A Funeral Home’s Guide to New TSA Regulations: 100% Air Cargo Screening & Known Shipper Regulations
- July 26, 2010: TSA Cargo Screening Regulations Become Effective Next Week
- April 14, 2010: Free Web Seminar Thursday: Costs of Complying With New TSA Screening Regs.
- March 24, 2010: NFDA Meets with TSA on 100% Cargo Screening Program, Contacts UPS/FedEx
- March 11, 2010: Rebroadcast Info - TSA, Airline Officials Discuss New Regulations During Advocacy Summit
- March 3, 2010: TSA Must Establish Viable Screening Protocols for New Regs.
- February 9, 2010: TSA Regional Contacts
- February 9, 2010 - TSA to Host Free Web Seminar on New 100% Cargo Screening Regs.
- December 29, 2009 - Update: New TSA Cargo Screening Regulations
- December 16, 2009 - New TSA Cargo Screening Regs. Will Impact Human Remains Shipments
Known Shipper
- June 26, 2009 UPDATE: TSA Extends Known Shipper Compliance Deadline to August 1
- Did You Miss NFDA's Web Seminar about the TSA's "Known Shipper" Requirements?
- Have You Seen the Advocacy Summit Webcast of the "Known Shipper" Presentation?
- Overview
- Background on the "known shipper" policy
- Compliance with the "known shipper" policy
- Becoming a "known shipper"
- TSA Known Shipper Regs: Compliance Services
100% AIR CARGO SCREENING REGULATIONS
July 26, 2010: TSA Cargo Screening Regulations Become Effective Next Week
Click here to view this article.
The deadline for complying with the new Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening requirements for air cargo transported on passenger aircraft is August 1, 2010. The screening mandate has cost implications for businesses that ship cargo via passenger aircraft. If you don't screen your own cargo, you might have to pay someone else to screen it for you.
The TSA is hosting a free Web seminar, "Cost Considerations for Complying With 100% Screening," on Thursday April 15 from 1-2 p.m. EST. During the Web seminar, you will learn: how 100% screening may affect your business; how to determine if you should outsource screening or join the TSA's Certified Cargo Screening Program; and other factors to consider before the August 1 deadline to ensure your business is ready.
1. To view the presentation, visit https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/dtevents/join and enter Meeting ID: "Cost Considerations" and Entry Code: "Air Cargo". (If you have difficulty entering the meeting, visit the support page: http://support.microsoft.com/ph/925)
On March 9, NFDA Advocacy Summit attendees learned about the new regulations during a presentation by TSA and airline officials who explained the new regulations and how they apply to the shipment of human remains. To view a recording of this presentation, click http://memorialstreams.com/ms/NFDA and enter Service ID "855" and Password "nfda".
March 24, 2010: NFDA Meets with TSA on 100% Cargo Screening Program, Contacts UPS/FedExUnder the "Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007," the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require screening of 100% of air cargo transported on passenger aircraft at the piece level by August 1, 2010. This means shipments – including human remains shipments – not screened before reaching the air carrier (either by a freight forwarder, indirect air carrier or Certified Cargo Screening Facility) must be screened by the carrier.
On March 18, NFDA Advocacy division staff met with officials from TSA and the Air Transport Association (ATA) to discuss possible options for an alarm resolution protocol. The protocol would govern situations in which an alarm goes off while airline staff members screen shipments of human remains, indicating a possible problem. When alarms go off, regardless of the type of cargo, the container must be opened for further inspection before it can be loaded onto the airplane.
Several options are being considered to ensure that human remains are treated with dignity during the screening process. NFDA seeks to ensure the interests of funeral service are considered in this process and that the final protocol balances national security interests with those of funeral homes and the families they serve.
In addition to the ongoing discussions with TSA, NFDA has contacted UPS and FedEx to determine whether either company has an interest in transporting human remains via cargo aircraft. The 100% air cargo screening requirement only applies to cargo shipped on passenger aircraft; cargo shipped on all-cargo aircraft, such as the planes used by FedEx and UPS, do not fall under this requirement. Use of all-cargo aircraft – and avoiding the TSA 100% screening requirement – would prove an appealing alternative for NFDA members.
