Even before the U.K. authorities uncovered a suspected terror plot targeting U.S.-bound aircraft, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was developing stricter limits for the “known shipper” designation for air cargo shippers. The National Industrial Transportation League’s Select Committee on Security (www.nitl.org) reports the new rules would limit the designation “known shipper” to U.S. facilities/shippers. This, says Peter Gatti, could confine air freight shipments originating outside the U.S. to cargo-only aircraft.

The rule changes have been circulating among regulated parties (direct and indirect air carriers). As the rules are more closely defined and as the enforcement date approaches, forwarders and carriers should be able to provide shipper customers with more details on how they will be affected or how they can comply.