Chicago mail processing facility gains TSA stamp of approval
Mailing company MSI Worldwide Mail has had its mail processing facility in the US state of Illinois certified under the federal cargo screening program. The company, which has been majority-owned by Belgian postal operator bpost international since January 2010, has had its Wood Dale facility approved by the US Transportation Security Administration as a Certified Cargo Screening Facility.
The certification means that the facility close to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport will be able to pre-screen international mail to meet TSA security requirements before boarding passenger aircraft.
Federal requirements were brought in last August, under the 9/11 Commission Act, requiring 100% of air cargo originating from the US to be screened at a piece level prior to transport on passenger flights.
Under the TSA’s CCSP, shipments go through a piece-level scan prior to boarding passenger aircraft, but means items do not need to go through screening at airports, reducing the backlog of items there as well as shortening transit times for MSI customers.
MSI has been working with the TSA’s Certified Cargo Screening Program since July, with its operations already certified at its headquarter location in Sterling, Virginia.
The company said yesterday that working with the TSA to equip its facilities with advanced screening technology, and training staff to comply with TSA standards, meant a more secure and expedited processing for international mail and parcels, and increased security for air passengers.
“Security and expedited delivery are both top priorities of MSI,” said Richard Gerhardt, President and Chief Operating Officer, MSI Worldwide Mail. “The certification of our Wood Dale, IL facility enhances our ability to achieve these objectives.”
MSI Worldwide Mail has revenues of around $50m a year, with 12 sales offices throughout North America. Along with its processing facility outside Chicago and the facility in Virginia, the company also has processing facilities in Toronto, Canada, and in London, England.
