Even art can't escape the TSA pat down
Posted by Milissa Malloy on Tue, Dec 07, 2010 @ 09:11 AM
As mandated by Congress as of August 1, 2010, 100% of all cargo that will ride on a passenger aircraft must be screened before being loaded onto the aircraft.
What does this mean for crated artwork traveling by passenger airplane?
It means if your crate has not been screened by a Certified Cargo Screening Facility (CCSF) prior to arriving at the airport, it will be subjected to ETD (Explosive Trace Detection), X-Ray and/or Physical Search screening at the airport which will include opening the crate and removing all contents including cavity packed pieces. But have no fear, there are ways around this.
In response to the new laws many organizations such as museums and fine art shipping services have chosen to participate in the TSA Certified Cargo Screening Program (CCSP). This allows them to screen packed crates in their facilities before they are taken to the airport.
Not only will the pre-screened cargo "go to the head of the line" at the airport but it allows clients the comfort of knowing that their valuable art will not be in the hands of those inexperienced in handling it. To find out more about the CCSP program and those participating in it visit the TSA website by clicking HERE.
