Surprised cargo screening conducted at O'Hare

Federal officials have tested a mobile X-ray machine capable of screening the contents of large cargo containers to check trucks entering O'Hare International Airport.

The Transportation Security Administration says the surprise cargo inspections focused on finding suspicious items in trucks making deliveries to stores and kiosks in airport terminals.

Officials say the Tuesday drill involving federal and city agencies will become a regular security practice ahead of a 2010 deadline requiring screening of all cargo loaded aboard passenger planes.

The TSA says more than 10,000 tons of air freight are carried in the belly of U.S. passenger planes daily. Currently only passengers, checked baggage and carry-on items are screened for explosives and weapons.