Security delayed: air cargo operators are frustrated waiting for word on the U.S. government's promised security overhaul.(North America)

Whatever happened to the United States Transportation Security Administration's bold promise to revamp air cargo security this year? Remember the agency's Air Cargo Security Plan issued late last year? The stern warnings from politicians that air cargo is the "weak link" in the United States" aviation security apparatus? And the much publicized 40 recommendations from a private/public working group on new security rules?

As autumn 2004 arrives, the TSA--so outspoken on the issue of air freight security in 2003--has little to say on the subject and won't offer a guess on when the restructured air cargo security regime will be rolled out.

The "Notice of Proposed Rulemaking" on air cargo security, supposed to be issued by the TSA months ago, is apparently still being mulled over by government officials. "It's in review by higher levels of the …