As previously reported, the Government-mandated sequestration - a legislature which triggers across-the-board budget cuts to defense and nondefense discretionary government spending - became effective on March 1, 2013, affecting multiple agencies concerned with the trade industry.

The Transportation Security Agency (TSA) published a statement on March 4 announcing their plans to immediately eliminate overtime and any further hiring. The statement says "due to the reductions mandated by sequestration, TSA will put in place a hiring freeze, which will result in up to an additional 1,000 TSA vacancies by Memorial Day Weekend and up to 2,600 vacancies by the end of the fiscal year. "As a result, TSA expects that delays could double at the busiest airports, and could reach 30 minutes or more for off-peak flights.

Additionally, the Washington Post published an article stating that Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees will be furloughed for 11 days between April and September. This article also states that the FAA may close certain smaller air traffic control centers which may result in additional delays.

Expeditors will continue to monitor the situation and to provide updates as necessary.

Click here for the TSA Statement.

The Washington Post article and other FAA news are also available.