Centerlines - April 2008 - (Page 10) A S S O C I AT E S ’ C O R N E R In 2010, How Will 100 Percent Cargo Screening Impact Airports? THE AIRLINE, L O G I S T I C S and secu- rity industries are taking stock and plotting strategies in response to H.R. 1, signed into law by President Bush last August, mandating 100 percent screening of air cargo by 2010. Without a doubt, a new air cargo security paradigm will be emerging. The task is to determine what security mechanisms need to be put in place that both accomplish the mandated screening requirements yet minimize the impact on the flow of commerce. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has always promoted the philosophy of layered security, which has been supported by several aviation industry groups. Pushing some of the security responsibility up the supply chain is a big part of this strategy, where the Known Shipper Program will be integrated into the newer Known Shipper Management System. The significant changes will enhance the present voluntary Known Shipper Program by mandating the use of the Known Shipper Management System, allowing the TSA to directly vet and then approve shippers to become part of the program. The key will hinge on how and what screening methods will be put in place and then where that screening will take place. The immediate question is whether on-airport cargo warehouses have adequate space to accept, stage, screen, buildup and store 100 percent of the cargo. Prior to the introduction of screening, typical cargo carrier handling would consist of acceptance, build-up and intact unit storage with a small amount manpower for screening, additional of staging occurring prior to buildmanpower for cargo handling, up. Today, staging represents a longer cut-off times, less efficient significant additional handling build-up, reduction in cargo loaded element, taking up a considerable on an aircraft and opportunity amount of space and time as part of for mishandling and penalties all the screening process. represent the type of ripple effect While many on-airport facilities we can expect in 2010. have adjusted their handling to Airport operators as well as accommodate the present 30 other stakeholders must begin percent requirement, it is not preparing and acting now in order likely that today’s facilities can to minimize the impact new security accommodate the new 100 percent poses for tomorrow. The successful requirement in less than three years implementation of air cargo security without drastic changes that will programs today could very well likely include facility size. When dictate where cargo is best handled considering 100 percent screening, in 2010. air cargo handling dynamics will change, requiring more floor BOB CATON space needed for staging and VICE PRESIDENT, AIRPORT FACILITIES GROUP screening. This could challenge the AMB PROPERTY CORP. attractiveness of intact unit vertical storage, which has been the premise behind many years of an industry Bob Caton is responsible for leasing and investment strategy, prompting the marketing AMB’s air cargo facilities at creation of sophisticated material JFK International Airport. He has more handling systems. than 30 years of experience in air cargo The ultimate concern is that operations. Prior to joining AMB in 2006, new security regulations will have he served as president of CSTA Cargo a significant impact on air cargo Shipping Transportation Analysts, an air handling. Adding to the complexity, cargo consulting firm that specializes the industry’s perceptions of those in facility operations, cargo fl ow regulations today cannot account analysis and ground handling business for the ways in which they will development. ultimately be enforced. Unless security compliance alternatives are put in place to supplement the additional cost for screening, planning for 2010 could take For more on the TSA Known Shipper Management unfortunate System, go to: missteps, leading www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/layers/aircargo/steps.shtm to inefficiencies For a history and synopsis and the full text of H.R. 1, visit: and unnecessary www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h110-1 costs. Read President Bush’s comments on the signing of Under the the legislation at: new regulations, www.whitehouse.gov/news/ larger warehouse releases/2007/08/20070803-1.html (with more rent), additional WEBLINKS 10 CENTERLINES | APRIL 2008 http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/layers/aircargo/steps.shtm http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h110-1 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/08/20070803-1.html
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