Dear
Valuable Customer:
Effective October 31, 2007
KSMS NOW MANDATORY FOR SHIPPING CARGO ON PASSENGER AIRCRAFT
On Oct. 31, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) began implementation of a new, mandatory Known Shipper Management System (KSMS) that replaces the current Known Shipper Database (KSD). The new system requires that TSA approve all shippers with “Known Status” prior to being tendered to passenger carriers. Indirect Air Carriers (IACs) must revalidate current known shippers through the KSMS system.
Only TSA may grant known status under the KSMS process, and all carriers and Indirect Air Carriers will be working from the same baseline. The TSA has allowed for a transition period between now and April 8, 2008, for new procedures and processes to be developed and put into place.
The KSMS was implemented in January 2007 to strengthen shipper and cargo security. KDS was a voluntary database used as a query tool for regulated entities to validate known shipper status. This database could be queried for any shipper by any regulated entity participating in KSD and in the transportation of passenger air cargo. TSA deactivated KSD on Oct. 31.
During the transition period, scheduled to end April 8, shippers made known through KSMS or under prior security procedures can tender cargo for transportation on a passenger aircraft. Shippers with a status other than “known” are considered “unknown” shippers, and their cargo may only be transported via all-cargo or surface carrier.
Under KSMS, the definition of a known shipper is defined by the name and physical address of the pick-up facility where the cargo is physically located (not a third-party “bill-to” address). Previously, with the KSD, a known shipper was defined by the name of the shipping entity. This definition is no longer applicable.
KSMS only applies to U.S. shippers, and those located in any officially recognized U.S. protectorate including, but not limited to, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam. Policies are being developed outlining procedures for shippers located in Canada and Mexico using surface transportation to tender cargo across the U.S. border for a passenger flight.
A voluntary Certified Shipper Program (CSP) is also under discussion by TSA. Under the CSP, shippers would be responsible for specific security documentation and procedures. Shippers participating in CSP would also agree to audit and inspection directly by TSA. In exchange for their added responsibilities, shippers participating in CSP would enjoy streamlined cargo handling by carriers and IAC’s destined for air transportation.
For more information, contact your local Lynden account representative, or call 1-800-825-3255. For information on the TSA and KSMS, contact the KSMS Help Desk at 1-800-865-1619, email acss@knownshipper.tsa.dhs.gov, or visit the TSA website at www.tsa.gov.
