TSA Known Shipper Policy

Starting July 1, 2009, all human remains shipments originating in the US or its territories must be tendered by a "known shipper." All airlines accepting human remains for transport must comply with this federal policy which requires all funeral homes to register as a "known shipper" with each airline they use to ship bodies.

Each airline has its own procedures for both the application and possible inspection process, and they may charge an administrative fee. Even if your firm is already a "known shipper," you may still be required to submit an application with each airline you use. You'll want to verify your status with all possible air carriers you might use.

Many funeral homes are already listed in the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Database, which should make the application process with each airline fairly simple. If your firm is not currently included in the TSA Database, some airlines may need to conduct an inspection to ensure the legitimacy of your business.

In order for you to become a known shipper, you must contact each air cargo carrier directly to apply:

Alaska Airlines
1-800-225-2757
http://www.alaskaair.com/cargo

American Airlines
1-800-228-7878
http://www.aacargo.com/shipping/securitymeasures.jhtml

Continental Airlines
1-877-878-7826
http://www.cocargo.com/

Delta Airlines
1-800-352-2737
http://www.delta.com/business_programs_services/delta_cargo/
cargo_forms_applications/index.jsp

Frontier Airlines
1-800-394-2158
http://www.frontierairlines.com/frontier/pdf/CA_KnownShipper_cargo.pdf

Northwest Airlines
1-800-441-1122
http://www.nwa.com/services/shipping/cargo/about/shipper.shtml

United Airlines
1-800-468-1800

US Airways
1-888-300-0099
http://www.usairways.com/awa/content/traveltools/cargo/default.aspx