How to Become TSA Certified as a Motor Carrier: Your Complete Guide

If your trucking or freight forwarding business wants to deliver cargo directly to aircraft, you'll need TSA certification. But here's what most people don't understand: there's no such thing as a "TSA-certified driver" or "TSA-certified motor carrier" in the traditional sense. Instead, your company needs to become an Indirect Air Carrier (IAC), and your drivers need to pass Security Threat Assessments (STA).

Let me break down what this really means, how to get there, and the critical misconceptions that can derail your efforts.

What Is an Indirect Air Carrier?

An Indirect Air Carrier is any person or company in the United States that doesn't own aircraft but wants to transport cargo using commercial airlines. If you're moving freight from your truck directly onto passenger or cargo planes, you must have IAC status.

This certification matters because federal law requires 100% of cargo transported on passenger aircraft to be screened at security levels comparable to checked baggage. IAC certification allows your company to screen cargo in-house rather than routing everything through third-party screening facilities, saving time and money while meeting tight delivery deadlines.

The Two-Part Certification Process

Part 1: Company Certification (Becoming an IAC)

Your company must apply through the TSA's Indirect Air Carrier Management System. The process takes approximately 90 to 120 days and requires:

• Completing an online application
• Submitting Security Threat Assessments for all proprietors, partners, officers, directors, and owners
• Developing a TSA-approved security program that meets requirements under 49 CFR Part 1548
• Working with a TSA Principal Security Inspector throughout the approval process
• Designating an Indirect Air Carrier Security Coordinator (IACSC) who serves as your primary TSA contact

Once approved, your IAC certification must be renewed annually. You'll submit a written statement confirming your company continues meeting all TSA requirements and has notified TSA of any changes to your initial application information.

Part 2: Driver Security Threat Assessments

Even after your company gains IAC status, individual drivers need Security Threat Assessments before they can access cargo destined for aircraft. The STA process includes:

• Intelligence-related background checks
• Searches of domestic and international government databases
• Verification of identity
• Checks for outstanding warrants and immigration holds
• Confirmation that the applicant doesn't pose a threat to national or transportation security

Drivers must also complete IAC training on proper cargo handling and sensitive security information procedures.

Critical Misconceptions About TSA Certification

Misconception #1: "My driver's TSA certification transfers between companies." Wrong. Your drivers' Security Threat Assessments are tied to YOUR company's IAC status. If a driver leaves your company to work for another IAC, they cannot use their previous STA. The new company must conduct its own Security Threat Assessment through its own IAC program.

Misconception #2: "I can use my IAC certification to haul freight for another IAC." Wrong. Your IAC certification authorizes YOUR company to tender cargo to airlines under YOUR security program. You cannot use your certification to transport freight on behalf of another Indirect Air Carrier. Each IAC must maintain control of its own cargo and security procedures.

Misconception #3: "TSA certifies individual drivers." Wrong. The TSA does not issue "TSA-certified driver" credentials. Your company is the IAC, and your drivers undergo Security Threat Assessments as employees of your certified company. Any paperwork drivers carry is issued by your company as the IAC, not by TSA directly.

Misconception #4: "TWIC cards and HAZMAT endorsements substitute for IAC certification." Wrong. While these credentials involve TSA background checks, they serve different purposes. TWIC provides access to maritime facilities. HAZMAT endorsements allow the transport of hazardous materials. Neither replaces the IAC certification process for air cargo transport.

Misconception #5: "TSA certification is needed for all airport deliveries." Wrong. You only need IAC status and driver STAs when delivering cargo that will be loaded onto aircraft. Picking up already-cleared cargo from airports doesn't require this certification.

The Bottom Line

Becoming TSA-certified as a motor carrier means your company becomes an approved Indirect Air Carrier with drivers who pass Security Threat Assessments under your security program. The certification is company-specific and non-transferable.

Start by visiting the TSA's Indirect Air Carrier Management System online. Expect three to four months from application to approval, and understand that IAC status requires annual renewal and continuous compliance with strict security protocols.

For companies serious about air freight logistics, TSA certification isn't just a credential; it's the gateway to serving clients who need cargo on the next flight out. Just make sure you understand what you're really getting and what restrictions apply.