Legal Requirement
Federal mandate: Only TSA-certified Known Shipper funeral directors can ship human remains on passenger aircraft in the United States.
Known Shipper Requirements and Rules
Known Shipper Program for Funeral Services
Section titled “Known Shipper Program for Funeral Services”The TSA Known Shipper program is mandatory for all funeral directors shipping human remains on passenger aircraft. This comprehensive guide covers certification requirements, compliance rules, and operational procedures for Known Shipper status.
Understanding Known Shipper Status
Section titled “Understanding Known Shipper Status”Security Clearance
Background verification: Extensive background checks, facility inspections, and ongoing compliance monitoring required.
Operational Benefits
Streamlined processing: Direct airline coordination, expedited cargo acceptance, and priority handling capabilities.
Compliance Responsibility
Ongoing obligations: Annual renewals, security training, facility maintenance, and documentation requirements.
Certification Requirements
Section titled “Certification Requirements”Initial Application Process
Section titled “Initial Application Process”Step 1: Eligibility Verification
- Valid funeral director license in good standing
- Established funeral home with permanent facility
- Minimum 2 years operational history
- Clean criminal background check
- Financial stability verification
Step 2: Security Background Check
- FBI criminal history check
- Terrorist Screening Database review
- Immigration status verification (if applicable)
- Financial background investigation
- References from industry professionals
Step 3: Facility Security Assessment
- Physical security evaluation
- Access control systems review
- Storage facility inspection
- Employee background verification
- Security protocol documentation
Step 4: Training and Certification
- TSA security awareness training (8 hours)
- IATA Dangerous Goods certification (40 hours)
- Airline-specific training programs
- Emergency procedures certification
- Cultural sensitivity training
Documentation Requirements
Section titled “Documentation Requirements”Business Documentation:
- Current funeral director license
- Business license and tax identification
- General liability insurance ($2M minimum)
- Surety bond ($50,000 minimum)
- State/local permits and certifications
Security Documentation:
- Facility security plan
- Access control procedures
- Employee background check records
- Training completion certificates
- Emergency response procedures
Financial Documentation:
- Financial statements (3 years)
- Banking references
- Credit report
- Insurance coverage verification
- Surety bond documentation
Operational Compliance Rules
Section titled “Operational Compliance Rules”Facility Requirements
Section titled “Facility Requirements”Physical Security:
Controlled access facility with keycard/biometric systems, 24/7 surveillance system with 30-day recording retention, Perimeter security with adequate lighting and barriers, Secure storage areas for human remains, Separation of public and operational areas.
Access Control:
Employee access limited to trained, background-checked staff, Visitor escort requirements and logging procedures, Restricted access to human remains storage areas, Key/access card accountability and tracking, Emergency access procedures documented.
Storage Requirements:
Temperature-controlled storage (35-40°F), Backup refrigeration systems, Environmental monitoring and alerts, Proper ventilation and air filtration, Segregation of different remains.
Employee Requirements:
TSA security threat assessment for all staff, Annual background check renewals, Security awareness training completion, IATA Dangerous Goods certification, Cultural sensitivity training.
Training Requirements:
Initial 40-hour certification program, Annual 8-hour recertification, Emergency procedures training, Airline-specific operational training, Customer service and cultural awareness.
Accountability Measures:
Daily security checklist completion, Incident reporting procedures, Regular performance evaluations, Disciplinary action protocols, Termination notification procedures.
Record Keeping:
Chain of custody documentation, Security incident reports, Training completion records, Employee access logs, Facility inspection reports.
Retention Requirements:
Security records: 3 years minimum, Training records: 5 years minimum, Incident reports: 7 years minimum, Employee records: Until termination + 3 years, Financial records: 7 years minimum.
Reporting Obligations:
Quarterly compliance reports to TSA, Annual facility inspection reports, Incident notifications within 24 hours, Employee termination notifications, Security breach immediate reporting.
