Rating Airline Risk

204

The number of canine explosives detection teams the Transportation Security Administration plans to deploy in 2008, in addition to 426 already fielded, according to the Government Accountability Office.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that it will begin the final phase of its Hazmat Threat Assessment Program. Commercial truck drivers applying for a license to carry hazardous materials will be fingerprinted and will have to pass a criminal records check and an immigration status check before they are issued a license. (The drivers were already subjected to a background check to determine any terrorist affiliation during phase one of the program.) Those disqualified under the program can appeal the decision. Drivers who give up their current hazardous-materials license will not be required to undergo the final phase of the program. Drivers who pass the screening are required to be recertified at least every five years. @ The TSA’s announcement and details of the program are available at SM Online.