TSA Compliance Specialist

The TSA Compliance Specialist is responsible for administering, interpreting, and enforcing Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Air Cargo Security Programs and related initiatives across the company’s enterprise operational network, including LTL, freight forwarding, brokerage, contract logistics, and shared‑use facilities. They apply regulatory requirements across multiple business units, operating authorities, and locations. They serve as the enterprise subject matter expert for TSA compliance, advising operations leaders on regulatory interpretation, risk mitigation, and corrective actions. They play a critical role in safeguarding the organization against regulatory, operational, and reputational risk through proactive oversight and audit readiness. They partner closely with Operations, Security, Legal, and Quality teams to ensure consistent, compliant execution of TSA security programs across the enterprise.

Responsibilities

• Independently interpret and apply TSA Air Cargo Security Program requirements across all company locations, business units, operating entities, and shared or co‑located facilities.
• Serve as the enterprise owner and centralized authority for TSA compliance strategy, execution, and oversight.
• Evaluate operational practices for compliance with TSA‑approved security programs, including the Indirect Air Carrier Standard Security Program (IACSSP), and recommend corrective or preventive actions.
• Exercise independent judgment in administering Security Threat Assessment (STA) programs, including eligibility determinations, escalation decisions, and remediation of compliance gaps.
• Assess compliance risks, conduct gap analyses, and determine appropriate corrective action plans to mitigate regulatory exposure.
• Lead and support internal audits, TSA inspections, and regulatory reviews, providing expert interpretation of findings and required responses.
• Validate facility‑level compliance with TSA standards, including physical security controls, cargo handling procedures, and chain‑of‑custody requirements.
• Oversee compliance of TSA‑approved vendors, agents, and third‑party providers, including approval decisions, ongoing validation, and risk‑based monitoring.
• Provide authoritative guidance to operations and leadership regarding compliant cargo handling, documentation, exceptions, and security incidents.
• Develop and oversee enterprise‑wide TSA training strategies, ensuring regulatory requirements are met while aligning with operational needs.
• Analyze compliance data, trends, and reports to inform leadership decisions related to audit readiness, training effectiveness, and risk exposure.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Legal, Security, Quality, and Operations to resolve complex compliance issues and implement sustainable solutions.
• Maintain enterprise‑level TSA documentation standards and retention practices to ensure continuous audit readiness.
• Participate in cross‑functional compliance, security, and regulatory initiatives, including TSA and CTPAT alignment where applicable.
• All other duties as assigned to meet evolving business needs.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED Equivalent required; Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university preferred. 
• Experience: 2+ years’ progressive experience in TSA compliance, air cargo operations, freight forwarding, LTL, or logistics within regulated environments.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of TSA Air Cargo Security Programs (e.g., IACSSP); formal TSA compliance training or certification preferred.
• Proven ability to interpret regulatory requirements and exercise independent judgment in applying them across complex, multi‑site operations.
• Experience supporting audits, inspections, and interactions with government agencies or regulatory bodies.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and documentation management skills with an audit‑focused mindset.
• Effective communicator capable of advising and influencing operational and leadership stakeholders on compliance matters.
• Language: Bilingual (English and Spanish) highly preferred. 
• Demonstrated discretion and confidentiality in handling and protecting sensitive information.
• Technical: Proficient with common office technologies, including Windows PCs, Microsoft O365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and web conferencing (Teams, Zoom, Webex, etc.).
• Environment: Comfort commuting to/from and working in a 100% on‑site setting (listed in this posting), with travel for related meetings/events.

#LI-Onsite #LI-KB1

Since 1990, Forward Air has been a leading provider of ground transportation and related logistics services to the North American air freight and expedited LTL market. We offer surface shipping on an accelerated “time-definite” basis, delivering cargo at a specific time, but under less time-sensitive situations – supplying you with a cost effective, reliable alternative to air transportation. We work with companies of all sizes to develop tangible advantages and build the best products to meet your specific needs. Forward Air presents to the wholesale transportation community (logistics companies, freight forwarders, integrated air cargo carriers, passenger/ cargo airlines, and non-traditional shippers), a single-source provider that can deliver more supply chain services and a superior menu of choices. Throughout the years we have added supplementary lines to our linehaul service, such as full truckload operations (Truckload Services), final-mile coverage (Complete® Cartage), and an Airline Logistics program, and we will continue to expand our services to meet the changing needs and growth of our customer base.

Forward Air is structured to optimize both savings and service to our customers. Direct partnerships with owner-operators and other surface transportation providers, enable us to remain cost-competitive. The Forward Air network is designed with over 90 facilities located at or near major U.S. and Canadian airports, 12 regional sort centers and over 300 beyond points (secondary airports provided through our Complete Cartage service), creating one of the most comprehensive linehaul networks in the industry.

Ranked 3rd in Newsweeks 2022 "Americas Most Trustworthy Companies" publication