TSA Grounds Calif. Air Cargo Firm

In a rare move, the federal government barred a company from shipping freight aboard passenger airlines because of repeated security violations, officials said.

The Transportation Security Administration revoked the certification of Torrance-based J.H. World Express Inc. on Wednesday. Officials said it was only the second time the agency has taken such action against a freight shipper.

TSA spokeswoman Jennifer Marty-Peppin said the ban was the result of the company violating security requirements and not because of any terrorist ties. The company delivers cargo to airlines at Los Angeles International Airport.

Marty-Peppin declined to detail the alleged violations.

"There were multiple violations over the course of months that were not adequately addressed," she said. The company can apply for recertification in 90 days.

J.H. World Express officials said the violations were related to paperwork and training and not to the physical security of any cargo. The company ships goods including computers, fabrics, machinery and medical equipment to Southeast Asia, Central Europe and South America.

"We didn't do anything wrong," said company president Jimmy Hsu. "The customers we handle have been with us for a long time - believe me, there's nothing to worry about."

Congressional investigators have repeatedly said that cargo shipped in the bellies of passenger aircraft remains an inviting target for terrorists. Federal rules require freight forwarders to prove that they know what they are shipping and where it came from.

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