Martin Murray, About.com Guide to Logistics
Monday May 31, 2010
August 1st is the deadline for the mandating security screening of all domestic cargo on passenger jets. The U.S. Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) instigated a comprehensive program that enables shippers and freight forwarders to screen their own cargo off airport grounds as it is packaged. However, despite more than 700 off-airport sites being certified for the TSA program there are many shippers who are yet to get onboard with the program.
If there is a delay in getting these remaining shippers and freight forwarders certified by the deadline, there could be a pattern of disruptions in the supply chain as unscreened freight is rejected by airlines. If the cargo arrives at the airport unscreened it will not only be delayed but cause airlines problems of dealing with the cargo, thus delaying cargo to be loaded that has been screened. Although airlines are optimistic, supply chain disruptions could well occur at a number of the countries airports.