STAMFORD, Conn. -- Pitney Bowes Inc. announced today that it has been certified by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to participate in a new cargo screening program at its international mail services facilities.  The company’s Certified Cargo Screening Facilities will utilize advanced scanning technology and certified mail security personnel to help international mailers expedite their mail and packages safely and on time to their destination.  This initiative will also help e-retailers shipping cross-border goods reach customers more efficiently around the world.
 
According to the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007, one hundred percent of cargo must be screened before being transported on passenger aircraft by August 2010.  This requires all cargo to be screened at the piece level by TSA-approved methods prior to being loaded on a passenger aircraft.  The initiative is vital for helping to ensure the security in the air cargo supply chain and is making it safer to transport mail and packages on passenger aircraft.
 
The Certified Cargo Screening Program (CCSP) was developed by the TSA to allow screening of cargo early in the air cargo supply chain by a trusted, vetted, and audited facility.  The CCSP program helps establish the integrity of a shipment through enhanced physical and security standards at Certified Cargo Screening Facilities.  It also maintains the integrity of a shipment throughout the supply chain by utilizing stringent chain of custody methods.
 
“Pitney Bowes has been working with the TSA for several years to help ensure the secure handling of international mail,” said John Ward, president, Mail Services, Pitney Bowes.  “We look forward to working with the TSA to tender freight directly to the airlines for faster, uninterrupted transportation of international mail, publications and small packages.”
 
To help educate mailers about the upcoming screening mandates, Pitney Bowes is hosting webinars, sessions at key industry trade shows and online discussion forums.
 
With expertise in 215 countries, Pitney Bowes is a leading international mail consolidator in the U.S. and U.K. that can help customers enhance the effectiveness of mailings around the globe. Customers can select from a choice of cross-border carriers for the distribution of mail, marketing material, publications and small packages based on service and price. In addition, Pitney Bowes helps customers track visibility to the movement of international packages, manages the customs process and pays service providers on behalf of customers. Pitney Bowes’s international network of resources is supported by the most advanced mailstream technology and processes anywhere.