A major change is coming to drastically alter international air cargo standards by this time next year. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) revised the air cargo security standard to include passenger aircraft and cargo transported on all-cargo aircraft. Because of this change, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will soon be requiring all outbound international air cargo carried by commercial aircraft operators (passenger and all-cargo) to have enhanced security controls. This new rule will go into effect next year, June 30, 2021.
As a canine cargo screening provider, SOC's Canine Solutions Group stands ready to deliver air cargo screening capabilities to a large number of new and potential customers in need. SOC is open to operate as a Certified Cargo Screening Facility K-9 (CCSF-K9). SOC is currently working to establish partnerships with air carriers, airport cargo handlers, indirect air carriers, The United States Postal Service (USPS), manufacturers, distribution centers, third party logistics providers, and independent cargo screening facilities, who seek to find solutions before the 2021 deadline.
"A piece I believe strongly in is the fact that we here at SOC Canine Solutions don't believe in a minimum standard, " states Dave Doehler, Deputy Director, SOC Canine Training. "We consistently strive to build exceptional dogs and teams exceeding the quality standards of our competitors."
As noted in the ruling, 'TSA is seeking information regarding options to reduce the burden on U.S. and foreign all-cargo aircraft operators in complying with the international standard.' While most Certified Cargo Screening Facilities (CCSFs) utilize more standard technology such as X-ray devices, Explosive Trace Detection (ETD), and Electronic Metal Detection to locate explosive devices, such technologies are not able to detect explosive compounds in large, oversized shipments. In using these technologies, shipments employ a more time consuming process requiring disassembly and reassembly during routine cargo screenings—which can be extremely inefficient and slows down commerce. "Canine's with up to 300 million olfactory receptors, have the ability to detect trace odors, bringing an enhanced detection capability and efficiency to the CCSF process," adds Doehler.
Learn more about SOC's cargo screening capabilities here.
