Secure Air Cargo Solution

Today, air carriers do not have a reliable way of knowing if the contents of packages have been surreptitiously penetrated, or if contraband has been introduced (e.g., drugs, WMD, bombs, etc.).  There is no simple, standardized way to know this easily, with certainty, and without special skills and/or training.  Further, there is no visually inspectable, physically secure method of packaging available that ensures the chain of custody is maintained, and that the integrity of the package has not been compromised.  

Secure Air Cargo Solution

The Problem

Today, air carriers do not have a reliable way of knowing if the contents of packages have been surreptitiously penetrated, or if contraband has been introduced (e.g., drugs, WMD, bombs, etc.).  There is no simple, standardized way to know this easily, with certainty, and without special skills and/or training.  Further, there is no visually inspectable, physically secure method of packaging available that ensures the chain of custody is maintained, and that the integrity of the package has not been compromised.  

The Solution

A Secure Air Cargo Packaging and Inspection Protocol, adaptable to specific industries and individual customer applications within those industries, that guarantees a clean chain of custody and insures package integrity for unattended cargo tendered for air transportation on commercial airliners in compliance with the new Federal security mandates for air cargo (specifically, compliance with the Known and Certified Shipper and Air Cargo Security initiatives).  

The solution provides a set of proven tools, a standardized process to certify, implement and use these tools, and a training program for auditors and users.

The solution is based on a Cargo Brick concept that provides a consistent visual, inspectable template for a given shipper that is the same every time so readily identifiable, visually inspectable, uniquely numbered, verifiable and accountable.  The Cargo Brick consists of a Pallet Cover Protection Kit that includes a 5 – 6 mm thick waterproof, scuff-proof LLDPE Bag, standard ½ inch nylon banding with crimping tool, Topp Clip, and numbered and tamper evident seals or Secure TRAC tape.  There are two general solution types:

1.  For Bulk Shippers:

a.  “Cargo Bricks”, to establish a consistent, standardized size/weight package for that particular shipper in a tamper evident format.

b.  Specialized Seals for “A Containers” “LD3”and Igloos (when bundling)

2.  For small, LTL Shippers: customized, serial-numbered self wound tamper evident tapes, seals and banding / Topp Clip strapping locks that provide tamper-evidence for corrugated boxes, plastic containers, bags, envelopes, pallets, pails, barrels, drums, totes, palletainers and other types of containers.

This solution is designed to be seamless to the current sealing and inspection processes currently in use, so it is readily and quickly accepted by personnel across the logistics supply chain.  Implementation of the Secure Air Cargo Packaging Protocol begins with a Security Audit for Known Shippers consisting of the following elements: Building and grounds certification, packaging process evaluation, inspection equipment suggestions, throughput design and other requirements yet to be approved by TSA and DHS.  Additionally we are able to offer on line training for personnel, vetting of employees and transportation vendors.  

The Benefits:

1.  Shipping and receiving standards of care are set at a TSA approved level which will be higher than the current standard of care.

2.  TSA and/or carrier employees are trained, enabled and empowered to inspect cargo for penetration without prior knowledge of the bag’s or boxes condition.

3.  Carrier: maximizes cube and weight for every aircraft

4.  Shipper gets an automatic inspection bye because he is compliant, speeding up delivery of goods with reduced insurance costs

5.  Recipient is assured goods received are as shipped.  Reduced loss, shrinkage and vulnerability.

6.  Pallet bags can be scanned and secured simultaneously

7.  Paper Manifests are eliminated

8.  Cargo is protected from water damage, abrasion and crushing.

9.  Costs of superfluous seals are eliminated.

10. Pallet bags can be recycled and re-used.