US freight forwarders are being warned by the Airforwarders Association (AfA) to prepare for stricter cargo security regulations or risk not being able to transport larger shipments. Brandon Fried, the executive director of AfA, emphasized that starting in October, shippers looking to transport cargo that cannot be screened due to size or volume limitations will need to be enrolled in one of the Transport Security Administration (TSA)’s approved cargo security programs.
Fried stated that after October 31, there will only be three options available: join a TSA program, switch to sea freight instead of air freight, or cease shipping cargo altogether. The TSA is firm on this deadline with no extensions planned. AfA has initiated in-person meetings and webinars to explain these options and is urging forwarders to collaborate with their shipper clients to adhere to TSA guidelines and enroll in a program.
Security measures regarding scanning cargo have become stricter in recent years as per International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements, necessitating that all cargo be screened before loading onto freighter aircraft. These guidelines were implemented by the TSA on June 1, 2021.
During a panel discussion, John Beckius, executive director of the air cargo division at TSA, mentioned that the TSA is offering opportunities for shippers, assemblers, and manufacturers to implement security measures during the packaging process to minimize the need for later screenings. To take part in this initiative, these entities must become Certified Cargo Screening Facilities certified by the TSA to securely assemble, pack, and tender cargo for air transport.
AfA will be hosting its next in-person meeting regarding security programs on June 27 in Chicago, in collaboration with the International Air Cargo Association of Chicago and the Chicago Brokers and Forwarders Association, followed by events in New York and Los Angeles.
