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August 29, 2011
In a Federal Register notice published August 18, 2011 the Transportation Security Administration issued a final rule amending two provisions of the Air Cargo Screening Interim Final Rule (IFR), proposing a fee range for processing Security Threat Assessments, and responding to public comments. The IFR was issued in 2009 in an effort to establish a system to screen 100 percent of cargo transported on passenger aircraft by August 2010. The rule established the Certified Cargo Screening Program in which TSA certifies shippers, indirect air carriers, and other entities as Certified Cargo Screening Facilities (CCSFs) to screen cargo before transport on passenger aircraft. The notice states that, "Under the IFR, each CCSF applicant had to successfully undergo an assessment of their facility by a TSA approved validation firm or by TSA. In response to public comment, this Final Rule removes all validation firm and validation provisions, so that TSA will continue to conduct assessments of the applicant’s facility to determine if certification is appropriate. "The IFR also required that if an aircraft operator or foreign air carrier screens cargo off an airport, it must do so as a CCSF. The Final Rule deletes this requirement, as aircraft operators are already screening cargo on airport under a TSA-approved security program, and do not need a separate certification to screen cargo off airport." The notice also proposed a fee range of $31 to $51 for Security Threat Assessments (STAs) which are required on aircraft operator, foreign air carrier, and indirect aircraft carrier personnel who have unescorted access to screened cargo. This final rule is effective, and comments must be received by, September 19, 2011.
Double-digit growth in Asia Pacific logistics to continue - report THE dynamism and complexity of the Asia Pacific transport and logistics market offer investors and operators the industry's best prospects for growth and returns. This is one of the key conclusions of Asia Pacific Transport and Logistics 2011, the latest report from the UK's Transport Intelligence. While logistics companies in Europe and North America are coming to terms with long-term weak economies, Asia offers more opportunity. As labor costs rise in China, production is spilling over into neighboring, lower cost markets. Both trends offer numerous opportunities to freight forwarders and contract logistics providers. Second, the integration of the leading Asian economies is proceeding fast, with free trade agreements reducing barriers to international commerce. Logistics companies can increasingly view parts of the region as a single market. And finally, governments throughout the region are investing in many transport infrastructure projects as intra-regional trade increases, facilitating the provision of logistics services. Emerging countries such as Laos, Cambodia and Sri Lanka have seen major boosts in their economies as the number of manufacturing operations increase and disposable income rises. As a result, these countries are rapidly ramping up projects to build airports, roads and rail networks to compete in the global economy. Commenting on these key trends, the report's principal author Cathy Robertson said: "Although the region will remain an export leader for years to come, the growing intra-regional trade is creating an intricate supply chain particularly as China advances to more skilled manufacturing and lower value production migrates to other Asian countries. "Growth in contract logistics, express and freight forwarding services is expected to maintain double-digit increases through 2014 with China and India leading the way."
In a Federal Register notice published August 25, 2011 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a final rule amending the regulations covering registered importers of motor vehicles not originally manufactured to comply with all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS). According to NHTSA, registered importers are business entities that have demonstrated "they are technically and financially capable of importing nonconforming motor vehicles and of performing the necessary modifications on those vehicles so that they conform to all applicable FMVSS." Amendments to current regulations include: The final rule is effective September 26, 2011. Petitions for reconsideration must be submitted to NHTSA by October 11, 2011.
Tons News, for current and past issues of Tons News by E-mail request from tonsnews@tonslogistics.com or call (310) 338-0337. ________________________________________ Tons News is compiled from a number of public sources that, to the best of Tons knowledge, are true and correct. It is our intent to present only accurate information. However, in the event any information contained herein is erroneous, Tons accepts no liability or responsibility.
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