Global Access Network is the answer to security woes. (Gateways to the World).

Heightened security is the theme of the new millennium. Industry officials believe new regulations in Fall 2002 will mean tougher demands for screening of shipments, background checks for workers with access to freight, and new guidelines for "known shipper" programs that are the basis of many air cargo security plans.

But in the wing of an airline industry still feeling the aftershocks of a recession and the events of September 11, the impending rules are raising new concerns over the impact security demands will have on business.

HIGH-TECH HEIST

In a global technology downturn, there is one area where shippers of high-tech goods are seeing no decrease in demand. Just a few months ago, a man armed with nothing more than a van and fake shipping documents drove away from Scotland's Prestwick International Airport with $700,000 in high-tech gadgets. It was the latest sign that even if the value of technology goods has diminished on the retail market, they remain highly prized on the black market, where the small size and relatively strong worth around the world make them prime targets for theft.

SOLUTION: ALL-CARGO AIRPORTS

Heightened airport security is causing delays leaving cargo carriers and forwarders, as well as manufacturers and distributors, to look for more efficient ways to deliver goods to market. One solution is partnering with all-cargo facilities. These facilities focus on the business of shipping and logistics, and the security measures required. The Global Access Network has invested in state-of-the-art security systems to ensure every piece of cargo is safe from theft and terrorist attempts.

Meanwhile, since September 11 most airports have added surcharges to cover the added cost of securing facilities, meeting more stringent requirements for certifying known shippers and screening cargo. The Global Access Network has not added these surcharges.

Even with heightened security, shipments at SCLA and Rickenbacker clear the on-site U.S. Customs inspection in record time. Both airports are focused on cargo movement not people -- which have priority at passenger airports. SCLA and Rickenbacker are strategically planned cargo complexes serving several key business segments, including international airfreight, freight forwarding, e-commerce fulfillment and distribution.

"At Southern California Logistics Airport, a full 747-400 can land, unload, clear U.S. Customs, and be back in the air under four hours. At passenger-focused airports, it could take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours," said Robert Reiter, vice president of transpacific, ASB-Air. "By the time something clears U.S. Customs at other airports, it could be on a door step or retailers shelf if the carrier landed at SCLA or Rickenbacker."