Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano Wednesday spoke with leaders from global shipping companies, including UPS, DHL, FedEx and TNT, to discuss enhanced air cargo screening and security efforts following last week’s disrupted attempt to conceal and ship explosive devices onboard aircraft bound for the United States.
During the call, Secretary Napolitano underscored her commitment to partnering with the shipping industry to strengthen cargo security through enhanced screening and preventative measures, including terrorism awareness training for personnel. Together, UPS, DHL, FedEx and TNT employ more than one million employees in hundreds of countries around the world.
Following her call with shipping industry leaders, Secretary Napolitano spoke with International Air Transport Association (IATA) Director General Giovanni Bisignani about the Department's continued collaboration with our private sector partners and international allies to secure the global supply chain through a layered security approach to identify, deter and disrupt threats. She also reiterated her commitment to ongoing coordination with the airline and shipping industries to uphold TSA security standards, including the vetting of personnel with access to cargo, employee training, and cargo screening procedures.