Running Head: AIR CARGO SECURITY ISSUES

Air Cargo Security Issues Following the 9/11 Act

Abstract
In August 2007, the Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act of 2007 was signed into law requiring the Department of Homeland Security to establish more stringent procedures for the security screening of air cargo. The law required that by February 2009, 50 percent of all air cargo on passenger aircraft would be security screened, and by August 2010, all air cargo traveling on passenger aircraft must be 100 percent screened individually. The requirement presents numerous logistical, financial, and technological challenges to airlines and all entities involved in air cargo shipping. The Transportation Security Administration has lessened some of the burden by creating the Certified Cargo Screening Program, enabling the screening of cargo by certified shippers prior to aircraft delivery.

On August 3, 2007, President Bush signed the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007, commonly known as the 9/11 Act, into law. The Act required the Transportation Security Administration to establish a system for the 100 percent security screening of all cargo transported on passenger aircraft within three years. Additionally, the 9/11 Act required that 50 percent of air cargo would be screened on passenger aircraft by February, 2009. Air cargo handlers in all aspects of the logistical arena have responded well to the 50% mandate, but the 100% requirement poses serious logistical and financial hurdles to airlines, cargo handlers, and freight forwarders if it is to succeed (Transportation Security Administration {TSA}, 2009). In an effort to achieve the 100 percent screening of cargo and protect the American public as much as possible, the TSA updated their policy and mandated 100 percent screening of all nonexempt air cargo on