CCSP Cargo Screening Procedures & Technologies 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In computed tomography (CT) cargo screening, what key advantage does CT offer over conventional X-ray?
- It is faster for high-volume pallet screening
- It generates three-dimensional images allowing better threat identification (Correct answer)
- It requires no operator interpretation
- It detects trace chemicals on package surfaces
Correct answer: It generates three-dimensional images allowing better threat identification
CT scanning produces three-dimensional cross-sectional images of cargo, enabling operators to identify threats that 2D X-ray may obscure.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of a cargo chain of custody document in the CCSP?
- To certify the cargo's country of origin for customs clearance
- To track and verify that screened cargo has not been tampered with from screening to aircraft loading (Correct answer)
- To authorize a freight forwarder to consolidate multiple shipments
- To document the shipper's Known Shipper status with TSA
Correct answer: To track and verify that screened cargo has not been tampered with from screening to aircraft loading
Chain of custody documentation ensures that screened cargo integrity is maintained and verifiable from the point of screening through aircraft loading.
Question 3: A canine explosive detection team clears cargo as free of explosive threats. Which statement is TRUE about this screening result?
- The cargo may still require an additional approved method if the canine alerts on a portion (Correct answer)
- Canine teams cannot be used as a sole approved method under CCSP
- Canine clearance is valid only for unit load devices (ULDs), not loose cargo
- The handler must document the breed and certification date of the dog on each screening record
Correct answer: The cargo may still require an additional approved method if the canine alerts on a portion
If a canine team alerts on any portion of the cargo, that portion must be resolved using an additional approved screening method before clearance.
Question 4: What is a 'piece-level screening' requirement and when does it apply under CCSP rules?
- Screening each individual piece when a pallet cannot be effectively screened as a whole unit (Correct answer)
- A mandatory X-ray of each parcel regardless of consolidation method
- Physical inspection performed only on pieces weighing over 150 lbs
- A TSA pilot program not yet required for all CCSFs
Correct answer: Screening each individual piece when a pallet cannot be effectively screened as a whole unit
Piece-level screening requires individual examination of each package when consolidated cargo cannot be adequately screened at the pallet or unit level.
Question 5: Under CCSP security protocols, which action is required when a screened shipment's seal is found broken upon arrival at the aircraft?
- Accept the cargo if the break appears accidental and document it
- Treat the cargo as unscreened and conduct new screening before loading (Correct answer)
- Notify the airline but allow loading if departure is imminent
- Contact the CCSF that screened the cargo and obtain verbal re-clearance
Correct answer: Treat the cargo as unscreened and conduct new screening before loading
A broken seal compromises chain of custody, requiring the cargo to be treated as unscreened and subjected to a full new screening before it may be loaded.
Question 6: Which electromagnetic spectrum range do passive millimeter wave (MMW) scanners operate in for cargo screening?
- Infrared (700 nm – 1 mm)
- Millimeter wave (30 GHz – 300 GHz) (Correct answer)
- Microwave (300 MHz – 30 GHz)
- Terahertz (0.1 THz – 10 THz)
Correct answer: Millimeter wave (30 GHz – 300 GHz)
Passive MMW scanners detect naturally emitted radiation in the 30–300 GHz range, allowing detection of concealed objects without ionizing radiation.
Question 7: A CCSF employee discovers a prohibited item while screening cargo. After alerting a supervisor, what is the NEXT required action?
- Return the cargo to the shipper without documentation
- Isolate the cargo and notify TSA or law enforcement as required by security protocol (Correct answer)
- Screen the remaining pieces and note the finding in the daily log
- Contact the airline to determine if the flight can be delayed
Correct answer: Isolate the cargo and notify TSA or law enforcement as required by security protocol
Upon discovery of a prohibited item, the cargo must be isolated and TSA or appropriate law enforcement must be notified in accordance with security protocols.
CCSP Cargo Screening Procedures & Technologies 3
In computed tomography (CT) cargo screening, what key advantage does CT offer over conventional X-ray?