RL32022
Air Cargo Security
September 11, 2003

Download Locations:

	Thurgood Marshall Law Library/University of Maryland School of Law
	National Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism

Summary:

The air cargo system is a complex, multi-faceted network that handles a vast amount of freight, packages, and mail carried aboard passenger and all-cargo aircraft. The air cargo system is vulnerable to several security threats including: potential plots to place explosives aboard aircraft; illegal shipments of hazardous materials; criminal activities such as smuggling and theft; and potential hijackings and sabotage by persons with access to aircraft. While it is generally agreed that full screening of all cargo placed on aircraft is not currently feasible, several procedural and technology initiatives have been proposed to enhance air cargo security and deter terrorist and criminal threats. Procedural initiatives include proposals to: expand the "known shipper" program; increase cargo inspections; increase physical security of air cargo facilities; increase oversight of air cargo operations; provide security training for cargo workers; and tighten controls over access to aircraft during cargo operations. Technology being considered to improve air cargo security includes: tamper-resistant and tamper-evident packaging and containers; explosive detection systems and other cargo screening technologies; blast-resistant cargo containers; and biometric systems for worker identification and access control. The Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA, P.L. 107-71) contains general provisions for cargo screening, inspection, and security measures. Cargo carried in passenger airplanes must be screened or its security otherwise ensured. In practice, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has relied heavily on "known shipper" programs to prevent shipments of cargo from unknown sources on passenger aircraft. ATSA also mandated that a security plan for all-cargo operations was to be put in place as soon as possible, but aviation security initiatives to date have primarily focused on enhancing the security of passenger operations. In the 108th Congress, several legislative proposals to address concerns over air cargo security are under consideration. The Air Cargo Security Act (S. 165) was passed by the Senate on May 8, 2003, and similar legislation (H.R. 1103) has been introduced in the House. Other legislation (H.R. 2455, H.Amdt. 183 to H.R. 2555 ) would require the screening of all cargo placed on passenger aircraft. Proposals to expand the current program for arming pilots, to include all-cargo pilots in addition to pilots of passenger airliners, are also under consideration (see S. 516, H.R. 765, H.R. 1049, S. 165). This report will be updated as needed.