The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is reducing the compliance demands on airfreight intermediaries by allowing logistics businesses to renew security credentials every three years instead of annually, according to a recent regulatory notice.
This change, effective Monday, affects approximately 3,800 indirect air carriers registered with the TSA. These companies consolidate cargo from various shippers and hand it over to airlines for transport, as well as arrange ground transportation.
The TSA stated that the new rule will save the industry around $5.5 million over ten years in terms of work hours but will not compromise aviation security. It will also lessen the administrative load on the TSA itself.
Air forwarders undergo TSA vetting to ensure they are legitimate businesses and that their personnel do not pose a transportation security threat. These logistics companies must implement approved security protocols to prevent explosives or other suspicious materials from being included in packages delivered to aircraft operators. They are also responsible for training employees on security procedures.
Previously, indirect air carriers were required to renew their registration for the security program annually to be eligible to ship goods by air.
The Airforwarders Association (AfA) supported the rule change in written comments to the agency, noting that the triennial renewal cycle aligns with the certification cycle for the Certified Cargo Screening Program. This program allows approved companies to inspect shipments before they reach the airport, reducing delays caused by airline inspections.
“Aligning the renewal periods … allows TSA and indirect air carriers to achieve cost efficiencies by reducing the administrative burden of processing renewals for each security program,” the AfA stated.
However, the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) opposed the new registration schedule, arguing that it could reduce opportunities to identify emerging security threats. They emphasized that high staff turnover necessitates annual TSA audits and training verification. The four hours per year that companies spend on renewal paperwork is not a significant burden on the industry, ALPA added.
“An effective air-cargo protection system must focus on the entire supply chain, identify and prevent malicious acts, and not reduce oversight opportunities to discover evolving security threats. ALPA stresses that safety and security must not be compromised for economic relief,” the union commented.
The TSA responded that indirect air carriers would still undergo regular inspections and enforcement programs regardless of the renewal schedule.
Under the new rule, each air forwarder will face at least one comprehensive inspection every three years, two targeted annual inspections in other years, and additional inspections as necessary.
