Initiative launched to ease border gridlock

April 19, 2002
Business and government officials have launched the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT), an initiative to guard against terrorist activities without unnecessarily impeding international trade. As a result of C-TPAT, businesses will take significant steps toward policing themselves at international borders in exchange for a quicker trip through Customs. "This program is important because
Business and government officials have launched the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT), an initiative to guard against terrorist activities without unnecessarily impeding international trade.

As a result of C-TPAT, businesses will take significant steps toward policing themselves at international borders in exchange for a quicker trip through Customs.

"This program is important because it strengthens the security of our borders while speeding up the flow of legitimate goods," said Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge. "If America has the opportunity to make a strategic investment that not only enhances security but makes us a better, safer, stronger, or healthier country, then we need to do that."

After the September 11 terrorist attacks, international trade suffered a serious slowdown as U.S. Customs tightened security at the nation's borders. Michigan Gov. John Engler, noting that more trade crosses Detroit's Ambassador Bridge in a year than occurs between the United States and Japan through all contacts, said C-TPAT aims to "put in safeguards without causing undue traffic delays."

For C-TPAT participants, the program will establish dedicated commercial lanes wherever possible at highway crossing points, an assigned account manager to facilitate the traffic, reduced inspections and other benefits.

"The message should be clear – if a business takes steps to secure its cargo against terrorism, we will give it the fast lane through the border," said customs commissioner Robert C. Bonner.

Businesses must apply to participate, and sign an agreement committing them to:

  • Conduct a comprehensive self-assessment of supply-chain security using guidelines developed by Customs in concert with the trade industry.
  • Submit a supply-chain security questionnaire to U.S. Customs
  • Develop and implement a security enhancement program
  • Share C-TPAT guidelines with other companies in the supply chain and encourage their participation.
"Everyone seems to want to be a part of C-TPAT," said Barry Wilkins, worldwide director of transportation and supply chain security for Pinkerton Consulting & Investigations Inc. "It not only gives companies a chance to fight terrorism, but also no company wants it to be their container in the news as doing something damaging to a port or city."

BP America, DaimlerChrysler, Ford Motor Co., General Motors Corp., Motorola, Sara Lee and Target are C-TPAT's first participants. Sixty other companies have signed agreements and the applications of 100 more are pending.

Sponsored Recommendations

Heavy-Duty Maintenance Checklist

A maintenance checklist can help ensure you hit everything necessary during an inspection. Check out our free downloadable checklist to help streamline your repairs.

Five Ways a Little Data Can Save Your Company Millions

While most trucking and logistics companies rely on cellular to keep their work fleet connected, satellite has the ability to connect anywhere and through small data transmission...

Fleet Case Study: 15% YOY Growth for ITDS

Learn how this small trucking company scaled significantly and maintained outstanding customer service without adding additional people. Sylectus TMS can automate operations and...

Unlocking Fleet Safety & Efficiency: The Managed Service Advantage

Want to boost your fleet's safety and efficiency? Tune in now to discover the power of Managed Services in optimizing your safety program, streamlining operations, and making ...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!