Information on "TSA Known Shipper Regulation"
BREAKING NEWS
We have been receiving calls regarding the new U.S. TSA "known shipper" regulation that will take effect on August 1, 2009.
The regulation covers all carriers. Each airline has some flexibility in applying it, especially as it relates to "site visits". As such, please refer to the specific policy and procedures of each carrier by using the contact information listed below.
New TSA Shipping Regulations
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) mandated that, as of July 1, 2009, all human remains shipments originating in the U.S. or its territories must be tendered by a "known shipper." This federal government policy will apply to all airlines accepting human remains for transport. As of February 1, only Continental Airlines and American Airlines have distributed information to funeral directors and their agents, and the information that American Airlines had distributed has an incorrect implementation date of February 1st.
Becoming a "known shipper"
If a funeral home owner wishes to become a "known shipper," TSA officials tell NFDA they must contact each air cargo carrier directly to begin the application process. Below is information NFDA has collected from the major airlines to help funeral home owners establish their firms as a "known shipper," or, at the least, inquire about each airline's process.
American Airlines:
- webiste
- (800) CARGO AA (800-227-4622)
Continental Airlines:
In order for a funeral home to become a known shipper, an application must be completed and a site inspection conducted. If you are already a known shipper with another airline, you may not need a site inspection; however, Continental will still need an application. A blank application can be found at
www.cocargo.com (Click on the "Book" tab, and then "Establish an Account"). Funeral directors may also call 877-878-7826 for more information.
Delta Airlines:
- Website
- 1-800-DL-CARES (1-800-352-737)
JetBlue Airlines:
- 954-385-3409
- Toll Free 866-287-2583
Northwest Airlines:
United Airlines:
US Airways:
Funeral directors can find information about the "known shipper" policy on the TSA Website on the following pages:
They can also direct questions to a regional TSA office; regional contact information can be found in the following link:
Background
According to the TSA, the known shipper database provides a systematic approach to assess risk and determine the legitimacy of shippers. Passenger air carriers and indirect air carriers must comply with a board range of specific security requirements to qualify their clients as "known shippers".
Although this "known shipper" requirement is not a new TSA policy, Congress recently mandated TSA to strictly enforce it. TSA originally developed the "known shipper" policy in 2004 as a way to "impose significant barriers to terrorists seeking to use the air cargo transportation system for malicious purposes."
As this policy was being developed, NFDA Advocacy Division staff met with TSA representatives to discuss the potential security threat presented by the shipment of human remains by air. NFDA staff outlined the typical procedures and chain of custody involved in preparing human remains for air shipment and, at that time, TSA agreed that the "known" status of the funeral homes that ship by air and the limited access of the preparation and transportation procedures used create a minimal security risk. However, TSA's "known shipper" requirement remains in force. According to NFDA, TSA would not consent to the submission of a uniform application to cover all airlines due to security concerns.
TSA Contact Information
In the event you wish to speak directly with someone from TSA about the "known shipper" regulations, the Indirect Air Carrier Regional Compliance Coordinator may be reached as follows:
- Northeastern Region
- Christian.esteves@dhs.gov
- Information obtained from NFDA & the TSA website
