Air cargo security is constantly evolving. The latest regulations from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) require that, by June 30 2021, all air cargo on international all-cargo flights be screened at the same level of scrutiny given to cargo flying on passenger planes.

Therefore, freight forwarders such as JAS must adapt to find ways to screen air cargo safely and efficiently. While X-Ray technology, Explosive Trace Detection (ETD), and physical screenings can be used to help ensure the safety and security of air cargo, these processes can be inefficient as the cargo must be screened at an individual piece level. This requires palletized cargo be taken apart, screened, and put back together, which can slow down a Certified Cargo Screening Facility (CCSF) and add unnecessary labor and time to the screening process. While technology still serves a purpose, one of the most effective and efficient ways to screen cargo has a fur coat, four paws, and a powerful nose.

For years canines have been used as a part of the passenger-cargo screening process due to their natural ability to identify individual odors and their source. With over 300 million sensory receptors in their nose, the canines can use their powerful sense of smell to serve as bio-sensors to detect the presence of explosives.  If a threat is detected, the dog alerts its dedicated handler to assess the cargo further.  

Due to this powerful sense of smell, the canine teams can add efficiency to the cargo screening process by screening cargo that is too big for machine screening. Furthermore, the canine teams can screen palletized cargo without the cargo having been taken apart to screen, therefore cutting the cargo screening process from hours to minutes. This minimizes the potential for backlogs and delays, all while maintaining freight integrity from start to finish.

Behind these amazing dogs is the company Global K9 Protection Group. They ensure each canine and handler team is well trained and able to pass the TSA certification each year which allows them to provide screening in a variety of environments. Sommer Sampson, JAS USA Corporate TSA PSC (Primary Security Coordinator), notes “We have been extremely pleased with Global K9‘s unparalleled customer service.  We are a happy client and look forward to our continued working relationship with their team as the ICAO mandate approaches!”

As we move towards meeting the requirement of screening 100% of international all air-cargo flights, we are thankful for our canine friends who help us ensure that air cargo is screened efficiently without sacrificing security.

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