Posted 04/22/2008 Important Meeting at Hartsfield-Jackson Regarding New Cargo Security Screening Program From: Berry, Sarah Please view the attachment and the below message from Tamika McCree (Manager for Air Cargo Stakeholder Relations, Transportation Security Administration); please forward to your colleagues who may be interested or need to be informed of the new cargo security screening program. The airport was just informed of this meeting, and we are trying to spread word as quickly as possible. The CCS program is going to happen regardless of whether or not we want it to, and we need to be as prepared as possible! Please note there is a link (below) to RSVP. I believe you will be allowed to come even if you haven’t RSVPed, but it is mainly so the TSA can attempt to have a large enough space to accommodate everyone who attends. NOTE: You must be an IAC to attend. Click here to view the Forum Invitation (opens PDF). Thanks! Sarah J. Berry Dear Associations, In August 2007, President Bush further strengthened air cargo security precautions by signing /The Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007/. In this law, Congress mandated that industry screen cargo transported on passenger aircraft at a level commensurate with that of passenger luggage (at the piece-level) and reach 50% screening by February 2009 and 100% screening by August 2010. We are now 10-months away from meeting the 50% screening deadline. By February 2009, half of the fifteen-million pounds of air freight that travels on passenger aircraft daily will need to be screened before it can be uplifted in the United States. If all cargo screening is conducted solely at airports, it is estimated that there will be significant delays in processing cargo. In response to the mandate, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has launched the Certified Cargo Screening Program (CCSP). The CCSP will allow TSA-vetted shipping facilities to conduct physical screening processes in addition to utilizing various technologies, to screen cargo. The cargo can then be counted as screened before it reaches the airport, enabling industry to achieve the 50% and 100% screening requirements, without unduly impacting the flow of commerce. TSA is seeking your support in disseminating information about this issue and new program to your membership. We would like to formally invite you and your members to join us in this groundbreaking effort to help secure cargo transported in this vital industry segment. Before nationwide rollout, the CCSP is being developed collaboratively with industry partners in limited cities through a phased approach. Phase One of the Certified Cargo Screening Program has already launched successfully in San Francisco, Chicago, and Philadelphia. Additionally, forums have recently been conducted in the Los Angeles, Dallas, and New York/Newark areas. TSA is now ready to move on to the Seattle (SEA), Atlanta (ATL), and Miami (MIA) markets for expansion of this developmental phase. If your company ships cargo which is transported via passenger aircraft (domestic or international) out of the Seattle (SEA), Atlanta (ATL), or Miami (MIA) markets, we would like the opportunity to meet with you to discuss the benefits of the CCSP. Attached is a one-page program overview and outreach schedule for our upcoming forums. Forums will provide participants with information about the 100% screening mandate, the Certified Cargo Screening Program, and details on how facilities may join Phase One of the program. We will allow ample time for questions and discussion. Based on the attached outreach schedule, please RSVP here. Thank you for your support of the Certified Cargo Screening Program. We look forward to working with you on this important initiative toward securing our nation. Regards, Tamika McCree |