Shipping Compliance Procedures
Section titled “Shipping Compliance Procedures”Pre-Shipment Requirements
Section titled “Pre-Shipment Requirements”Documentation Verification:
- Death certificate review and authentication
- Family authorization confirmation
- Destination country requirements verification
- Airline-specific documentation completion
- Chain of custody establishment
Container Inspection:
- Casket specification verification
- Sealing integrity inspection
- Identification tag attachment
- Weight and dimension confirmation
- IATA compliance verification
Security Procedures:
- Final security screening
- Documentation package completion
- Airline notification and coordination
- Tracking system activation
- Emergency contact information verification
Airline Coordination
Section titled “Airline Coordination”Booking Procedures:
- 48-72 hour advance reservation
- Known Shipper identification verification
- Special handling requirements coordination
- Routing and connection confirmation
- Emergency contact information provision
Delivery Protocols:
- Authorized personnel delivery only
- Chain of custody transfer documentation
- Final inspection and acceptance
- Loading supervision if required
- Departure confirmation receipt
Annual Renewal Process
Section titled “Annual Renewal Process”Renewal Requirements
Section titled “Renewal Requirements”- Updated background checks for all personnel
- Facility security reassessment
- Financial stability verification
- Training completion confirmation
- Compliance record review
Renewal Timeline
Section titled “Renewal Timeline”- 60 days before expiration: Renewal application submission
- 45 days before: Documentation review begins
- 30 days before: Facility inspection scheduled
- 15 days before: Final approval or denial
- Expiration date: Current certification expires
Renewal Costs
Section titled “Renewal Costs”- Application fee: $2,500
- Background check fees: $150 per employee
- Facility inspection: $1,200
- Training updates: $500 per person
- Total typical cost: $5,000-15,000 annually
Compliance Violations and Penalties
Section titled “Compliance Violations and Penalties”Common Violations
Section titled “Common Violations”Security Breaches:
- Unauthorized facility access
- Inadequate surveillance systems
- Missing or expired employee clearances
- Improper storage procedures
- Documentation failures
Operational Violations:
- Shipping without proper documentation
- Using non-certified personnel
- Failing to notify of incidents
- Inadequate training compliance
- Financial irregularities
Penalty Structure
Section titled “Penalty Structure”| Violation Level | First Offense | Second Offense | Third Offense |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minor Compliance | Warning letter | $5,000 fine | 30-day suspension |
| Major Security | $15,000 fine | 90-day suspension | Program termination |
| Critical Breach | Immediate suspension | Program termination | Criminal referral |
Appeal Process
Section titled “Appeal Process”- 30 days: Submit written appeal with evidence
- 60 days: TSA review and investigation
- 90 days: Administrative hearing if requested
- Final decision: No further administrative appeal
Regional TSA Offices
Section titled “Regional TSA Offices”Known Shipper Program Contacts
Section titled “Known Shipper Program Contacts”Northeast Region (TSA HQ):
- Address: 601 South 12th Street, Arlington, VA 22202
- Phone: (571) 227-2801
- Email: KnownShipper.Northeast@tsa.dhs.gov
- Coverage: ME, NH, VT, MA, RI, CT, NY, NJ, PA
Southeast Region:
- Address: 100 Alabama Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
- Phone: (404) 879-7290
- Email: KnownShipper.Southeast@tsa.dhs.gov
- Coverage: DE, MD, DC, VA, WV, KY, TN, NC, SC, GA, FL, AL, MS
Great Lakes-North Central Region:
- Address: 2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018
- Phone: (847) 294-7326
- Email: KnownShipper.GreatLakes@tsa.dhs.gov
- Coverage: OH, MI, IN, IL, WI, MN, IA, MO, ND, SD, NE, KS
Southwest Region:
- Address: 8101 Esters Boulevard, Irving, TX 75063
- Phone: (972) 456-7890
- Email: KnownShipper.Southwest@tsa.dhs.gov
- Coverage: OK, TX, AR, LA, NM
Western-Pacific Region:
- Address: 1440 West Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach, CA 90806
- Phone: (562) 285-7365
- Email: KnownShipper.Western@tsa.dhs.gov
- Coverage: MT, WY, CO, UT, ID, WA, OR, CA, NV, AZ, AK, HI
Emergency Procedures
Section titled “Emergency Procedures”Security Incident Response
Section titled “Security Incident Response”- Immediate containment of security breach
- TSA notification within 1 hour
- Law enforcement contact if criminal activity suspected
- Documentation of all actions taken
- Corrective measures implementation
System Failures
Section titled “System Failures”- Backup procedures activation
- Manual documentation systems
- Alternative facility coordination
- Customer notification protocols
- Recovery timeline establishment
TSA Known Shipper requirements are subject to change based on security assessments and regulatory updates. Our compliance specialists maintain current knowledge of all program requirements and changes to ensure continuous authorization.