March 11, 2010: Rebroadcast Info - TSA, Airline Officials Discuss New Regulations During Advocacy Summit
If you weren't able to attend the NFDA's Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C., and you weren't able to tune into the live Webcast, during which TSA and airline officials discussed the new 100% air cargo screening program, you're in luck! A recording of that Webcast is now available for viewing and will be archived for the next year. Webcast presenters included: Marc Rossi, TSA branch chief, Certified Cargo Screening Program; Rob Hyde, TSA branch chief, Air Cargo Policy; and Keith May, American Airlines Cargo.
Rossi, Hyde and May helped Summit attendees understand the new regulations and how they apply to the shipment of human remains. To view the Webcast, click http://memorialstreams.com/ms/NFDA and enter Service ID "855" and Password "nfda".
March 3, 2010: TSA Must Establish Viable Screening Protocols for New Regs.
NFDA just learned that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is working to establish screening protocol for human remains under the new 100% air cargo screening requirements.
Under the "Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Actof 2007," the TSA will require screening of 100% of air cargotransported on passenger aircraft at the piece level by August 1, 2010.This means shipments not screened before reaching the air carrier (either by a freight forwarder, indirect air carrier or Certified Cargo Screening Facility) must be screened by the carrier.
According to an email NFDA received from a TSA official: "The current screening protocols for human remains shipments will remain ineffect on August 1, 2010, when the 100% air cargo screening Congressional mandate becomes effective. TSA is continually reviewing the current [human remains] screening protocols. Our timeframe for 100% screening of [human remains] will remain flexible as we continue towork with your industry to find viable screening and possible alarmresolution solutions. We strongly encourage the funeral industry to remain engaged in the process and foster continued dialog with TSA and the airlines so that your industry is prepared when additional screening measures are required."
NFDA has been working with TSA on the application of these new screening regulations to the shipment of human remains; NFDA's chief concerns have been ensuring the integrity of human remains and thatscreening procedures would not unnecessarily delay shipments. NFDA will remain engaged with the TSA as it determines how these new 100% aircargo screening regulations will be applied to human remains shipments.
NFDA will continue to keep you informed of the latest developmentson the implementation of the 100% air cargo screening regulations as they apply to shipments of human remains; the latest news andinformation can always be found on the NFDA Website, www.nfda.org/tsainfo. NFDA encourages you to consider becoming Certified Cargo Screening Facility under the TSA's Certified Cargo Screening Program. For more information, visit www.tsa.gov/ccsp or email the TSA at CCSP@dhs.gov.
TSA and airline officials will present information about the new 100% cargo screening regulations and ways you can become a Certified Cargo Screening Facility during the upcoming NFDA Advocacy Summit. NFDA is planning to Webcast the presentation on March 9; details about this broadcast are forthcoming.
February 9, 2010: TSA Regional Contacts
Have a question about the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) new 100% air cargo screening regulations and want to speak with someone. You can always send an email to CCSP@dhs.gov; however, you can also get in touch with your regional contact.
- Marilyn Christiansen: serving Alaska, northern California, Idaho and northern Nevada; marilyn.christiansen@dhs.gov
- Alida Offenbach: serving southern California, Guam, Hawaii, southern Nevada and Utah; alida.offenbach@dhs.gov
- Lon Siro: serving Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming; lon.siro@dhs.gov
- MaryJill Taylor: serving Arizona and southern California; maryjill.taylor@dhs.gov
- Henry "TC" Clark: serving Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas; henry.clark@dhs.gov
- Ruth Porrata: serving Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas; ruth.porrata@dhs.gov
- Yvette Jamison: serving Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina and Vermont; yvette.jamison@dhs.gov
- Carl Trombatore: serving northern Connecticut, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and West Virginia; carl.trombatore@dhs.gov
- Edgar Rivas: serving Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Puerto Rico and Wisconsin; edgar.rivas@dhs.gov
- Kathleen Kelly: serving Florida, Georgia and South Carolina; kathleen.kelly@dhs.gov
- Henry Murray: serving southern Connecticut, New Jersey and New York; henry.murray@dhs.gov
- Don Basso: serving Delaware, Maryland, New York and Virginia; donald.basso@dhs.gov
February 9, 2010
TSA to Host Free Web Seminar on New 100% Cargo Screening Regs.
