NCBFAA Participates in Key Aviation Security Working Group Recommendations Forwarded to TSA for Promulgation

Washington, DC: The National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America, Inc. (NCBFAA), has concluded its participation in a working group tasked with reviewing and making recommendations related to the governance of Indirect Air Carriers (IAC). NCBFAA Air Freight Subcommittee Chairman Scott Case and NCBFAA Washington Legislative Rep Jon Kent represented the NCBFAA on the working group. The Aviation Security Advisory Committee (ASAC), which commissioned the working group, approved the group's report on October 1, 2003, and has forwarded it to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for review and rulemaking.
       "We sincerely appreciate the opportunity afforded us by the ASAC and TSA to participate," said Case. "With the public concern over the safety of passengers in the cabin, TSA moved swiftly to meet those Congressional deadlines. Now they are moving forward in the area of air cargo, an area which our Association has great expertise."
       The report was the product of nearly six months of meetings by stakeholders in the air cargo industry from both the government and private industry. TSA did not participate in the discussions, other than to facilitate the meetings and record the outcome of the report. The confidential final report recommends strengthening the known shipper program, further regulation of IAC employees of, additional background checks of persons with access to air cargo and developing tools that industry can use to ensure greater compliance with TSA requirements.
       Through this partnership, the NCBFAA has strengthened their relationship with the newly-formed Transportation Security Administration and looks forward to participating in further working groups, should they arise, for other modes of transportation as well.
       With headquarters in Washington, DC, the NCBFAA (members.ncbfaa.org) represents nearly 700 member companies - the nation's leading freight forwarders, customs brokers, ocean transportation intermediaries (OTIs) and air cargo agents. Established in 1897 in New York, NCBFAA is the strong, effective national voice of the industry. Through its various committees, counsel and representatives, the Association maintains a close watch over legislative and regulatory issues that affect its members. It keeps them informed of these and other related issues through its weekly Monday Morning eBriefing, Quarterly NCBFAA Bulletin, and various meetings and conferences throughout the year.