Air Cargo and Security

According to CBP, C-TAPT is a voluntary government-business initiative to build cooperative relationships that strengthen and improve overall international supply chain and U.S. border security. C-TPAT recognizes that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can provide the highest level of cargo security only through close cooperation with the ultimate owners of the international supply chain such as importers, carriers, consolidators, licensed customs brokers, and manufacturers. Through this initiative, CBP is asking businesses to ensure the integrity of their security practices, communicate and verify the security guidelines of their business partners within the supply chain.

A secure supply chain is an important part of keeping a country safe from terrorists. Air cargo is part of that supply chain. This means air cargo security is one of the priorities that U.S. Customs looks at in fighting terrorism. U.S. Customs will also work closely with businesses to maintain that security.

Many businesses who deal with cargo containers are required to call for a container inspection. The use of container seals and a proper place to store the containers is also a requirement. The seal integrity must be maintained once it is loaded onto an airline or an ocean liner. C-TAPT recommends a seven-point inspection that includes the left and right sides, the front wall, ceiling and doors. The outside and undercarriage should be inspected as well.

Another important part of cargo container security is cargo handling. The cargo handlers should have a good security rating before they are allowed to touch a container. They are the first and the last people to handle that cargo container.

A shipping company as well as a business doing the shipping, should have written procedures in place to deal with the possibility of an unauthorized entry into the container or the container storage area.

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Other Resources

Choosing Alarm Monitoring

While wireless alarm systems is very common in the form of full home systems, alarm monitoring also exists in the form of personal safety machines like hand-held security devices that can be carried with ease on one’s person. Offering immediate contact with a security force, personal GPS trackers can help notify family members, provide locations, and send mobile phone alerts. Not only can personal alarm monitoring keep loved ones, like the elderly or young children, from becoming lost, but these devices can also let law enforcement or medical personnel know immediately when assistance is needed in cases of emergency.