Three weeks before new security rules go into effect for all export cargo moving by air, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has finalized plans giving businesses the ability to opt out of screening every shipment prior to loading if their facilities have approved security controls. However, the air cargo industry is splintered over whether an alternative approach will provide the same protection and be fairly applied.

The TSA said manufacturers, suppliers, warehouses, vendors, e-commerce fulfillment centers and third-party logistics providers are eligible to become a Secured Packing Facility (SPF), enabling them to tender outbound shipments to airlines without screening to meet international requirements, according to a preview notice scheduled to be published in Monday’s Federal Register.

The program is designed to minimize the compliance burden associated with self-inspecting 100% of air cargo shipments, or outsourcing the task to other parties.

Source: Freightwaves