Air cargo screening is the process of analysing the contents of a shipment before it is taken onboard a plane, to ensure it is compliant with safety and security regulations.
As you can imagine air freight is subject to the strictest screening. Every item of cargo must pass security checks before going on an aircraft. Like regular luggage when boarding a plane to go on your holidays.
Most people don’t realise that the majority of air freight travels on planes that have passengers too. Stored in the compartment below your feet.
It is generally more expensive to transport goods on cargo-only planes. So, it's preferable to pack down your goods to fit them on a plane with people. That means a maximum height of 160cm for wide-bodied aircraft, or 120cm for narrow-bodied. Of course, this isn’t always possible but is advisable to do.
Combining passengers and cargo is how airlines offer the cheapest rates to both sets of customers. In fact, eight of the top ten biggest airlines for moving cargo are passenger airlines too.
Consequently, security is extremely stringent for air cargo because the potential for human catastrophe if something goes wrong is high. Particularly around the carriage of dangerous goods.
So how does air freight screening work for your goods? Who handles it? Where is it done? What are the different screening methods your cargo might be subject to? Let’s answer all your questions on air freight screening.
What are the different types of air cargo screening?
Primary Methods
X-Ray Screening
X-ray is the most popular method of screening. It’s probably the one you’re most familiar with, as it’s used in airports for your own luggage. Also, in radiography and angiography at the hospital.
For air cargo, the x-ray machines are much bigger and more powerful than the typical ones at passenger security, but the process is the same. Goods will pass through, and an x-ray beam is fired at them to produce an image of within. This is then analysed by security experts to ensure the items are compliant.
If the x-ray intensity is not enough to show a clear image of the cargo, the machine will let the user know. Should this happen, the x-ray cannot deem the goods known and a secondary method of screening will be required.
Hand search/visual check
Fairly self-explanatory this one. It involves a trained member of staff inspecting the goods by hand to ensure they are ready for carriage.
This often happens on top of the x-ray check. Handlers are also checking the consignment matches the documents which have been submitted alongside.
Secondary Methods
Explosive Trace Detection (ETD)
These are handheld devices capable of detecting a wide range of explosives of small size. They work by using trace detection to analyse tiny, non-visible amounts of explosive vapour or particles around the cargo.
A trained member of security staff will operate them.
There is a set list of UK government approved ETD machines on the government’s website here.
Detection Dogs
In some instances, highly trained canines are used to detect explosives. They can alert handlers to miniscule traces of explosive in and around packages.
The dogs are subject to the highest training and regular retraining standards.
Does x-ray work on all goods?
X-ray is an extremely reliable method for screening goods.
But if you are transporting liquids there is added complexity. Due to the makeup of liquid, it must be kept in a suitable container which is usually metal. These metal drums are a real pain for scanning, often requiring a second attempt. In some instances, it isn’t possible to screen the cargo thoroughly and the cargo cannot travel.
Unfortunately, opening the package for a swab sample isn’t permitted for security reasons.
Therefore, if transporting liquids speak to your logistics provider and get their expert opinion on appropriate packaging for your goods.
Where and when is air cargo screening done?
You can screen air freight at any approved Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) sites. Providing they have the required equipment and qualified staff.
This is usually done at the warehouse of the airline, freight forwarder or private scanning company. In some cases, this will be in or next to the airport.
Requirements for screening may be different if you're considered a 'known consignor'. If you want to learn more about how to achieve known consignee status, click here.
Who handles air freight screening?
It is a shared responsibility between the shipper, freight forwarder (if using one) and airline, depending on the circumstances of the trade.
If shipping yourself, you will need to pay for a company to do the scanning or pay the airline their screening price. There are many options on the market for companies who can do it privately. Airlines typically charge more.
Airlines won’t board cargo which hasn’t been screened and will charge you their inflated scanning price before they let it on the plane, if you haven’t sorted it prior.
If using a freight forwarder, they deal with all this for you and include it as part of the fee. Freight forwarders usually have a better relationship with screening companies and ship in bigger quantities. So generally, can get better rates than you’d be able to achieve alone.
Make sure you know who is taking responsibility for the scanning when booking a shipment.
Who pays for air freight screening?
Firstly, if you are a known consignor, then you are required to supply cargo from your warehouse which is already secured for flight, to maintain known consigner status. Screening is not required on this cargo.
However, if known consignors aren't involved, who pays will depend on the Incoterms in use. Screening obviously happens before the goods get on the plane. So, you will need to know exactly when you have responsibility for the shipment and work out if that means paying for screening is on you.
If selling under Ex-Works Incoterms, then it is not your responsibility. The shipment is considered the buyers from the moment they pick it up from your warehouse. So, they will take all responsibility, including paying for screening.
In fact, with Free Carrier (CA) Incoterms the responsibility for payment falls to the buyer too. As they take ownership once it is in their transport and has left their site.
However, any other Incoterms it is the responsibility of the seller to pay for scanning the cargo, because the buyer is not deemed responsible until the goods are carriage ready. By that point it’s too late for them to screen them.
What is the ‘known consignor’ scheme (UK only)?
The CAA runs a voluntary programme called the known consignor scheme, which reduces the need for screening of individual shipments.
Once businesses have applied, paid the relevant fees, and complied with the regulations set out in the scheme, they can secure cargo at their own warehouse. Then transport it without the need for further security measures.
Regulations for the scheme cover several different areas. Height of fencing, training of staff, cameras, ID only access. Basically, a huge array of points to ensure the security of goods. Only when businesses meet all these criteria to the CAA’s standards, can they be considered for the known consigner scheme.
Licences are held for a maximum of 12 months before they need renewed with the CAA.
This is an extremely attractive option, particularly for businesses who ship large volumes. The cost savings will over time outweigh the outlay of enrolling on the scheme.
For more information on the known consignor scheme, visit the CAA’s website here.
Want to learn more about air freight? Check out our article covering all the documents required to get your goods in the skies.
Shipping dangerous goods? We have an explainer of IATA’s Dangerous Goods Regulations.
At WTA Group we specialise in taking all the stress out of air freight shipping, including cargo screening. Learn about our air freight service by clicking the link below.
