R.G. Edmonson | May 12, 2010 4:11PM EDT
Air cargo workers could have a new path through the credentialing jungle if Customs and Border Protection and the Transportation Security Administration follow through on recommendations by Customs’ Commercial Operations Advisory Committee.
At its quarterly meeting in Philadelphia on Tuesday, the COAC approved recommendations by its air cargo subcommittee that Customs and TSA should streamline credentialing for truck drivers that have access to unscreened air cargo.
Drivers now must have a Transportation Worker Identification Credential, a TSA Air Cargo Security Threat Assessment, and hazardous materials endorsement. COAC said the three should be a single credential for drivers who pick up and deliver goods to a facility that requires the STA.
COAC also recommends the elimination of a number of redundant requirements between TSA’s Security Identification Display Area badge that covers most non-public parts of airports, and the seals that Customs puts on ID badges to verify security for workers in ramp and terminal areas.
The advisory committee also recommended TSA establish uniform standards for SIDAs to make them valid in any airport. Standardization would benefit workers that transfer from one airport to another and who have to meet local standards to get a new ID at each site.
COAC’s recommendations were forwarded to Customs for further consideration.
-- Contact R.G. Edmonson at bedmonson@joc.com.
