Stop the Scramble: Why TSA-Approved Ground Transport Should Be Non-Negotiable
by Ron Devitt, Founder, DeSpir
TSA 101
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is the U.S. government agency responsible for protecting the country’s transportation systems, including air travel and air cargo. In the logistics industry, TSA plays a vital role in ensuring that all cargo flying on passenger aircraft is properly screened and handled by authorized, vetted personnel. This includes certifying Indirect Air Carriers (IACs), requiring Security Threat Assessments (STAs) for drivers, and enforcing programs like the Known Shipper Program. If your cargo is flying, even domestically, TSA regulations apply, making it essential that your transport partners meet their security standards from the ground up.
If you’re responsible for air freight in pharma, healthcare, diagnostics, or high-value tech, here’s a truth that too often gets overlooked:
It’s not just the air leg that needs compliance; it’s the ground game too.
We hear it all the time from customers: urgent shipments are delayed or rejected at the airport because a carrier didn’t meet TSA requirements. The freight was compliant, but one link in the chain wasn’t.
These setbacks are frustrating, costly, and entirely avoidable.
While there’s limited public data isolating delays caused specifically by non-TSA-approved carriers, we know this: cargo flight delays can cost up to $38,000 per hour, and under federal law, 100% of cargo on passenger aircraft must be screened. If your transport partner breaks that chain of custody, even unknowingly, your shipment may not fly.
That’s why TSA-approved ground transport isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s a non-negotiable for anyone managing air cargo in regulated or high-value industries.
When “Good Enough” Isn’t Good Enough
Many logistics teams are laser-focused on packaging, routing, and booking. That’s good—but if your ground carrier isn’t TSA-approved, none of it matters.
- Your cargo won’t be accepted by the airline.
- It won’t be allowed on passenger aircraft.
- You’ll lose time, money, and customer trust.
And depending on the industry you’re in, that kind of disruption can have real-world consequences—missed treatment windows, stalled supply chains, or compromised patient outcomes.
What Does TSA-Approved Actually Mean?
It means your transport partner is authorized under TSA regulations to handle cargo moving by air, especially via passenger aircraft. They’ve:
- Completed TSA’s Security Threat Assessments (STA) for every driver
- Followed strict chain-of-custody and access protocols
- Met all documentation and handoff standards under the Known Shipper Program
It’s not just paperwork. It’s about protecting your cargo from tampering, delays, or compliance failure.
Known Shipper? Then You Need a Known Carrier.
Suppose your company participates in the TSA Known Shipper Program. In that case, your freight is eligible to move on passenger planes, but only if every party in the logistics chain is TSA-compliant.
That includes your ground transport partner.
What You Should Be Asking
If you’re vetting a transport provider, here’s what you need to confirm:
- Are all drivers cleared by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) with current Security Threat Assessments (STAs)?
The STA is a mandatory background check conducted by TSA for any driver who handles air cargo destined for passenger aircraft. It ensures they pose no security risk and are approved to move TSA-regulated freight. An expired or missing STA can result in shipment delays or cargo rejection at the airport.
- Can they provide documented proof of compliance with all TSA requirements?
- Do they understand handoff protocols to Indirect Air Carriers (IACs) and commercial air carriers?
- Do they have experience with pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, or other high-risk, high-value freight?
If they hesitate to answer any of the above, move on.
At DeSpir, We’ve Built the Network You Can Trust
We’ve invested in a fully TSA-approved fleet and driver network because we understand what’s at stake: your timeline, compliance, and reputation.
Here’s what our clients rely on us for:
- HDA GDP compliant, secure transport for pharma and healthcare
- End-to-end visibility and chain-of-custody
- Seamless coordination with IACs and air freight forwarders
- Decades of experience navigating high-value, time-critical air cargo
If you’re tired of last-minute surprises or if you’ve ever had a shipment rejected at the ramp, it’s time to make a change.
We don’t just meet the standard, we move it.
Let’s connect. If you’re moving air cargo in a regulated or high-value industry, we’re ready to be your TSA-approved ground transport partner of choice.
Ron Devitt, Founder, DeSpir Logistics
Trusted. Compliant. Proven.
