For example, radiation portal monitors and other radiation
detection technologies have been implemented at seaports, land border ports,
and mail facilities. These systems now scan 100% of all containerized cargo and
personal vehicles arriving in the U.S. through land ports of entry, as well as
over 99% of arriving sea containers.
Perhaps one of the more controversial moves undertaken was
the requirement of all inbound international air cargo to be screened prior to
entering the US. While the US Department of Homeland Security works with
international counterparts to devise an agreeable solution, the Customs Border
and Patrol (CBP) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have
implemented a voluntary pilot program, Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) in
which members of the air cargo community send and receive advance security
filing data for their air cargo – similar to what is being done among ocean
vessels prior to entering a US port. ACAS is designed to help identify cargo
shipments inbound to US and transiting through the country that may be high
risk and require additional physical screening.
ACAS was implemented in 2010 in which four express
consignment air courier companies volunteered to provide the CBP with data.
Since then, three passenger carriers, one-all cargo carrier and one freight
forwarder have joined the pilot when it officially launched in October 2012. At
that time, the CBP expanded the program seeking additional volunteers for the
pilot to run through April 2013. In April 2013, the pilot was extended again as
the CBP and TSA expand the program to additional volunteers.
Perhaps one of the drawbacks to the program is the fact that
pilot participants are responsible for all costs. According to the CBP, these
costs can vary based on participants’ pre-existing infrastructure. Costs may
include carrier communication requirements such as submission and receipt of
data and the cost of implementing the necessary screening protocols.
The time period of the pilot has yet to be determined. The
CBP and TSA state that when sufficient pilot analysis and evaluation has been
conducted, a mandate will be implemented requiring passenger and all-cargo
carriers to submit data before cargo is loaded onto aircraft for all
international shipments either destined for or transiting through the US.
The results of 9/11 has caused the US to take a serious look
at its security processes at sea ports, border entry points and airports. While
the US government has seen success in its implementations, it has proven costly
for many transport providers who have been required to add additional manpower,
scanning equipment, upgrade IT systems etc. to be in compliance. As a result, much of these additional costs end
up being passed down to customers in varying forms of “surcharges”.