Under the "Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007," the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require screening of 100% of air cargo transported on passenger aircraft at the piece level by August 1, 2010. This means shipments not screened before reaching the air carrier (either by a freight forwarder, indirect air carrier or Certified Cargo Screening facility) must be screened by the carrier. There are no exceptions to this screening process, including human remains.
TSA and airline officials will also present information about the new 100% cargo screening regulations and ways funeral homes can ensure the integrity of human remains shipments during the NFDA Advocacy Summit, March 8-10 in Washington, D.C. NFDA is planning to Webcast the presentation on March 9; details about this broadcast are forthcoming.
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December 29, 2009 Under the "Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007," 100% of all air cargo transported on passenger aircraft will need to be screened at the piece level by August 1, 2010. The technology to screen cargo is limited to: x-ray, explosive trace detection, explosive detection systems, canine and physical search. TSA was authorized to establish a system to screen all cargo, but TSA does not screen cargo as it does passenger baggage. Listening to industry concerns that passenger airlines cannot meet the mandate without delaying shipments (consider all the skids of cargo that would need to be taken apart, screened and possibly opened/contents removed for physical search, for example), TSA established the Certified Cargo Screening Program (CCSP). The CCSP enables entities, on a voluntary basis, to screen cargo before it arrives at the airport, thus avoiding screening backlogs and delays. Thus, given the sensitive nature of human remains shipments, funeral homes might wish to become a Certified Cargo Screening Facility (CCSF) to avoid having human remains shipments inspected by airline personnel. Freight forwarders, independent screening facilities and many shippers have already become certified. Most shippers who have joined the program so far have not had to invest in screening technology, as they have been able to incorporate the TSA-approved physical search screening process into their packing/shipping process. Shippers currently in the program include: high-tech, pharmaceuticals, fresh produce/perishables, and museums. For more information about the CCSP, visit the TSA Website (http://www.tsa.gov/CCSP) or email the agency at CCSP@dhs.gov. NFDA's Advocacy Division staff in Washington, D.C., is actively working with TSA on this important issue. Look for more information in the coming months. You may also contact NFDA's Advocacy Division staff for more information: John Fitch, jfitch@nfda.org or 202-547-0441; or Lesley Witter, lwitter@nfda.org or 202-547-0877. December 16, 2009 The new rule will require shipments that have not been screened before reaching the air carrier (either by a freight forwarder, indirect air carrier, or Certified Cargo Screening facility) be screened by the carrier, potentially creating a logjam due to capacity restraints. There are no exceptions to this screening process, including human remains. Since funeral directors cannot predict when a death occurs, much less if it needs to be shipped out, this could cause a major problem in scheduling flights for the remains. NFDA is working with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and airline officials on the details of the new requirements, especially one that would involve physically opening/inspecting a cargo shipment if it sets off an alarm indicating a potential security problem. NFDA will provide more information on this program as details become available. TSA and airline officials will also present information on these new cargo screening requirements during NFDA's Advocacy Summit, March 8-10, 2010, in Washington, D.C. [Back to Top]
Update: New TSA Cargo Screening Regulations
As reported by NFDA on December 16, 2009, new Transportation Security Administration (TSA) cargo screening regulations will impact the shipment of human remains. NFDA representatives recently attended a TSA-sponsored forum to learn more about the implementation of these new regulations.
New TSA Cargo Screening Regs. Will Impact Human Remains Shipments
On August 1, 2010, 100% of cargo shipped on passenger aircraft originating in the United States must be screened for security purposes. Currently, the law only requires screening 50% of air cargo.
