GK9 COO urges TSA for regulatory clarity on canine screening of cargo
Beason said that current rules lack the precision to handle today's complex air freight, especially rising lithium battery shipments.
Roland Beason (first from right)
At the 2026 Air Cargo Conference, Roland Beason, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Global K9’s (GK9), called on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to resolve ambiguities surrounding canine screening regulations for dangerous goods.
Speaking to industry leaders at the Omni Champions Gate, Beason highlighted a critical gap in the TSA’s Third-Party Canine-Cargo (3PK9-C) Program. While the initiative was originally designed to detect explosives, Beason argued that the current framework lacks the precision necessary to handle the modern complexities of air freight, specifically the surge in lithium battery shipments.
Beason highlighted that varying interpretations of the current 3PK9-C guidelines create inconsistencies across the industry. To ensure maximum safety and compliance, he advocated for a more rigid, indisputable set of rules.
“The goal of these programs should be to harmonise screening operations across the board, making sure that every canine team for every screening provider is operating to the same standard,” Beason told the panel.
Global K9 (GK9) is a provider of air cargo detection services, specialising in tailored and efficient K9 screening solutions.
GK9 is committed to addressing evolving safety and security challenges by developing innovative tools and solutions. A key focus is on digitising cargo compliance and operational processes.
The industry may not have to wait long for these updates. Beason revealed that GK9 has been actively collaborating with the TSA on regulatory revisions. According to the COO, the TSA has already accepted the vast majority of edits and comments proposed by the screening provider.
Official changes to the 3PK9-C program are expected to be confirmed later this year, potentially ushering in a more unified approach to cargo security.
The AirCargo Conference 2026, held from February 15-17, is a crucial meeting point for the air cargo supply chain, co-hosted by the Airforwarders Association, the Air and Expedited Motor Carriers Association, and Airports Council International – North America.