TSA based its decision to delay the background screening deadlines on the large number of employees that fall under the screening requirements.

The background check requirement was originally slated to go into effect between October 23 and December 1, requiring background checks and security training for an estimated 50,000 cargo handlers employed by the airlines or airline contractors. Under the new timetables, several deadlines have been pushed back as far as mid-2007.

Air cargo has long been considered the weak link in aviation security because it is subjected to far less scrutiny than passengers or their luggage. A recent report card issued by the Council on Foreign Relations gave air cargo security a D-plus.

Security experts criticize the TSA for their lack of urgency in implementing employee background checks and security training, citing the recent report that undercover agents were able to smuggle prohibited items past screeners at Newark International Airport in 20 out of 22 attempts.

TSA officials counter the criticism by saying they are working diligently to implement other programs aimed at beefing up air cargo security, including a known-shipper program to distinguish higher-risk cargo and canine units to sniff for explosives.

(Source: http://www.newsday.com)