KNOWN SHIPPER REGULATIONS
June 26, 2009 - TSA Extends Known Shipper Compliance Deadline to August 1
NFDA just received word that its efforts to urge the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to extend the compliance deadline for the "known shipper" regulations were successful.
According to an email from TSA Cargo General Manager Ed Kelley, who hosted a free NFDA Web seminar for funeral directors on May 19: "Because of the concerns expressed by the airlines and funeral industry, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) acting administrator has issued a 30-day extension to the July 1, 2009, requirement for human remains shipments to be accepted only from known shippers. The new deadline is August 1, 2009."
The TSA emphasized in its message that airlines should continue to push through any application backlog they might be experiencing during the 30-day extension. TSA also stated: "It is equally important that funeral homes continue to work diligently to become known to the airlines."
In response to feedback about the challenges NFDA-member funeral homes have experienced in becoming known shippers, NFDA was the only funeral service association that actively petitioned the TSA to extend the deadline.
If your funeral home has yet to take steps to ensure it is recognized as a "known shipper," please take advantage of this extension and act now! For more information about becoming a "known shipper," visit the NFDA Website at www.nfda.org/tsainfo or call your personal NFDA member services representative at 800-228-6332.
Did You Miss NFDA's Web Seminar about the TSA's “Known Shipper” Requirements?
If so, you can listen to a free podcast of the May 19, 2009 Web Seminar: “Navigating the New TSA Requirements." Several hundred firms around the country learned the latest information about the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) “known shipper” regulations to help ensure their firms are prepared when these regulations take effect August 1, 2009. Seminar presenters included Ed Kelly, TSA Cargo General Manager and Dave Brooks, president of American Airlines' Cargo Division.
As you listen to the podcast, you may find it helpful to follow along with the presentation materials provided during the original web seminar.
Navigating the New TSA Requirements Web Seminar Materials (PDF)
Materials include:
- Your Funeral Home Guide to the TSA "Known Shipper" Policy (2 pages)
- PowerPoint presentations: Introduction, TSA, American Airlines (12 pages)
- Frequently Asked Questions and Answers (8 pages)
Have You Seen the Advocacy Summit Webcast of the "Known Shipper" Presentation?
On March 31, Doug Britain, manager of air cargo programs with TSA, addressed NFDA Advocacy Summit attendees about how the "known shipper" database works. Dave Brooks, president of American Airlines' Cargo Division, also shared how the airlines are implementing the "known shipper" policy and the steps funeral homes must take to be in compliance. More than 1,000 people watched the Webcast live from their computers that morning, and a recorded version is available here in case you missed it.
Thank you to Sympathynet.com for facilitating the Webcast.
According to a Transportation Security Administration policy (TSA), now beginning August 1, 2009 all human remains shipments originating in the U.S. or its territories must be tendered by a "known shipper." This policy will apply to all airlines accepting human remains for transport, and requires funeral homes to register as a "known shipper" for each airline they use to ship bodies. That process might require an inspection and payment of an inspection fee.
Background on the "known shipper" policy
The TSA's "known shipper" policy is not new; Congress just recently mandated TSA and the airlines to strictly enforce it.
TSA originally developed the "known shipper" policy in 2004 as a way to "impose significant barriers to terrorists seeking to use the air cargo transportation system for malicious purposes." As this policy was being developed five years ago, NFDA Advocacy Division staff met with TSA representatives to discuss the potential security threat presented by the shipment of human remains by air. NFDA staff outlined the typical procedures and chain of custody involved in preparing human remains for air shipment. At that time, TSA agreed that the "known" status of the funeral homes that ship by air, the limited access to the preparation room and the transportation procedures used created a minimal security risk.
Congress and TSA have revised their assessment, however, and have identified the shipment of human remains as a potentially serious security risk requiring stricter security measures.
