• U.K. forwarders “not surprised” by U.S. climbdown on 100 percent container scanning

    U.K. shippers say that rather than push back the deadline for 100 percent screening, as requested by DHS, the U.S. government ought to undertake a pragmatic review of the whole 100 percent screening initiative and create a revised program on a risk assessed, commercially practical, and technologically feasible basis

  • Real ID arrives on 1 January : Will you be allowed to board a domestic flight?

    Unless Congress extends the deadline for implementing the Real ID Act, air travelers will have to produce a Real ID-compliant driver’s license as a means of identification – or they will not be allowed on board; trouble is, more than thirty states have not agreed to Real ID, and the driver’s licenses they issue may not be fully compliant with the act’s strictures

  • TSA moves to deploy new screening technology

    TSA says it is moving aggressively to deploy new advanced technology (AT) airport security systems jointly produced by Smiths Detection and Rapiscan; TSA is also kicking off the procurement process for next-generation explosive detection system machines.

  • Terrorism, technology drove changes in travel in the last decade

    Air travel today is characterized by flight delays, lost baggage, overbooked flights, fewer onboard amenities, and fees for things that used to be free; air travelers now must come to the air port early, stand in line, take their shoes off, and carry smaller shampoo bottles; on the plus side, the Internet has allowed for Web-based ticket purchasing, trip planning, hotel shopping, and more.

  • Airport kiosks do more things, but they do not yet check luggage

    There is trend toward installing more self-serving kiosk at U.S. airports – an have these kiosk do more; thousands of self-serve kiosks in the last few years so passengers can print boarding passes, confirm flights and change seats on the touch-screen computers; in the future, kiosks may let passengers buy a meal on the plane or volunteer to give up a seat if a flight is overbooked.

  • LAX to receive $150 million for security upgrade

    TSA announced a $150 million funding for improving the baggage security system and speed up lines at LAX terminals; award is part of $670 million security funding for LAX and LA/Ontario International Airport

  • The solution for Jamaican ports’ security problems: Change the scanners; consolidate security duties

    Security in Jamaica’s ports has suffered as a result of antiquated scanning equipment and the fragmentation of security responsibilities; the director of customs want to make changes on both fronts

  • MBTA holds drill to prepare for a chemical or biological attack

    Scientists hold week-long drill inside the tunnels and stations of the Boston subway system to test the effectiveness of biological and chemical sensors, the test the speed of spread of chemical and biological toxins, and develop evacuation plans.

  • Freight forwarders urge TSA to create security standards

    A recent DHS inspector general report highlighted weaknesses in TSA’s inspection of air cargo, and mad six recommendation for improvement; professional forwarders agree, but also say that the inspection process should be made more transparent and that inspectors should communicate with forwarders more openly

  • Sagem Sécurité launches SmartGate in New Zealand

    Sagem Sécurité installs facial recognition system at Auckland International Airport in New Zealand; Aussie and Kiwi travelers with e-passports will be identified from the photo stored in the chip of the e-Passport

  • DHS looks to tamper-proof cargo containers

    DHS has been looking into many different technologies to protect U.S. boarders since 9/11. Now, the department is looking to the for ideas to help enhance security where some argue it is needed most — down by the docks.

  • GAO finds large gaps in 100 percent container scanning

    GAO says that CBP has made but “limited progress” in implementing the 100 percent container scanning mandate; CBP has not been able to achieve 100 percent scanning at any participating port; it has scanned a majority at some low-volume ports but only about 5 percent at the larger ports.

  • Rockefeller wants container scanning mandate reconsidered

    DHS secretary Janet Napolitano: “The costs of 100 percent scanning are very steep, especially in a down economy…. DHS equipment costs alone will be about $8 million for every one of the more than 2,100 shipping lanes at the more than 700 ports that ship to the United States.”

  • DHS IG says U.S. air cargo vulnerable to tampering

    DHS IG on the state of air cargo handling: “Without regular vigilance, practice, and enforcement of access controls, TSA and the regulated entities provide opportunities for individuals to introduce explosives, incendiaries, and other destructive items into air cargo, potentially creating risks for the traveling public”

  • Growing demand for H-1B visas signals improving outlook for skilled pros

    Economic confidence spurs U.S. companies to hire more college graduates and apply for more work visas for non-U.S. skilled workers; if this demand for visas continues, the H-1B cap for the 2010 fiscal year may be met in a matter of days to early next year