Effective May 6 2019, Pacific Coastal Airlines is surcharging Cargo Security screening fees for all shipments traveling onto a secure flight. The cost is a minimum fee of $5.00 or $0.10 per lb actual weight, whichever is greater.
Air Cargo Security (ACS) Program
Effective Dec 31, 2012: Transport Canada had changed how airlines process cargo shipped on flights from airports where passengers are security screened by Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA).
What has changed?
Under the ACS program all cargo tendered to Pacific Coastal Cargo and originating at, destined for, or transiting through CATSA airports is required to be Secure Cargo, as defined the by the ACS program (see below). Air carriers may only accept cargo for transport that have met current ACS regulations.
What is a CATSA airport? And what airports does this affect?
A CATSA airport is one in which passengers are security screened before boarding. For cargo shipped with Pacific Coastal Airlines, this effects flights to or from: Campbell River, Comox, Cranbrook, Kelowna, Penticton, Prince George, Vancouver South Terminal, Victoria, and Williams Lake.
What is “Secure Cargo”?
Per the ACS program all cargo transported on passenger flights departing a CATSA designated airport must be security screened in accordance with the ACS program in order to be deemed Secure Cargo.
How do I become a "Known Consignor?"
For Business Registration With Transport Canada
You will need a Business Number (issued by Canada Revenue Agency), a Canadian business address, and a referral that can confirm an existing business relationship with respect to shipping air cargo (i.e. freight forwarder or air carrier). If you have an existing relationship with Pacific Coastal Cargo, please e-mail aircargosecurity@pacificcoastal.com for a referral from us.
Please visit Transport Canada Website to submit an online application, or contact the ACS Support Centre for more information:
Transport Canada Air Cargo Security Support Centre
Mail stop: ABAB
330 Sparks Street
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
K1A 0N5
Not a Business? Or prefer not to Register?
Any shipments that are not directly tendered by a Known Consignor will require security screening prior to acceptance for a flight. Alternatively, subject to Transport Canada regulations, a Known Consignor may arrange to have his goods transported to an air carrier via a Certified Agent or Regulated Agent.
