TORONTO, ON — The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) is looking to make changes to air cargo security regulations regarding Third Party Service Providers (TPSP).

Over the course of the summer and fall, the OTA will be holding public consultation about its plans to include TPSPs, like trucking companies, under the regulatory umbrella for cargo that is loaded onto aircraft.

Under the current Transport Canada regulations, TPSPs must sign a security undertaking with the party they work for like a freight forwarder, airline or shipper and take directions from that party. But the TPSP is not regulated by Transport Canada.

The proposed regulations would change the status of TPSPs and bring them under the oversight of Transport Canada as well.

The OTA is seeking the input of carriers affected by these changes and stresses that the upcoming discussions are import because they will address issues like personnel screening, harmonization with other security programs like C-TPAT/PIP, seal requirements, penalties and enforcement procedures.

The new regulations may be in place by as soon as January 2014.