No solitary group or governing authority has the possibility to make sure every consignment meets the strict security programs in place today. “There has to be a more concerted and coordinated effort by all parties, to ensure that we do not place a strangle hold on Air commerce because one party in the transportation chain does not believe that security it is their responsibility”, according to Howard B. Jones, Director Cargo North America, Scandinavian Airlines System.
”We all have a responsibility to ensure that all consignments are safeguarded from interference by those intent on causing mayhem.”
Moreover the shipper has a responsibility to ensure their personnel are trustworthy with proper background checks, just as we in the airline industry are subject to.
The truckers too must take responsibility that they safeguard all consignments on route to the port of despatch and the freight forwarders must bear part of the responsibility for verifying that consignments are from a bone fide shipper and yes I do believe it should be easier to check through Federal Authorities if we have any doubts as the validity of any potential shipper.
Where do the airlines come into this you may ask? Well according to Howard B. Jones, Director Cargo North America, Scandinavian Airlines System, “Security should be performed as near to the aircraft door as possible, therefore that is our own on airport facility. However from a practical point of view, with more emphasis placed on later acceptance times, it would be impossible to inspect or screen all air freight, therefore we have to rely upon a combination of "Know Shipper" and Ad Hoc screening.
We ourselves are already screening by X-Ray approximately 25% of all export cargo handled through our Newark facility and very shortly we shall be introducing X-ray to Chicago and Seattle.
Is 25% a realistic figure? No it is not ideal and perhaps with experience we shall increase this, but it should not detract from all parties in the transportation chain taking responsibility for ensuring the safety and security of all consignments offered for transport by air.”
Is this free to those involved in the logistics chain? No of course it is not, we have to face up to the fact there will be increased costs to ensure our skies are safe for all.
Are the recently introduced Security Surcharges enough? Maybe not. If we had more stable and realistic airfreight rates free from discounting, there would possibly have no need for the various surcharges the airlines are forced to introduce to cover their costs.
Howard B. Jones, Director Cargo North America, Scandinavian Airlines System stated, “If we work together and not try to place the responsibility on others, I believe we can keep the wheels or should I say wings of air commerce turning. This is really a simple business and should produce simple solutions and I use the collective we! It is all our responsibility!”
Reprinted wit permission from http://www.eyefortransport.com News room
