Partnership aims to help air shippers meet security deadline

Published 3 February 2010

Congress has mandated that by August 2010, 100 percent of cargo on passenger planes must be screened; companies begin to position themselves to take advantage of the business opportunity involved in offering secure cargo warehousing and shipping

Smiths Detection said Tuesday it teamed with two partners to offer broader air cargo security solutions. The company is collaborating with Covenant Aviation Security LLC and Lufthansa Cargo AG to provide security solutions for cargo shipping, freight forwarding, and logistics.

João-Pierre Ruth writes that the joint effort will offer services, including security screening, ground handling, and warehousing, to help shippers and freight forwarders meet Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening mandates.

Last February, the TSA implemented security directives to increase air cargo screenings. By August 2010, 100 percent of cargo on passenger aircraft must be screened.

The combined efforts of Smiths, Lufthansa and Covenant will make use of 4,000 employees within the three companies to provide services across country.