A TSA-certified delivery driver is one who has undergone a rigorous background check and security threat assessment from the Transportation Safety Administration. TSA-certified drivers can tender packages directly to commercial airlines, providing more efficient delivery and transportation solutions. At Xcel Delivery, we contract with independent TSA-certified drivers to provide next flight out, on-demand, and expedited delivery services. We ensure constant communication throughout the process so that you can stay up to date on the progress of your package as it makes its way to its final destination. Here is a look at how drivers become TSA-certified.
When is TSA Certification Required?
TSA certification is required for any driver who is going to transfer cargo from a truck to an airplane. If your company wants to streamline its logistics operations or get cargo onto the next flight out, you will want to contract with a TSA-certified driver.
Two Requirements for Becoming a TSA-Certified Driver
There are two primary requirements for becoming a TSA-certified driver:
- TSA security threat assessment – First, drivers must pass a TSA security threat assessment. This is required for anyone who is given unescorted access to cargo that will be transported on a cargo aircraft or if they provide services that relate to the transportation of cargo for transport on a passenger aircraft.
- Indirect air carrier training – This training is required by the TSA and FAA and must be approved by them. This training is renewed annually and is a full-scope training that includes screened cargo handling and ground transfer protocols.
Application and Certification Process
If a driver is interested in taking the indirect air carrier training and applying to become a TSA-certified driver, they must do so through TSA. Each application can take up to 120 days to review and approve. The security threat assessment portion includes an intelligence-related check, or a search of domestic and international government databases to determine if the applicant meets necessary requirements and to confirm their identity. The search also checks for outstanding wants and warrants, and immigration holds. When the process is complete, TSA will submit their final disposition that either confirms the applicant is not a security threat, or that the applicant does not meet the security threat assessment standards.
When and Why You Should Use TSA-Certified Drivers
Most companies that transport products and cargo from one place to another use a complex process that includes multiple methods of transportation. Your company may use trucks and aircraft to get your cargo to its final destination. When your cargo arrives at the airport, its delivery driver will need to have a TSA certification that grants them permission to enter a TSA-controlled facility. This ensures the safety of the facility and the cargo and streamlines the transportation process and enhances the efficiency of your company’s delivery services.
At Xcel Delivery Services, we contract with reliable, experienced TSA-certified drivers in Arizona. We use these drivers for our next flight out, on-demand, and expedited delivery services. We ensure our clients receive 24/7 communication and ongoing updates throughout the process to minimize stress and maximize efficiency. Our delivery services are designed to streamline your logistics and supply chain management functions and help you get your cargo where it needs to go as quickly as possible. It’s our high level of commitment to exceptional service that has helped us become one of Logistics & Transportation Review’s Top 10 Courier Services Providers in 2024. To learn more, contact us online.
