Air Cargo Security Since the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, the air cargo industry has been struggling to find a balance between ensuring the security of the supply chain and remaining a smooth functioning, economically viable industry. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was given a goal to promote the efficient and secure movement of goods while fostering a global supply chain that is prepared for and can withstand threats and hazards, and recover quickly from disruptions (Homeland Security, 2015). To fulfill the security requirements put into effect after the 9/11 attacks, DHS mandated that 100% of all cargo would be screened before it departed on any aircraft; with a particular focus on passenger
…show more content…
Three key goals were specified in the National Strategy: finding smarter and more cost effective ways to address security threats and maximize resources and expertise from across the United States government; using an all-of-nation approach to leverage the critical roles played by state, local and territorial governments, as well as private sector partners to strengthen supply chains; and enhancing communications and coordination with the international community and stakeholders who have key roles and responsibilities in the supply chain (Lupinacci, …show more content…
locations. It is similar to the U.S. Customs cargo pre-screening program that is already in place for other modes of transportation. It focuses on the 3 main types of cargo air carriers: express air carriers, passenger air carriers and freight forwarders, and all-cargo carriers. In this program, only the air carrier is regulated and inspected by TSA. Only the carrier or authorized representative (freight forwarder) may screen cargo and a screening confirmation message must be submitted to ACAS before the cargo is allowed to be loaded on the aircraft or depart the airport. Many freight forwarders and carriers scrutinize load lists for high-risk cargo and use high-tech x-ray machines and computerized systems to scan pallets and packages quickly; reducing the handling time for screening. Compliance with the ACAS program ensures that risky cargo is not loaded on passenger aircraft to endanger the crew or passengers (Lupinacci,
Three key goals were specified in the National Strategy: finding smarter and more cost effective ways to address security threats and maximize resources and expertise from across the United States government; using an all-of-nation approach to leverage the critical roles played by state, local and territorial governments, as well as private sector partners to strengthen supply chains; and enhancing communications and coordination with the international community and stakeholders who have key roles and responsibilities in the supply chain (Lupinacci, …show more content…
locations. It is similar to the U.S. Customs cargo pre-screening program that is already in place for other modes of transportation. It focuses on the 3 main types of cargo air carriers: express air carriers, passenger air carriers and freight forwarders, and all-cargo carriers. In this program, only the air carrier is regulated and inspected by TSA. Only the carrier or authorized representative (freight forwarder) may screen cargo and a screening confirmation message must be submitted to ACAS before the cargo is allowed to be loaded on the aircraft or depart the airport. Many freight forwarders and carriers scrutinize load lists for high-risk cargo and use high-tech x-ray machines and computerized systems to scan pallets and packages quickly; reducing the handling time for screening. Compliance with the ACAS program ensures that risky cargo is not loaded on passenger aircraft to endanger the crew or passengers (Lupinacci,