“The TSA issued [the decision] to us two days ago under secure cover. They basically told us, ‘we’re sending you something you can’t talk about,’” said Fried, who let members of the Airforwarders Association know of the TSA’s change of heart, but couldn’t release it to the public. The news has since leaked out, leading Fried to say that the decision is now “pretty much common knowledge.”
Fried thinks the decision was made because the TSA has had a difficult time verifying the security screening procedures of foreign entities. He said TSA officials are going to tell Congress and members of the air transport community that they were overly optimistic about their initial deadline.
TIACA Chairman Michael Steen commended the TSA on its efforts to work with the industry toward an achievable goal.
“We fully recognize [the TSA’s] intention to enhance existing air cargo security programs, but it is showing the foresight to listen to, and work with, the industry toward this objective,” he said in a statement. “This is the result of TSA requesting comment from the air cargo industry on the feasibility of a December 31st, 2011, deadline and its careful consideration of the advice it received.”
In an email to Air Cargo World, the TSA’s Jim Fotenos explained the reasoning behind the organization’s change.
“After careful consideration of the industry’s comments and a thorough examination of the unique challenges facing international cargo screening, TSA has decided not to implement the proposed deadline,” he wrote. “TSA will continue to work closely with our private sector and international partners to improve air cargo security and continue to adapt our risk-based screening protocols to address evolving threats.”
TSA officials have yet to set a new deadline.
“The TSA issued [the decision] to us two days ago under secure cover. They basically told us, ‘we’re sending you something you can’t talk about,’” said Fried, who let members of the Airforwarders Association know of the TSA’s change of heart, but couldn’t release it to the public. The news has since leaked out, leading Fried to say that the decision is now “pretty much common knowledge.”
Fried thinks the decision was made because the TSA has had a difficult time verifying the security screening procedures of foreign entities. He said TSA officials are going to tell Congress and members of the air transport community that they were overly optimistic about their initial deadline.
TIACA Chairman Michael Steen commended the TSA on its efforts to work with the industry toward an achievable goal.
“We fully recognize [the TSA’s] intention to enhance existing air cargo security programs, but it is showing the foresight to listen to, and work with, the industry toward this objective,” he said in a statement. “This is the result of TSA requesting comment from the air cargo industry on the feasibility of a December 31st, 2011, deadline and its careful consideration of the advice it received.”
In an email to Air Cargo World, the TSA’s Jim Fotenos explained the reasoning behind the organization’s change.
“After careful consideration of the industry’s comments and a thorough examination of the unique challenges facing international cargo screening, TSA has decided not to implement the proposed deadline,” he wrote. “TSA will continue to work closely with our private sector and international partners to improve air cargo security and continue to adapt our risk-based screening protocols to address evolving threats.”
TSA officials have yet to set a new deadline.