PMA research highlights

CISR was contracted by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development and Local Government to conduct a study within the air cargo environment to determine the impact of implementing X-ray examination at varying stages within the existing air cargo industry. This study was in relation to Australian Government X-ray Technology Capability Assessment, an assessment of current technologies ability to detect IEDs within air cargo and the impact to the industry of implementing such technology.

A selection of international and domestic cargo terminal operators (CTO's) and metropolitan cargo facilities in Sydney were chosen for the study. These industry participants covered all the main sectors of the air cargo industry, including international express, domestic express, perishable forwarders, international CTOs, domestic CTOs, and retail and wholesale freight forwarders. The data used for study was gathered from industry participants through onsite trials. Data detailing cargo volumes, turn around times, processing times and staffing levels was collected, as well as many other aspects relevant to the air cargo process. A model of each facility was created and analysed through discrete event simulation. Multiple scenarios were created by varying cargo volume examination, examination policies and the use different X-ray equipment.

All processes that occur between receiving and dispatch of export consignments were analysed. Additionally, other processes in each facility that might be affected by the introduction of examination processes, such as imports, were considered.