Compliance with the "known shipper" policy
Funeral homes will be required to register as a "known shipper" with each airline they use to ship bodies; the application process might include an inspection and payment of an inspection fee. While registering with multiple airlines can create an administrative burden on funeral homes, TSA and the airlines have told NFDA that it must be done.
Each airline has their own procedures for both the application and inspection process and may charge a nominal fee to cover their costs.
According to TSA and the airlines, no inspection will be necessary if the applicant is already in the TSA "known shipper" database; however, even if a funeral home is a "known shipper," owners might still be required to submit an application with each airline the firm uses. Most C corporations are in the TSA database, making the application process relatively simple; other funeral homes that are not C corporations may also be in the TSA database.
If a funeral home is not in the TSA database, the airline might be required to conduct an inspection to ensure the legitimacy of the business.
NFDA will continue to work with TSA and the airlines to refine the process to reduce the potential compliance costs and administration burdens for its members.
If a funeral home owner wishes to become a "known shipper," TSA officials tell NFDA they must contact each air cargo carrier directly to begin the application process. Below is information NFDA has collected from the major airlines to help funeral home owners establish their firms as a "known shipper," or, at the least, inquire about each airline's process.
Alaska Airlines
Call 800-225-2752 or visit the Alaska Airlines Website
American Airlines
Call 800-227-4622. You may also visit www.aacargo.com; select "Getting Started with AA Cargo" (right-hand side of page). Follow the instructions under "Step 1 - Set Up Your Shipping Account" to complete a Precise Account Locator (PAL) application. They have also prepared an online resource to help you navigate the changes ahead. For more information, please visit www.aacargo.com/shipping/humanremains.jhtml.
Continental
In order for a funeral home to become a known shipper, an application must be completed and a site inspection conducted. If you are already a known shipper with another airline, you may not need a site inspection; however, Continental will still need an application. A blank application can be found on the Continental Website (Click on the "Book" tab, and then "Establish an Account"). Funeral directors may also call 877-878-7826 for more information.
Delta
Call 1-800-DL-CARES (1-800-352-2737) or visit the Delta Website
Frontier Airlines
Call 800-394-2158 or visit the Frontier Airlines Website
JetBlue
Call 954-385-3409 or toll-free 866-287-2583.
Northwest
Call 800-441-1122 or visit the Northwest Website
United
Call 800-468-1800.
US Airways
Call 888-300-0099 or visit the US Airways Website (download the appropriate form in the "Known Shipper Validation" section)
TSA Information & Resources
- Air Cargo Security
- Shippers and Inquiries
- Contact your local TSA office
If you have any questions about complying with the TSA "known shipper" policy, please contact your personal Member Services Representative at 800-228-6332.
TSA Known Shipper Regs: Compliance Services
Recently, several NFDA members have reported receiving calls from companies offering a "one-stop known shipper compliance service." This service is provided at a cost to the funeral home and includes sending an inspector out to complete a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) site inspection, and filing all the necessary paperwork with all airlines. While this is an option for funeral homes that wish to use it, please note that you might be charged airline inspection fees in addition to the fee charged by the compliance service; also, these service providers do not guarantee quicker service.
Please be aware that if you already have a known shipper number with a particular airline, you do not need to have a site visit from that same airline. The decision to require a site visit is made by the individual airlines. Not all airlines require a site visit; each airline has its own procedures for both the application and inspection process and might charge a nominal fee to cover their costs. For example, American Airlines first checks the TSA database to see if a funeral home is listed. If the funeral home is in the TSA database, American Airlines does not require a site visit. However, other airlines, such as United Airlines, require a site visit prior to checking the TSA database.
It should be noted that per TSA requirements, having a known shipper number with one airline does not transfer to any other airline. Therefore, NFDA members are encouraged to apply for a known shipper number with ALL airline carriers they use prior to the TSA known shipper compliance deadline of August 1. For information about the known shipper regulations, visit NFDA's Website at http://www.nfda.org/tsainfo or call your personal NFDA member services representative at 800-228-6332.