental in implementing effective security programmes for domestic cargo," he said.
"Our cargo security has never been higher, due to these efforts. We will continue to work closely with industry partners and the government to improve security," said Mr Fried,
The association's appeal follows proposals from US congressman Edward Markey to introduce legislation that will require 100 per cent screening of all inbound air freight, after two bombs were found on cargo planes last month.
The association has also produced recommendations to Congress to boost air cargo security, including improved cooperation between the TSA and CBP; an expansion of the Certified Cargo Screening Programme and freight targeting from cargo manifests to freighters; investment in additional methods and technologies for screening; information sharing and greater cooperation within the industry.
(Source:www.schednet.com)
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