Transportation Security Administration

Federal mask mandate covers freight workers, drivers at air and seaports

Workers wearing sun glasses and face masks.

Freight forwarders, cargo security companies, truck drivers and warehouse operators are also covered by a new face mask mandate on commercial travel when they are on airport or seaport property, according to agencies implementing the rule.

The Transportation Security Administration on Monday issued a security directive to airport operators saying it will enforce the weekend order from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that persons entering or on a transportation hub wear a mask. Pres...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/federal-mask-mandate-covers-freight-workers-drivers-at-air-and-seaports

TSA to reveal security plan for air cargo industry

Workers at an express air hub as packages come down chutes into air cargo containers.

Companies that purchase and provide transport on all-cargo aircraft will be closely watching whether the Transportation Security Administration on Wednesday offers an alternative security arrangement many believe is designed to help one company — Amazon — avoid screening every outbound shipment for explosives.

How to comply with pending international airfreight security standards is reopening a  long-running policy debate over whether supply chains are best protected through a risk-based...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/tsa-to-reveal-security-plan-for-air-cargo-industry

TSA 100% screening option could be cheaper for cargo shippers

A TSA inspector observes cargo being loaded on a Saudia 747 jet. Split screen with TSA official in charge of Air Cargo division on the right.

Most people know the Transportation Security Administration as the folks with blue shirts who check documents and carry-on bags at the airport before passengers board aircraft. The agency also has a less visible but no less important role, ensuring that cargo loaded on passenger and freighter aircraft doesn’t contain explosives.

A big issue on the TSA’s plate this year is the June 30 deadline for member states of the International Civil Aviation Organization to implement 100% screening of export...

https://s29755.pcdn.co/news/tsa-100-screening-alternative-could-be-cheaper-for-cargo-shippers

TSA to propose scan-all alternative for air cargo security

A TSA inspector watches a Saudia plane being loaded with pallets of cargo.

The Transportation Security Administration will unveil how it plans to meet new international requirements for screening 100% of exports on freighter aircraft during a meeting next month with e-commerce shippers and logistics providers.

The international standards, scheduled to go into effect June 30, require all cargo on dedicated freighter aircraft to be physically screened for explosives, as has been done the past decade for shipments traveling on passenger aircraft. Other governments could...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/tsa-to-propose-scan-all-alternative-for-air-cargo-security

TSA seeks enhanced screening capabilities for air cargo (with video)

An explosives-sniffing dog on hind legs checks a carton in a warehouse.

Federal regulators want to improve industry’s ability to perform air cargo security checks and explosives detection technology to help meet forthcoming international requirements for screening 100% of export freight on all-cargo aircraft, the Transportation Security Administration’s air cargo chief said Thursday.

Since 2010 all cargo riding in the bottom of passenger airplanes must go through a detection device or be physically inspected by airline or logistics personnel prior to loading. 

Schedul...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/tsa-seeks-enhanced-screening-capabilities-for-air-cargo-with-video

New air cargo security standards could gum up e-commerce exports

A large jet gets loaded with pallets of cargo under a cloudy sky. Air cargo security rules are tightening in the next year.

The U.S. supply chain industry appears divided over how the government should implement new international security standards for cargo carried on freighter aircraft and whether certain exporters get special treatment to minimize associated cost increases.

Some worry there could be shipping delays if the Transportation Security Administration doesn’t figure out a plan well before the standards take effect July 1.

At issue is whether the TSA will recognize the security controls of e-commerce...

https://s29755.pcdn.co/news/new-air-cargo-security-standards-could-gum-up-e-commerce-exports

TSA names industry members to aviation security committee

Travelers in line at a TSA airport checkpoint.

The Transportation Security Administration on Thursday announced the addition of four private citizens to its Aviation Security Advisory Committee and the reappointment of 15 members.

The ASAC is a congressionally mandated committee of industry stakeholders that advises the agency on aviation security policies, programs, rulemakings and directives. The standard term is two years, with members serving staggered terms to ensure continuity.

The new ASAC members are:

  • Alexander Rodriguez, director of...

https://s29755.pcdn.co/news/tsa

Active TWIC holders can use their credentials to obtain TSA PreCheck

The Transportation Security Administration has updated the design of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential. TSA image.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has expanded TSA PreCheck eligibility to all active Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) holders who are U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals or lawful permanent residents.

“This new benefit immediately allows nearly 3.5 million individuals to obtain TSA PreCheck at no additional cost beyond what they have already paid for their credentials,” said TSA Executive Assistant Administrator for...

https://www.workboat.com/news/government/active-twic-holders-can-use-their-credentials-to-obtain-tsa-precheck/

TWIC expiration dates extended six months

The Transportation Security Administration has updated the design of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential. TSA image.

Today, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that all Transportation Worker Identification Credentials (TWICs) that expired on or after March 1, 2020, would have their expiration dates extended by 180 days. This exemption took effect on April 10, 2020, and will remain in effect through July 31, 2020.

The Federal Register notice said that “there are 2,294,797 active TWICs in circulation today, and TSA records indicate that 234,536, or approximately 10%, will expire in the...

https://www.workboat.com/news/government/twic-expiration-dates-extended-six-months/

Coronavirus update: No TWIC card delays, transportation infrastructure bill shows promise

The 2016 graduating class of Kings Pointers stand during their graduation ceremony at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY, June 18. U.S. Army photo.

Here are some of the latest developments on how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting parts of the maritime industry.

  • The Transportation Security Administration said that there are currently no delays in the production or issuance of TWIC cards. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications at least 60-to-90 days before a current card’s expiration, and to opt to have the new document mailed so that a trip to a public enrollment center can be avoided. While some enrollment centers have closed...

https://www.workboat.com/news/government/coronavirus-update-no-twic-card-delays-transportation-infrastructure-bill/

+ More