TSA Revokes Air Cargo Security Program Approval

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced earlier this week that it is revoking the security program approval of Professional Export Services (PES), an Indirect Air Carrier (IAC) based in Eagan, Minn., because PES does not meet TSA security standards. Specifically, among other violations of TSA security requirements, PES tendered at least 48 shipments from unknown shippers to passenger air carriers on numerous occasions and failed to provide cargo security training to their employees involved with the transport of air cargo. PES also failed to provide the required cargo security information to contractors hired to perform duties on behalf of the company. PES was notified earlier this week that it will no longer be permitted to tender cargo for transport on passenger aircraft.

"TSA continues to be vigilant in maintaining the integrity of the air cargo supply chain," said Robert Jamison, Deputy Assistant Secretary for TSA. "We will continue to monitor and act upon any violations that could jeopardize the security of air cargo."

Passenger air carriers operating at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, as well as throughout the nation, have been notified not to accept cargo from PES. Any passenger air carrier that accepts cargo from a non-TSA approved Indirect Air Carrier may face a civil fine of up to $25,000 per violation.

In recent months, TSA has revoked the approval of J.H World Express, Inc., a Los Angeles-based IAC, and Inter-Shipping Corporation based in Miami. In addition, TSA has denied the re-approval of Aramex International Courier, which has operations in New York and the Washington, D.C. area.