US Cargo Companies Lag Behind in Security Efforts

[Nottingham]

http://www.voanews.com/article.cfm?objectID=6673CCE9-A65C-4E13-B82FC91DE6DF058A&title=US%20Cargo%20Companies%20Lag%20Behind%20in%20Security%20Efforts

US Cargo Companies Lag Behind in Security Efforts
Andrew J. Baroch
Washington
10 Sep 2003, 05:33 UTC

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The U.S. government and the aviation industry have taken major steps to improve security at airports and on airliners since the September 11 terrorist attacks. Armed federal marshals, reinforced cockpit doors, and rigorous pre-flight screening of passengers and baggage are now routine for passenger flights. But a key segment of the industry lacks the same tight security.

Air-freight companies like Federal Express and United Parcel Service account for nearly 800,000 of the more than 16 million flights a year in the United States. Wide-bodied 727's and 757's carrying cargo if commandeered by terrorists - could have the same devastating impact as the hijacked passenger jets of September 11 on a major population center and the U.S. economy.

But cargo flights lack the security measures mandated two years ago for the passenger side. There are no federal air marshals; pilots can't carry weapons, and critics say screening procedures at freight-loading sites at airports are inadequate. Many cargo pilots are concerned about stowaways, disgruntled employees, or packages that may contain explosive devices.

Jim Shilling, who represents the 22,000-member Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations says guns are needed because as he sees it security at freight-loading sites is unreliable.

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Well this becomes more obvious after A Man ships himself in a Box!
:bounce: