Known Shipper
What is a Known Shipper?
A designation granted through the TSA (U.S. Transportation Security Administration) to a shipper who has been vetted by an air carrier or freight forwarder. Through the Known Shipper Management System, TSA identifies and approves the known shipper status for qualified shippers to be able to transport their cargo on passenger aircraft. Aircraft operators, foreign air carriers and IACs must comply with a range of specific security requirements to qualify their clients as known shippers.
Known shippers also benefit from special rates and better route options, due to preferred shippers' ability to move their freight using passenger planes in addition to standard cargo-only planes.
To become a known shipper, consult with your carrier or freight forwarder. The TSA doesn’t release a list of requirements - they evaluate each applicant on a case-by-case basis to maintain the security and integrity of the program.
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