Shippers and forwarders were well prepared for new rule, but as autumn volumes arrive things may get tougher
The implementation of 100% screening of bellyhold cargo on domestic and US outbound international flights has progressed smoothly through its first week, according to shippers and forwarders. But it has been warned that it is essential that shippers keep communicating with their forwarders as the new system beds in.
Jim Conway, Executive Director of the Express Delivery and Logistics Association (XLA), says its members have not reported any significant bottlenecks at hub airports. “The TSA (US Transportation Security Administration) has done an excellent job of communicating throughout the industry leading up to the deadline, so there were no surprises regarding the principle that „if it‟s not screened it does not get on the plane‟.”
Conway warns, however, that shippers need to keep communication lines open with their forwarders, especially in the early weeks as the system beds in.
DHL‟s Global Forwarding division says the new rules, which came into force on 1 August have not caused any supply chain strains. This is with the exception of a limited number of documentation issues, mostly around certificate wording or chain of custody requirement interpretations. “These were resolved quickly and did not result in any cargo delays,” says a spokesman. “One item that has come up several times this week is the subject of cargo that can be rendered unusable if it is x-rayed or opened,” he adds.
“We have been recommending to our shippers that they label any of these types of commodities with a warning, so it is obvious to everyone in the supply chain that the product can be harmed by
exposure to x-rays, or if they‟re removed from a „clean room‟ type of packaging. “Certainly, for better control over their own products, it is in the best interests of the shippers to look seriously at joining the Certified Cargo Screening Programme (CCSP).”
A Worldwide Flight Services spokesman tells IFW that because the mandate began on Sunday and, traditionally, Sunday and Monday are the slowest days for air cargo, the timing had eased the implementation process. “The first couple of days were light on volume, so there was little effect operationally,” he says. “Add to that, soft volumes for European destinations due to August holidays and I would say the TSA certainly timed this right. “We have a window of opportunity to work with our forwarders and carriers to make sure all procedures are clear before we see the heavier autumn and winter volumes.” But he stresses that forwarders and shippers would benefit by delivering pre-built and pre-screened cargo to the carrier, and that while US-origin cargo movements had been smooth, international freight had been affected this week. “The screening certification required to make the transfer to US flights has not arrived consistently, resulting in re-screening of a few shipments,” he says.
“Carriers are still feeling their way around the various requirements for each location and these issues should soon work out.” Ted Henderson, Senior VP for Global Trade Services at CEVA, says it had signed up to CCSP early and invested in screening equipment and process management systems before the new rules went into effect. “We have been able to deliver screened freight to our carrier partners and bypass the airport screening process,” he explains. “Our customers‟ freight has continued to move seamlessly from our facilities to the carriers‟ facilities at the airport and make the scheduled flight without delay.”
A spokesman for the TSA says: “We worked closely with air carriers and industry partners to successfully achieve this important aviation security milestone.”
Source: Mike King, IFW News, 11 August 2010